Surfing while under the influence of alcohol will soon be illegal in South Korea after a revision expanded an existing law to include non-motorized water-related leisure activities.
According to The Korean Times, only motorized water leisure crafts like jet skis are considered illegal to operate while under the influence of alcohol. But that’s all set to change in June 2025. The new rule expands to surfboards, kayaks, and other non-motorized water leisure crafts.
The Korean Coast Guard says that those found with a blood alcohol content of 0.03 percent or higher while surfing will be subject to a fine of up to 1 million won, or around $685. Those who refuse a sobriety test will receive the same fine.
The law revision comes under an apparent rise in accidents that involve drunk riders.
“With the revision of the law, we will continue to identify unreasonable rules with regard to public safety and strengthen penalties realistically.” – Kim Jong-wook, head of the Coast Guard.