Session Information

• Sea level rising
• Coastal community
• Disaster risk reduction

Outline

Global warming and climate change are increasing the frequency of coastal floods, primarily due to sea level rise (SLR) and hydrometeorological hazards. Southern coastal regions in South Korea are becoming more susceptible to various risks, but the progress of disaster risk reduction (DRR) is still slow in reality. This study intends to explore the existing DRR strategies for coastal communities in South Korea by analyzing government actions and feedback from residents. It reviewed relevant regulations and gathered data through interviews with local officials, field visits, and informal discussions with community members in six coastal areas. Findings reveal that these communities are less resilient to coastal floods compared to other hazards like typhoons and heavy rainfall. Factors such as demographic challenges, fragmented institutional frameworks, and low risk awareness may exacerbate potential consequences. The study underscores the need for an integrated approach to mitigate the impacts of coastal flooding from both SLR and other factors. It also stresses the
importance of engaging coastal communities in local DRR efforts by enhancing risk awareness and adapting to environmental changes. Aligning regulatory measures with adaptive strategies can significantly enhance the disaster resilience of these communities.