When the mercury rises, most people head to the beach to cool off. But that’s not the only place to beat the summer heat. Here’s Mike Laidman with some other ideas.


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Hwangwooji Coast, Seogwipo City

Laughter fills this natural pool of water near a sea cliff in Seogwipo.

Strangely-shaped rocks surround the pool, and people snorkeling with flippers jump into the water. As they gaze out towards the emerald sea, the intense heat of the summer is washed away.

INTERVIEW
Jo Seong-gi, Jo Yun-hyeok / Tourists from Gyeonggi province
Unlike a regular beach, this pool has gentle waves and fish inside. It’s beautiful and cozy - like a place where fairies would bathe.
<인터뷰 : 조성기 조윤혁 / 경기도 안양시>
"해수욕장은 좀 잔잔한데 여기는 적당히 파도도 치고 풀장안에 물고기도 좀 있고요. 아주 선녀탕처럼 아늑하게 예쁜 공간인 것 같습니다."

INTERVIEW
Kim Jin-won / Tourist from Daejeon
I really enjoyed snorkeling here. If I visit the island again, I’ll definitely come back to this place.
<인터뷰 : 김진원 / 대전광역시 중구>
"스노클링했는데 물고기를 본게 정말 좋은 것 같아요. 만약에 제주도에 또 올 수 있다면 또 오고싶어요."

Exhausted vacationers take a break from the sweltering heat with a cool swim.

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Donnaeko Valley, Seogwipo

This valley on Hallasan Mountain is becoming popular with summer vacationers.

The cool breezes winding down the narrow valley bring a slight chill to those already in the shade.

Children with a tube swim all around, but it’s not long before they get out of the freezing cold water.

Other kids, curious with what wonders such a place could hold, have fun searching under rocks.

INTERVIEW
Yi Dong-u , Yi Yu-jun / Tourists from Seoul
It’s chilly here - even on day with scorching heat. The water is icy cold and crystal clear. It’s a good place to play with kids.
<인터뷰 : 이동우 이유준 / 서울특별시 은평구>
"폭염이어서 찌는 듯한 더위인데, 여기 얼음골와서 오싹오싹해요 정말. 더위가 생각이 안 날 정도 물이 차갑고 깨끗하고. 아이들 놀기도 좋고."

Heat like this often hits Jeju after the monsoon rains.

[Reporter] Mike Laidman
[Camera] Moon Ho-seong

And while there will always a massive number of people who flock to local beaches in the summer, some vacationers are choosing these quieter and less crowded hidden getaways.

Mike Laidman, KCTV