Mudflat Safety Tips: Before You Go In, When the Water Comes In, and If You Are Stranded
▶ PLAY FREE NOWNo download · Phone or PC · 3–4 minutes per runThe tidal range on the West Sea coast is large and the incoming tide moves very fast, so once the tide starts to come in you can be cut off within a short time. The Korea Coast Guard warns that mudflat accidents recur every year and that most happen when people are not wearing life jackets (it reported 26 mudflat accidents and 4 deaths in January to April 2026 alone). This article lays out guidance from the Korea Coast Guard, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the National Fire Agency and the National Disaster and Safety Portal in order.
- Before going in: check tide times (high and low tide) and the weather, wear a life jacket, keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Do not go in at night or in fog (sea fog). Do not enter restricted areas.
- Get out well before the water comes in. Do not cross tidal channels.
- If stranded: climb to high ground and call 119 or the Coast Guard at 122, and signal your position using landmarks.
- While waiting: block wet clothes and wind, keep your body warm, save battery, and signal with light.
1. Before you go in
- Check the tide times. You can check high and low tide times and weather information with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries apps "Haerod" and "Badanavi" or a tide table. During spring tides (the highest tides) the water comes in higher and faster.
- Wear a life jacket. This applies even to a mudflat experience trip.
- Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch on your body. If you are stranded, it is your only means of asking for rescue.
- Do not go alone, and tell your group what time you will be back.
- Do not go in at night or when it is foggy. It is easy to lose your bearings in sea fog.
- Do not enter restricted areas.
2. While you are on the mudflat
- Get out well before the water comes in. "Just a little longer" leads to being stranded.
- Be careful of tidal channels. A tidal channel is a deep waterway that fills first and fastest when the tide comes in. Even if it looks like a shortcut, do not cross it.
- If your foot sinks into the mud, do not pull your leg out by force; lean back or lie forward to spread your weight over a wide area, then slowly work your way out.
- If you see sea fog, come out immediately. Check markers such as the site's flags and buoy lines in advance.
3. If the water has cut you off
- Call 119 or the Korea Coast Guard at 122 without delay. A report of a maritime accident made to 119 is also connected to the Coast Guard. The earlier you call, the more time rescuers have.
- Give your location clearly. Describe nearby structures, rocks, the direction of a lighthouse, and the number of people. The emergency report in the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries "Haerod" app sends your location to the Coast Guard and fire services with one button.
- Do not try to swim or walk to a distant shore. Climb onto nearby high ground (a structure or rock) and wait for rescue.
- Do not separate from your group.
4. While waiting for rescue: body temperature and battery
- Wet clothes and wind steal body heat. Wring out the water, block the wind with plastic or a rain poncho, and change into dry clothes or a blanket if you have them (National Fire Agency and National Disaster and Safety Portal).
- Sit with your torsos pressed together to share body heat.
- Heavy drowsiness, or shivering stopping, is a sign hypothermia is getting worse. Keep talking to each other to stay awake.
- Keep your phone in power-saving mode and use it only for contact with rescuers and sending your location.
- If rescuers approach at night, wave a flashlight or phone light to show your position, and do not swim toward distant lights.
5. The moment of rescue
- Follow the rescuers' instructions and board one at a time, starting with anyone injured.
- Even if you see the rescue boat, do not jump into the water.
A free game that lets you experience all this firsthand is in the Stranded on the Mudflat game guide.
FAQ
Who do I call if I am stranded on a mudflat?
Call 119 or the Korea Coast Guard at 122. A report of a maritime accident made to 119 is also connected to the Coast Guard. You can also send your location with the emergency report in the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries "Haerod" app.
Where can I check tide times?
You can check high and low tide times and weather information in a tide table or in apps such as the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries "Haerod" and "Badanavi".
Do I need a life jacket even for a mudflat experience?
Yes. The Korea Coast Guard urges people to wear one, noting that most people who die in mudflat accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
Why is a tidal channel dangerous?
A tidal channel is a waterway running through the mudflat, and it is where water fills first and fast when the tide comes in. Even if it looks shallow, you can be cut off or swept away while crossing it.
What should I do if fog rolls in?
If you see sea fog, come out immediately. The Korea Coast Guard advises not to go onto the mudflat or into the sea at night or in fog.
Is this article official guidance?
No. It compiles public materials from the Korea Coast Guard, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the National Fire Agency and the National Disaster and Safety Portal. In a real emergency, follow on-site instructions and the Coast Guard.