2024 and into 2025 saw a number of high profile commercial fishing boat accidents, so moving forward all fishing in dangerous areas is banned. Some of the most popular spots on Korea’s East Coast to fish from shore are jetties that protect ports, but these are all constructed from tetrapods- and therefore will be out of bounds starting this year. There were previous regulations that were loosely enforced, but with CCTV and marine police stations at every major port- I wouldn’t advice testing the limits of the law.
West Sea fishing is mainly done from rocks that require a hike, and there are some sea walls made of concrete that are popular spots. But most of East Sea fishing is done from the tetrapods. I was out this year in the kayak on the East Sea, and was visited by the local marine police to conducted an alcohol breath test. They kindly asked me to give them a call once I was off the water, and I obliged. This check was definitely due to the recent accidents. I am sure there will be plenty of signs up telling you where you can’t fish.
There are a few beaches that can be amazing, but the action isn’t consistent. The draw of port fishing was access to deeper water and the structure which always held schools of bait and subsequent predatory fish. The tetrapods are absolutely dangerous and I would never take a guest fishing there, but they were places where the locals congregated. There was definitely comradery and community. We will see where it goes from here, but above all be safe out there.