This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a look at this year’s Seogwipo Penguin Swim, which is set for Saturday morning at Jungmun Saekdal Beach. Hundreds will brave the cold air and ocean, and have a wonderful day on one of Jeju’s most beautiful beaches.




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This year we’ve a couple of pretty dramatic cold snaps on Jeju. January is sure to bring more of the same, with breezes that can quickly chill you to the bone if you’re not bundled up. But believe it or not, some people actually look forward to these conditions.

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Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Seogwipo

The annual Seogwipo Penguin Swim, which is set for Saturday January 7th at Jungmun Saekdal Beach, is a good example of this. It brings together many dozens of hearty -- some might say foolhardy -- swimmers who take a brief plunge into the icy waters off the south coast.

Jeju, like many places around the world, has a New Year’s tradition of winter swims. In the West, it’s called a Polar Bear Plunge. But on Jeju, it’s the penguin which represents the vivacious spirit of the outdoors.

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Traditional activities, food

Fortunately, you don’t need to actually take a dip in the ocean to participate. There are many activities and foods to enjoy during the morning event. For example, friendly traditional Korean wrestling matches, and balloon and kite flying. You can also try some steaming seaweed soup called momguk (몸국) and sliced boiled pork called dombegogi (돔베고기).

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Great opportunity for photographers

And for all the shutterbugs out there, there are some great opportunities to capture all the action with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean, one of Korea’s most famous beaches, and the cliffs which rise majestically in the background.

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One of the big questions on the day is: why do they do it? When asked, participants often reply that it’s a chance to reinvigorate their body and mind for the year ahead. Taking the plunge might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly one of the more memorable ways to mark the start of 2017 on Jeju.

Todd Thacker KCTV