Scientists say that sea level around the island has risen 21 centimeters over the last 38 years. They project that the (용머리) Yongmeori Coast will be underwater by the year 2050, if sea level keeps rising at the current rate. Minhoe Kim reports.



Report

In October of last year, ports and coastal roads around Jeju Island were flooded when water levels rose.

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Supermoon causes extreme tides

The so-called supermoon's slightly stronger gravitational pull amplified tides, causing temporarily higher tides, but no major damage.

But even without the help of the Moon, sea levels are rising every day.



According to the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency, sea levels around the island have risen 21 centimeters over the last 38 years.

That means a 4.56 millimeter rise per year, the second highest in the nation following (포항) Pohang.

Over the course of 38 years, Jeju City has been seeing a 5.63 millimeter annual rise, while Seogwipo City has been enjoying a lower 3.75 millimeter rise.



INTERVIEW
Lee Eun-il / Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency
We haven’t yet figured out why the sea level has risen at different rates in Jeju City and Seogwipo, but slight regional land sinking could be responsible.
< 이은일 / 해양수산부 국립해양조사원 연구실장 >
제주시와 서귀포가 왜 차이가 나는지를 아직은 정확하게 설명할 수는 없지만 지역마다 차이가 있을 수 있는데, 지역적인 지반 침하현상에 /// 따른 원인이라고 설명할 수 있습니다.

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Yongmeori Coast expected to become submerged by 2050

The agency projects that the (용머리) Yongmeori Coast will become submerged by 2050 if sea levels keep rising at their current rate.

The agency also anticipates that rising oceans will mean low-lying areas will also fall victim, with city streets, houses, and industrial facilities becoming flooded.

INTERVIEW
Lee Dong-uk / Professor, JNU
At worst, 1.8 km of provincial roads, 43 km of local roads, 50% of detached houses, 23% of warehouses, and 3% of aquaculture facilities will be submerged by 2100.
< 이동욱 / 제주대 교수 >
(연구 결과) 2100년 최악의 상황을 고려할 때 지방도가 1.8km, 군도는 43km, 건물의 경우 단독주택이 50%, 창고 23%, /// 양어시설 3% 침수되는 것으로 나타났습니다.

[Reporter] Minhoe Kim
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

The water level rise is being caused primarily by factors related to global warming.

Average temperatures around Jeju Island have grown by 1.3 degrees Celsius over the last 15 years, with experts warning that the sea level rise will likely accelerate.

Minhoe Kim, KCTV