The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Seoul

A sudden high wave crashed into a bulwark near a western coastal beach, leaving at least seven people dead and 12 others injured Sunday, the South Korean Coast Guard said.

The large wave - believed to be as high as 16 feet - abruptly jumped the bulwark near a western coastal beach about 120 miles south of Seoul where dozens of people were fishing and enjoy sightseeing, said Lee Won-il, a local Coast Guard officer.

Lee earlier said at least eight people were killed but later revised the death toll to seven, saying the change stemmed from confusion over a name. Lee, who earlier said that 15 people were believed to be missing, later said that number could turn out to be lower.