Beating the Heat

[Anchor Lead]

People in Korea are doing whatever they can to beat the heat this summer whether that's in the countryside or the city. Let’s take a look at some of the different ways Koreans keep cool.

[Pkg]

A rubber boat sails in the sea. People dive into the water to escape from the scorching heat. Digging for clams and covering the body with mud in a wetland is also fun in the summer. Valleys surrounded by lush forests are also full of holiday-makers. The cool water flowing from mountains helps people forget about the sultry weather in no time. A cool breeze and refreshing scenery on the mountaintops reward sweat-drenched hikers on their ascent. They rest in the shade provided by a tall mountain. Many people prefer to spend the hottest time of the year at freshwater beaches located near the sea. Children are delighted to play in crystal-clear spring water to stay cool.

[Soundbite] Song Hyun-hye(Tourist) : "The water is really icy. It's colder than seawater."

In the past, when water was in short supply, these springs served as a source of drinking water, but nowadays they are a nature-friendly playground.

[Soundbite] Sung Ju-han(Yerae-dong Youth Association) : "To the left, there is freshwater flowing from a spring, and over here, where waves are, there is seawater. This place is popular because you can experience two kinds of water in one place."

Sombancheon Stream, which is home to many puddles, is surrounded by trees providing nice shelter from the scorching sun.

[Soundbite] Jeon Eun-ju(Visitor) : "My friends and I are having fun here. It's very cool and the water is clean."

There are more than 700 coastal water springs on Jejudo Island where you will find icy cold and clean water to keep you cool during hot spells. Some people try to beat the heat without leaving the city. On a midsummer night, snowflakes fly around and a Santa Claus wearing shorts shows up pulling a sleigh. Carols playing in the background create an exciting Christmas in the summer.

[Soundbite] Shin Kyu-ri(Visitor) : "It was hot today, but after seeing Santa Claus and the snow I feel cool now. It's awesome!"

Next we visit Hangang Park. As the sun goes down, people lie down on sunbeds. There are also dozens of tiny pools around. It's an outdoor theater for those who need respite in the hot weather. Watching movies with a cool breeze is a perfect way to forget about the heat.

[Soundbite] Ahn Ki-moon(Visitor) : "I can't sleep well at night because it's too hot. It's nice to watch movies outdoors by the pool."

Exhausted from the heat wave, people in Korea are taking on the tropical nights in many different ways.