Korea Coast Guard, maritime security agency of South Korea
Korea Coast Guard is a government organization based in Yeonsu District that oversees safety and security in South Korean waters. The agency operates patrol vessels, boats, and aircraft from ports including Busan, Incheon, and Jeju to monitor different maritime areas.
The organization was established in 1953 as the Korea Maritime Police. Following the Sewol ferry disaster in 2014, the government restructured the agency and transferred some functions to other authorities to improve rescue and emergency response capabilities.
Organized tours of coast guard facilities are sometimes available to visitors interested in learning about maritime safety and operations. Patrol vessels are commonly visible in busy port areas where ships regularly arrive and depart.
The agency faced severe criticism following the 2014 ferry disaster, which sparked major organizational changes and reforms in how South Korea approaches emergency response. This incident became a turning point in the nation's maritime safety and rescue operations.
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