SUMMER

SURFING

Surfing was first introduced in Korea in the 1990s with the formation of a surf club in Jeju Island. The popularity of the sport gradually spread nationwide with clubs opening in Busan, Yangyang, and other parts of the country. Today, more than 400,000 Koreans head to the beach every year to catch a wave. Surfing spots can differ greatly in amount and height of waves, so surfers can choose and ride just the right waves.

SUMMER

WATER LEISURE

Except for cold winter days that fall below 0˚C, Korean springs, summers and falls are relatively warm and great for enjoying water activities. July and August are classified as “vacation season," hence friends and families head to barges and waterside parks to cool off and enjoy the great outdoors. These parks, which offer water sports and activities including water skiing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, blob jumping, water slides, banana boats, air bounce and much more, are mainly clustered in the metropolitan area. Bukhangang River in Gapyeong-gun, Yangsu-ri in Yangpyeong-gun, and the Hangang River in Seoul are particularly popular spots. If you plan to visit Korea in the hot summer, be prepared to get wet.

SUMMER

RAFTING

Rafting, or whitewater rafting, is a representative adventure-type leisure sport in which a crew of paddlers/passengers navigate rough waters in an inflatable rubber raft at the command of the helmsman. The most important thing in whitewater rafting is teamwork. Rafting is usually done in valleys or fast-flowing rivers, and the many mountains, rivers and valleys of Korea make it ideal for rafting. Korea’s major rafting spots have clean waters, beautiful natural scenery, and are moderately fast-flowing, so you can enjoy the thrill and cool waters.