Brisk Winter Events

[Anchor Lead]

A swimming competition and a seminude marathon were held over the weekend in provincial cities where participants braved the cold and pushed their limits. Let’s check it out.

[Pkg]

In the height of winter, this beach is full of people.

[Soundbite] "Go!"

At the starting signal, contestants jump into the winter sea. It was a rainy day with strong winds. However, the mood at Haeundae Beach in the port city Busan seems as hot as summer due to the Polar Bear Swim Festival.

[Soundbite] Park Soo-yeon(Middle School Student) : "I wasn't sure at first whether to go in. But I rode on the waves and had a good time."

The event holds the title of one of the top ten unusual winter sports festivals in the world. Living up to its reputation, some 200 foreign participants from 9 countries also took part this year.

[Soundbite] From South Africa

Some 800 strong legged runners with no tops took part in a marathon. On their bodies, they have written and drawn messages of love for their families and New Year's resolutions.

[Soundbite] Song Yong-jun(Participant) : "I'm 63 this year and plan to take part for 10 more years. Cheering for myself until 2027!"

Thinly clothed swimmers and runners are braving the freezing weather and challenging their limits.

[Soundbite] "I hope that everyone will have a jackpot year in 2017!"

It was a bold day for the participants who are recharged with passion, confidence and the resolve that there is nothing that cannot be done.