Weekend Freeze

[Anchor Lead]

This past weekend ushered in some of the coldest temperatures so far this winter. But some people welcomed the deep freeze, taking the opportunity to visit various winter festivals.

[Pkg]

The cold spell has begun to freeze even the waters of the ocean. Visitors are busy taking pictures, amazed by the unusual spectacle which resembles ice floes in the Arctic Ocean.

[Soundbite] Jeong Chan-il(Superintendent, Gungpyeongri Fishing Village) : "This happens every year when a cold spell of 10 degrees or more below zero persists for 3 to 5 days."

A Hangang River wharf has also completely frozen over. Icicles are seen dangling behind an anchored yacht. But despite the deep freeze gripping the nation, winter festival sites were crowded with visitors.

[Soundbite] "I caught it. Oh my goodness this is big."

Breaking the ice and fishing by hand for large trout is such an exhilarating experience that it helps people to forget about the cold. A frozen reservoir has turned into a playground for families.

[Soundbite] Sin In-seob(Visitor) : "It's so fun playing with my kids outdoors. We lost track of time."

The bitter winter cold was not enough to prevent adventurous weekend travelers from enjoying the season.