Marine Sports in South Korea

The purpose of this study is to understand the current status and future prospects of the marine sports industry in South Korea. Marine sports industry is considered one of the most promising industries in the country. In South Korea, marine sports are increasingly emerging as a multifaceted sector with the potential to drive high-value industrial development, promote experiential tourism, enhance public leisure activities, and generate positive economic spillover effects at the local level. Furthermore, public perceptions of marine sports and patterns of participation have become increasingly diversified. Although the industry is growing, more systematic and integrated strategies are needed to ensure its sustainable development. Therefore, understanding the current state of the marine sports industry is essential for formulating a sustainable and long-term strategic framework for its future development. To ensure the effectiveness of such research, it is important to adopt a holistic and forward-looking approach. Accordingly, future studies should incorporate diverse perspectives to capture the complexity and potential of the marine sports sector. Keywords: Marine sports, South Korea, benefits, current status, future prospects DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/68-07 Publication date: July 30th 2025