Record rainfall floods South Korean coastal cities, disrupting businesses and stranding tourists

Record-breaking rainfall has devastated parts of Geoje and Tongyeong in South Korea's Gyeongsangnam-do province, leaving local businesses and tourists grappling with severe flooding and damage. The relentless downpour, which began on August 15th, has inundated shops and disrupted travel plans during the holiday period.

Small business owners have taken to social media to share their struggles. Videos show shopkeepers in Geoje desperately bailing water out of their flooded stores, with one stationery shop owner posting a notice of temporary closure. A restaurant owner in Geoje expressed determination to rebuild despite the overwhelming water, while another in Tongyeong shared photos of their restaurant floor submerged in muddy water, lamenting the inability to operate normally.

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I escaped Geoje in 4 hours. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get out, but thankfully I did. I sincerely hope the residents of Geoje suffer no damage from floods, inundation, or landslides.

Tourists visiting the region for the holiday weekend have also faced significant hardship. Many shared videos of torrential rain and expressed fears of landslides. Road closures, including the Singeojegye Bridge, forced travelers to take lengthy detours, such as using the Geoga Bridge to return to Seoul. One traveler recounted a harrowing four-hour escape from Geoje, expressing relief at being able to leave while wishing safety for the local residents.

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No matter how much water we bail out, it doesn't decrease. We will not give up until we can stand up clean again.

Images circulating online depict roads littered with rocks and landslides, with some areas blocked by sandbags. The scale of the disruption is evident in the extensive road closures announced by the Geoje City Hall, with over 25 roads reported impassable as of August 17th. Major tourist attractions, including the Geoje Botanical Garden and the Korean War Memorial Hall, have temporarily closed. Ferry services to Doseong Island have also been suspended, making access impossible.

Public transportation has been severely affected, with city bus operations halted due to flooding on major roads and at terminals. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the significant impact on both local livelihoods and the tourism industry.

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The store is flooded and normal business is difficult. I am sad.