This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a look at this year’s Seogwipo Winter Sea International Penguin Swimming Festival.
Hundreds of people will head south tomorrow morning to brave the cold sea and air, and spend a wonderful day at Jungmun Beach.

January brings with it its fair share of cold weather. But believe it or not, some intrepid islanders and visitors actually look forward to this time of year ? for a very special reason!

[Slug CG] Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Seogwipo

The annual Seogwipo Winter Sea International Penguin Swim kicks off tomorrow morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jungmun Beach. This free event brings together many hearty ? some might say foolhardy ? swimmers who at noon plunge briefly into the icy waters off the south coast.

[Slug CG] DJ’d music, sandcastle making, treasure hunt on offer

Fortunately, participating in this outdoor festival doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put on a swimsuit and dive in. There will be music, sandcastle making, and a treasure hunt to enjoy.

[Slug CG] Penguin Dance Contest at 10:30AM, Ssireum wrestling at 11AM

Friendly traditional Korean wrestling matches and a fun Penguin Dance Contest are scheduled for the morning.

And for lunch after the main event, try some hearty, delicious seaweed soup (momguk, in Korean), grilled sweet potatoes, and sliced boiled pork.

[Slug CG] Todd Thacker

So, why become a penguin, even if for just a few chilly minutes? Well, the theory is that this is a good chance to reinvigorate one’s body and mind for the new year ahead.

It’s certainly a memorable way to mark the start of the year 2020 on Jeju Island. Stay warm everyone, and happy New Year.

Todd Thacker KCTV