Start of Spring

[Anchor Lead]

Sunday marked the day known as "gyeongchip" in Korea, signaling the start of spring. On this day it is said that insects and animals such as frogs emerge from their burrows in the earth following their winter hibernation. Across Korea, people also ventured outdoors amidst warm temperatures.

[Pkg]

Hikers climb along a rocky trail. Snow has not yet melted on the mountain top...but climbers are dressed lightly thanks to the mild weather. Some folks take a break under the warm sunlight. And finally they reach the top. On the vast plain, children gallop around and fly kites in the blue clear skies. At this pond, a duck family is swimming about, basking in the spring sunshine. In the fields, farmers are also busy with the start of another year of farming. A tractor continuously tills the land. Tidal flats that emerged during the low tide have become a playground for kids. Numerous footprints cover the mud flat while seagulls linger around people who throw them biscuits. Fishermen are also busy fixing their gear on the deck ahead of the spring fishing season. Koreans enjoyed the weather outdoors across the country on Sunday. It marked the seasonal division of 'gyeongchip', which signals the end of hibernation.