eFM News

[Anchor]

Major beaches across the country are scheduled to open to the public Wednesday, but with safety measures in place.

Unlike past summers, shores won't be packed as the number of beachgoers will be limited to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections.

Ron Chang has the details.

[Reporter]

The oceans ministry has called on the public to actively take advantage of the government's new beach reservation and "signal light" systems.

The reservation system will initially apply to 14 beaches in South Jeolla Province.

Reservations can be made on the Sea & Tour website from Wednesday and via Naver from 9 a.m. Friday.

For most all other beaches, a signal system service will inform visitors how packed the shore is using a red light to warn it's very packed, a yellow light for moderately packed, and a green light for clear.

The overall aim is to prevent overcrowding.

The ministry's website as well as the homepages of local governments will display the colors for 10 major beaches nationwide beginning 10 a.m. Wednesday and expand the service to 50 beaches from July 15 until the end of September.

While some rules including the wearing of face masks and keeping a distance from others will be mandatory at most beaches, visitors may have to follow other local measures such as temperature checks and wearing entry wristbands.