How Did 99 People Die in Haerujil Tidal-Flat Accidents in 5 Years and 8 Months?

Quick answer: 99 people died, 5 went missing and 612 were rescued in haerujil (tidal-flat seafood gathering) accidents on South Korea's coasts between January 2021 and August 2026 — 716 casualties in all, an average of about 17 deaths a year. The figures come from Korea Coast Guard data disclosed through National Assembly member Lee Jae-gwan, and they show the Coast Guard had only five search-and-rescue drones nationwide.

Key facts

• What: Haerujil accidents — people caught out while gathering seafood on tidal flats and coasts
• Where: South Korea's mudflats and coastal areas
• Period: January 2021 to August 2026 (5 years, 8 months)
• Toll: 716 casualties — 99 deaths, 5 missing, 612 rescued
• Source: Korea Coast Guard data analysed by lawmaker Lee Jae-gwan (Democratic Party; National Assembly Agriculture, Food, Oceans and Fisheries Committee), reported by Greened.kr on 19 October 2026

What happened

Over five years and eight months, 716 people suffered casualties in haerujil accidents on Korean tidal flats and coasts: 99 died, 5 went missing and 612 were rescued. That works out at roughly 17 deaths every year — a steady toll from an activity many people see as a harmless day out.

The data were obtained from the Korea Coast Guard by Lee Jae-gwan, a Democratic Party National Assembly member (Cheonan Eul) and a member of the Agriculture, Food, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, and reported by Greened.kr (녹색경제신문).

When and where the danger is worst

Almost half of all the casualties — 348 people, or 48.6% — happened during spring tides (대조기), when the difference between high and low tide is at its greatest and the sea returns fastest.

Even more striking, 96% of the casualties happened outside access-control zones. That finding has raised questions about whether current safety measures, which are centred on restricted zones, actually reach the places where people are getting into trouble.

The rescue gap

Despite 99 deaths in the period, the Korea Coast Guard's search-and-rescue drones — first introduced in September — number only five across the entire country, according to the disclosed data.

The lawmaker called for an urgent expansion of the Coast Guard's legal authority and rescue equipment, arguing that the maritime safety management and rescue-response system needs strengthening.

What happens next

The disclosure came through parliamentary data, so the figures are now on the public record and the call for better rescue equipment is part of the political debate. Further Korea Coast Guard data releases will show whether rescue capacity catches up.

We track new reports from South Korea on our live world map, which refreshes every 15 minutes; the original Greened.kr reporting carries the detailed figures first.

Staying safe on tidal flats

• Check tide times before you go, and plan to be off the flats well before the tide turns — spring-tide days need extra caution.
• Stay within designated areas and follow coast guard and local authority instructions.
• Do not go alone, and make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to be back.
• Know the local emergency number before you travel — our emergency numbers directory covers every country.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the haerujil accidents?

99 people died, 5 went missing and 612 were rescued out of 716 casualties between January 2021 and August 2026, according to Korea Coast Guard data.

Where did the accidents happen?

On South Korea's mudflats and coasts, where haerujil — gathering seafood at low tide — is popular; 96% of the casualties happened outside access-control zones.

Where did the figures come from?

Korea Coast Guard data analysed by National Assembly member Lee Jae-gwan and reported by Greened.kr (녹색경제신문) on 19 October 2026.

Why are spring tides so dangerous?

348 of the 716 casualties (48.6%) happened during spring tides, the days each month when tidal ranges are at their widest and the sea comes back fastest.