East Sea of Korea

Korea is surrounded by the sea on the east, west and south.

The East Sea of Korea is oval with the long axis running from northeast to southwest. The surface is 970,500 square kilometers, the average depth 1,668 meters and the greatest depth 3,699 meters. The sea is linked to the Pacific. Relatively short cycle of waves is dominant in the East Sea of Korea. The coastline is monotonous with relatively small number of islands. The annual average salinity in the shallow sea is 33.1 to 33.45, which is relatively higher than the west and south seas. The transparency is 12 to 14 meters in the shallow sea and more than 20 meters in the deep sea.

The East Sea has greatest diversity of marine resources in the seas of Korea. More than 600 kinds of fishes are known so far. In hot season, anchovy, mackerel, saury, sardine, squid and other fishes come along with warm current, and Myongthae, sailfin sandfish, herring, cod, lockington, flatfish and other fishes along with cold current between autumn and winter. Besides, there are many areas in the East Sea which are favorable for the growth of sea plants including seaweed, kelp and sea lettuce and oysters, clams, mussels, sea cucumbers and sea urchins. There are abundant underground and chemical resources as well.

The East Sea of Korea is well known for many scenic spots such as Sea Kumgang of Mt. Kumgang, Sea Chilbo of Mt. Chilbo and Chongsokjong. Bathing resorts including those of Songdowon and Majon are also famous.