The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries says it has developed a new shark-repelling device to keep both humans and sharks safe.

The ministry said on Wednesday that the new device, developed jointly with Kunsan National University, uses solar panels on top of floating buoys to create magnetic fields that only irritate sharks. 

The buoyant force and the length of cables will be automatically adjusted according to changes in the sea level.

A ministry official said the shark-repelling device will help allow people to safely enjoy marine activities, noting South Korea sees a considerable number of casualties from attacks by great white sharks each year in the coastal areas of South Chungcheong and North Jeolla provinces.