Ulleung County (North Gyeongsang Province) installed posts and barriers at entrances to popular car-camping (chabak) spots on the northern coast after a drowning incident in 2024, but did not create alternative campsites or designated camping areas. The tourism industry complains that the ban lacks supporting infrastructure. Visitor numbers to the island fell from 461,375 in 2022 to 380,522 in 2024, and by December 25, 2025, reached 346,314 — a 9% drop year-on-year. In contrast, neighboring cities Gyeongju and Pohang operate campsites and combine safety management with tourist attraction.
