There is a certain lack of respect and misunderstanding about man’s interaction with nature here in South Korea and particularly the ocean. Since surfing has become popular recently here in South Korea, many people have jumped on the bandwagon and doing as is done here. And what’s that you may ask? ... Cashing in on the newest fad. Going overkill with complete disregard for respect of nature and others as well as the surf culture that can be found worldwide.
Unfortunately Songjeong beach has become the victim of this new money grabbing surf spree and what used to be a pristine quiet sleepy beach is now one of South Korea’s most popular and chaotic surf spots. 
There are 17 surf shops that have all staked a claim on this small beach (although after speaking with a local shop owner he said there are at least 20). Each with their stash of soft tops ready to rent. They also offer large group lessons. Those that are more often than not led by an inexperienced instructor. Some of whom have only been surfing for a week, others who cannot even swim.
each flag here representing a surf shop and/or school
The aspects of respect are simply not taught and it leads to collisions and misunderstandings in the water.
But if that wasn’t enough to make you sick let’s not forget the designated surfing and swimming zones. Both of which are clearly marked with buoys and patrolled by a team of life guards constantly blowing their whistles to keep those who cross over the line in place.
jet skis (currently unmanned) used to zip back and forth in the water blowing whistles and keeping crowds in line, however at times it looks like the teenage life guards riding them are often joy riding
If you want to surf the whole beach, it is open to surfers before 9am and after 6pm. If you’re not an early bird you’ll be left with only one option....the surf zone.
9am is when all of this starts along with the automated announcements in English and Korean laying out rules and guidelines on 'how to enjoy the beach'. The announcements for rules change in the evening mainly about not lighting fireworks. These run until midnight.
There are parasols and tubes to rent. If you own a tent however and are just looking for some shade, be ready to fork up 15,000 won are about $13 per day.
trash lines the beaches now, even at the beachside surf rental area, enough to make you cry inside
Public bathrooms are available however showers are 500won or 50¢ per minute.
At the end of the day, when almost everyone has gone. A beach filled with trash is left between. Anything from beer cans, water bottles, empty potato chip bags to shirts, shoes and even pizza and fried chicken boxes (which deliver by the way). 
here a man working for a local restaurant places laminated paper at each parasol for advertisement.
as you can guess, these often end up in the ocean as the tide comes in or littered along the shoreline*
After all is said and done, it’s clear that something is very wrong here and needs to change before another natural beauty of this world is destroyed by the folly of man.
Surfing is not just some lesson you can learn in a classroom. It's a mindset, a culture. You must respect this world that we live in. It's not just about money and greed, actually quite the opposite. It is about living harmoniously with our fellow citizens and this planet earth we call home.
all of these photos were taken by me, and I would say no one was harmed during this but that is simply not true. Collisions and injuries are a daily occurrence here at this heavily policed, poorly managed beach