SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) -Seoul's outdoor swimming season has arrived unseasonably early, together with the early arrival of heat wave.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government opened the facilities simultaneously on June 19, including swimming pools at Yeouido and Ttukseom and water play areas at Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji and Yanghwa Han River parks.
The Han River outdoor pools and water playgrounds are one of Seoul's most popular seasonal attractions. According to city data, the facilities drew a combined 552,003 visitors last year, up 77 percent from 311,370 a year earlier.
On strong public response to pilot nighttime operations over the past two years, Seoul will expand evening hours this summer. From July 3 through Aug. 30, the Yeouido and Ttukseom swimming pools and the Jamsil and Nanji water play areas will remain open until 10 p.m., allowing visitors to cool off after sunset.
During the extended operating period, the four venues will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the Gwangnaru and Yanghwa facilities will maintain regular operating hours.
Admission remains relatively affordable, with swimming pool entry set at 5,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for teenagers and 3,000 won for children. Water play facilities cost 3,000 won for adults, 2,000 won for teenagers and 1,000 won for children, while children under six enter free of charge.
The city also offers a 50 percent discount for big families, senior citizens aged 65 and older, people with disabilities and one accompanying guardian, as well as national merit recipients.
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