By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter

Beachgoers have been warned to take extra care after two sharks were seen off the coast of Tongyoung, South Gyeongsang Province.

According to marine guards on the southern coast, two hammerhead sharks were first spotted swimming not far from Mondol Beach on Sunday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of swimmers.

After the sharks disappeared, guards allowed swimmers back in the water the next day.

One shark, measuring 3.1 meters in length, was later caught in a net. Guards assume the shark to be one of the two that appeared near the beach.

Sharks have been spotted in recent months in the Yellow Sea and East Sea.

Their appearance is attributed to rises in sea temperature due to global warming and oncoming warm currents.

A researcher of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute said that the hammerhead shark is a violent and dangerous species. "Our beaches are no longer safe from sharks. We need some measures to protect beachgoers."

Last May, a blue shark measuring 2.2 meters was caught in a fishing net near Tongyoung and two great white sharks were caught near Mukho Port weighing 1 and 1.5 tons, respectively, in February and March.

Swimmers are advised to stay in groups, as sharks are more likely to attack solitary individuals, and to refrain from excess splashing. Also, it is recommended not to allow pets into the water because of their erratic movements.

kswho@koreatimes.co.kr