Ben Gravy surfing in Korea. Photo: Ben Gravy // YouTube
Korea might not be the first place that comes to mind as a surfing destination, but the country is host to its fair share of waves. However, if you want to ride them, you better be sober.
That’s because, starting June 21, 2025, surfing while under the influence of alcohol will be illegal in Korea. According to the Korea Times, the news came from the Korean Coast Guard, which announced that anyone who is found to have ridden a water leisure craft with a blood alcohol content of 0.03 or higher will be slapped with a fine of up to one-million won ($685 USD). Refusing the test won’t help you either, as anyone who does so will automatically incur the fine.
The region already has rules against operating watercraft while intoxicated, but the current version of the law only applies to motorized watercraft, such as Jet Skis. The new law applies to not only surfboards, but other non-motorized watercraft as well, such as kayaks.
According to the Coast Guard, the reason for the change was due to a rise in accidents involving drunk riders. “With the revision of the law, we will continue to identify unreasonable rules with regard to public safety and strengthen penalties realistically,” said Coast Guard head Kim Jong-wook.
