It is summer again in Korea and the hot weather has already been pushing the mercury up to the high 20s and low 30s.

The worst part is yet to come, because normally a heat wave is expected between the end of July and the middle of August.

It will bring stifling temperatures to the country, sometimes reaching up to 35-40 degrees Celsius in many regions.

As the heat and humidity of the Seoul summer set in, many Seoulites flee the city on summer vacation. But those unable to leave Seoul's overheated asphalt jungle do still have ways to cool down.

Fortunately in Seoul, there are places that provide a quick escape from the suffocating heat. They are easily accessible and they can be vacation spots for families or romantic dates for couples.

One of the best places to cool down is the series of open-air swimming pools running alongside the Hangang, the river that roughly bisects Seoul.

The Hangang riverside public pools opened on June 28 and will run till August 25.

They offer assorted activities and fun for families, young folks and glamorous bodies who don't mind a tan and a date by the waterside with a view of Hangang. So it is time to pack your swimsuit, towel, plenty of sunscreen and hit the nearest swimming hole.

Of the 12 city-run parks scattered along the banks of the Seoul area of the approximately 524-kilometer-long river, six are equipped with swimming pools that are open to the public during the summer season.

On the south bank of the river, there are Yeouido, Jamwon, Jamsil, Gwangnaru and on the north, Ttukseom and Mangwon.

The six outdoor pool facilities feature adult pools, teenage pools and children's pools. The open-air pools are incredibly popular, and offer a chance to lounge in the sun in central Seoul and cool off from the intense heat of a Korean summer.

Each pool is unique, though.

Jamwon, for example, is known to be especially popular with young people and is known to attract the most people with perfect physiques.

The Mangwon pool is known to have the best view since it is closest to the river.

Yeouido is known for its waterslide and having the widest pool surface area. It also has a park right beside the pool and people can go inline skating and cycling before or after swimming. The park offers an assortment of activities for the whole family.

In addition, the Ttukseom pool offers water sports, with the chance to jet ski or windsurf, offering a thrilling way to spend the day.

This year, the pools are even better with upgraded facilities and major redecoration having been done. Indeed, they look like city resorts.

At Jamsil, a children's fountain and a lazy river are the new attractions this year. At Mangwon, children there will have lots of fun with the newly installed water fountain too.

Opening hours have been extended as well. From July 28 through Aug. 10, the pools will stay open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., operating for two extra hours during the peak summer heat.

Furthermore, to add more fun, Gwangnaru, Ttukseom, Yeouido and Mangwon will offer various events during the day as well as in the evening. They include catching fishing, paddleboat rides, classical music and fireworks shows, among others.

The pools at Han River Park offer the best rates when it comes to admission fees, although parking is charged separately and varies from park to park.

Admission fees are 5,000 won (about $5 dollars) for adults, 4,000 won for youths and 3,000 won for children. Shower and changing facilities are available. The pools take credit cards and one can also pay with a cell phone.

For more information in English, please contact the Seoul Global Center at (82-2) 1688-0120 or email hotline@seoul.go.kr

By Han Aran
Korea.net Staff Writer

 
SOURCE : Korea.net