Fines for unauthorized camping and abandoned tents in undesignated zones would rise from 100,000 won to up to 500,000 won

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Yoon Jun-byeong [provided by the lawmaker's office]
Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Yoon Jun-byeong [provided by the lawmaker's office]

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Yoon Jun-byeong, who sits on the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee and represents Jeongeup and Gochang-gun in North Jeolla Province, announced Wednesday that he had introduced legislation aimed at eliminating the practice of illegally occupying beach space with tents, camper vans and other equipment during the summer season.

Under current law, cooking and camping outside designated zones at beaches are strictly prohibited, as is the unauthorized installation or abandonment of camping gear, cooking equipment and vehicles. Violators can be fined up to 100,000 won ($73) by local governments or other managing authorities.

Despite those prohibitions, the so-called "spot-squatting" practice — where beachgoers set up tents, shade canopies, camping gear or camper vans for extended periods to monopolize a particular spot — has continued to recur every summer season.

Critics have long argued that the main reason enforcement has failed is that the current maximum fine of 100,000 won is far too low relative to the benefit gained from illegally occupying prime beach space, rendering the penalty ineffective as a deterrent.

Comparable legislation — including the Parking Lot Act and the Natural Parks Act — already allows fines of up to 500,000 won for unauthorized camping or cooking outside designated areas, and calls have grown for beach regulations to be brought in line with those laws to give local authorities meaningful enforcement power.

The proposed amendment would raise the fine ceiling for illegal camping and abandoned equipment in undesignated beach zones from 100,000 won to 500,000 won, matching the level set by similar laws.

"Beaches are not the private property of any individual — they are precious public spaces that all citizens should be able to enjoy comfortably," Yoon said. "Yet the selfish behavior of some beachgoers, who leave tents and camping gear unattended for days and camp illegally, is causing frustration and even safety hazards for the majority of visitors. Through this amendment, I will do my utmost to normalize the penalty level to match the Parking Lot Act and the Natural Parks Act, secure the effectiveness of local government enforcement, and restore order at our beaches."


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