Summer Water Activities: Always Wear Life Jackets in Designated Areas
by Park Ja YeonPosted : June 19, 2026, 16:04Updated : June 19, 2026, 16:04
Kim Kwang-yong, head of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, inspects the management of life jackets at a free rental station at Yongso Waterfall in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, on June 19. [Photo=Ministry of the Interior and Safety]
Kim Kwang-yong, head of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, visited Yongso Waterfall in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, on June 19 to assess safety measures for water activities.
Gapyeong is a popular summer destination, close to Seoul, attracting over 480,000 visitors last year alone. According to the National Data Agency, the registered population of Gapyeong is only 62,000, but the number of visitors swells to 15.4 times that in July, 18.8 times in August, and 10.8 times in September. Notably, Yongso Waterfall sees up to 3,500 visitors daily during peak summer vacation periods.
After receiving a report on the current state of water safety management from local officials, Kim inspected the area around the waterfall, checking the status of safety personnel, lifebuoys, and safety signage.
He also thoroughly examined the operation of the 'motion-detecting voice alert system' that Gapyeong has been piloting to prevent accidents during vulnerable times, such as early morning and evening. This system automatically broadcasts warnings when it detects movement in the vicinity.
Finally, Kim visited the free life jacket rental station at the entrance of Yongso Waterfall to review the management of the rental jackets and to encourage the safety personnel working on-site to ensure visitor safety.
Kim stated, "As we enter the peak of summer, the number of visitors seeking to enjoy water activities is significantly increasing. I urge everyone to wear life jackets for safety and to enjoy water activities only in designated areas."
