Thousands brave winter swim at Haeundae beach

Participants dive into the winter sea during the Haeundae Polar Bear Festival at Haeundae Beach in Busan on Jan 18 2026 Yonhap — Participants dive into Haeundae Beach as a part of the annual festival in Busan on Jan. 18, 2026. Yonhap

SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - About 2,000 people braved chilly winter weather to plunge into the icy waters of Haeundae Beach in Busan on Sunday for the southern port city's annual swimming festival.

Under this year's "colorful" theme for the Haeundae Polar Bear Festival (HPBF), the beach was filled with swimmers in vibrant colors.

Before plunging into the water, participants painted themselves with colorful powder symbolizing hope, love, and happiness. They splashed and played like children, completely absorbed in the moment.

Fortunately, the temperature at the beach was around 10 degrees Celsius, making it feel bearable, almost like early spring.

Now in its 39th year, the festival has remained popular, bringing together swimming enthusiasts, local residents, and tourists.

Han Jun-gu jungu141298@ajupress.com