Gyeonggi-do, Special Crackdown on Illegal Activities at Beaches

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will launch a special crackdown on illegal activities in ports, harbors, and public waters within the province starting this month.

The crackdown targets 32 fishing ports including Jebuhang, Daemyeonghang, Oidohang, and the inner area of Siwaho located in Hwaseong, Ansan, Siheung, Gimpo, and Pyeongtaek, as well as illegal street vending, illegal reclamation, and abandoned vessels in coastal public waters.

The province will first conduct a full survey this month on abandoned vessels that cause marine plastic pollution and hinder the efficient use and aesthetics of the coastline. The survey targets abandoned or capsized fishing boats, rafts, long-term moored vessels, and discarded waste materials on land and island areas.

Following a guidance period next month, the province will carry out a full-scale special crackdown from July to September. To this end, a joint inspection team will be formed with the Special Judicial Police Unit and city and county authorities. This year, special focus will be placed on cracking down on illegal street vending within major fishing port areas.

Currently, illegal occupation or use of public waters or illegal reclamation is punishable by up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million KRW, along with administrative measures such as restoration orders and compensation fees. Additionally, illegal occupation or use of fishing port facilities within port areas is punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.

A provincial official emphasized, "With the recovery of daily life from COVID-19, the number of residents visiting the coast is expected to increase, and we will do our best to create a clean Gyeonggi Sea by continuously addressing illegal activities along the coast."

Meanwhile, last year the province cracked down on illegal activities in fishing ports and public waters, completing the demolition of long-unexecuted buildings related to gravel extraction at Seoksan in Pungdo, Ansan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.