Summer City Fun

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Summer fun doesn't necessarily mean spending your holidays in a faraway place, which would demand a time and energy-consuming journey. There are also many ways to cool off in nearby spots right here in the city. Here is a glimpse into some easy-to-enjoy and unforgettable summer experiences.

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People splash and try to catch crawfish in a stream. After having a round of fun in the water, they gather together to share foods and savor a summer day deep in the mountains.

[Soundbite] Kim Han-na(Camper) : "We just played in water and ate on and on."

It looks like a place distant from Seoul. But, in fact this is a camp site in Seoul Grand Park. There are eight such camp sites in Seoul alone, where you can enjoy your summer vacation without the need to go a long way to an unknown place. A night market is open with lights aglow after sunset. Food trucks operated by young cooks stimulate the appetite of visitors. Stylish, eye-catching accessories never catch people's attention. Street performances add to the nighttime fun.

[Soundbite] Lee Dae-hyung(Market Visitor) : "Although it is an urban area, it feels like I am traveling. It is also good that there are delicious foods."

The next-door museum remains open until 10 p.m. serving as a cultural shelter for those exhausted from an exciting night out. Don't miss the experience that can be enjoyed only in the summer: watching a movie under a bridge near the Hangang River.

[Soundbite] Kim Dong-ki(Viewer) : "Despite the hot weather, it is cool here under the bridge with breezes blowing."

Some outdoor swimming pools remain open late into the night, allowing people to enjoy their summer to the fullest without paying a high price.

[Soundbite] "I like having fun in water."

Groups of people cut out, fold and glue pieces of paper. The next step is to color and wrap them tight in plastic covers. Now, here is a fleet of paper ships in various designs.

[Soundbite] Yoon Byung-il(Participant) : "I tried to protect it from water. But I'm not sure about the effect. I will give it a try anyway."

Participants hold operational meetings to produce the best results.

[Soundbite] "You take the right side, O.K.? I will take the left."

Some 50 paper ships, the result of four-hours of work, set sail. At the whistle, the ships sail along the 100-meter route toward the finish line. Some ships sail smoothly but some get stuck or go the wrong way.

[Soundbite] "Hey, It is not moving. Sit on the right side."

Another paper ship race was held in Gangwon Province. Soldiers serving on the front line participated in the race. Participants try to keep their boats afloat and sail through. Despite their boats sinking, they look like they are having lots of fun.

[Soundbite] Han Chung-ki(Contestant) : "It is really difficult. When I saw the soldiers, I knew that they are today's winner. We hardly beat soldiers in a race."

The participants fully enjoyed the first-hand experiences of making and racing paper ships. So, rankings and results are not important for them. They have built some unforgettable summer time memories through these hands-on oportunities.