In a bid to enhance safety on its waters, South Korea is set to introduce a new law banning surfing under the influence of alcohol, with fines reaching up to 1 million won (approximately $685 USD) for violators.
Starting June 21, 2025, the new regulation will make it illegal for surfers to operate their boards with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.03 or higher. This move extends the country’s existing prohibition on drunk driving, which currently applies to motorized watercraft like jet skis. The legislation now applies to non-motorized water activities, including surfing and kayaking.
The South Korean Coast Guard has advocated for the change following a rise in accidents involving intoxicated water sports participants. Experts emphasize that alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and heightens the risk of accidents on the water, particularly when balancing on a surfboard or kayaking.
While the law targets drunk surfing, it raises the question of just how often individuals engage in the activity under the influence. Drinking culture is deeply embedded in South Korean society, with alcohol, particularly soju, commonly consumed at social gatherings, including after-work events. However, the need for a formal law to specifically address drunk surfing seems to be a unique measure, signaling the growing concerns over water safety.
Once the law takes effect, it will join the ranks of unusual regulations worldwide, such as prohibitions on nude hiking in Switzerland or holding suspiciously large fish in the UK. For now, South Korea’s new measure will undoubtedly become a talking point among both surfers and the broader public, highlighting the nation’s commitment to safer recreational activities.
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