As summer vacation season approaches, an increase in visitors to Haeundae, Busan, has sparked a debate online about the appropriateness of wearing swimwear in public spaces such as supermarkets and cafes, away from the beach. Reports of individuals traveling in bikinis and swimsuits to large supermarkets and residential areas have led to divided opinions, with some arguing that it is a natural sight in a resort area, while others insist on the need for appropriate attire.
On July 29, a post on social media asked, 'Is it unacceptable to enter a cafe in front of Haeundae wearing a bikini?' The author, identified as A, recounted, 'I went into the cafe to place a takeout order, but the staff pointed out my attire and offered to bring my drink outside.' A added, 'I was wearing a large beach towel over my shoulders and had not yet entered the water, so I was neither wet nor sandy.'
According to Yonhap News, the post included a map showing a walking route from Haeundae Beach to a nearby large supermarket, which takes about 22 minutes. Eyewitness accounts of seeing beachgoers in bikinis at the supermarket further fueled the debate. The supermarket stated to Yonhap, 'During the vacation season, we see about two to three customers a day in swimwear, and we do not currently restrict entry based on attire.'
Reactions from netizens have been mixed. Some expressed that traveling in swimwear to a supermarket, which is not directly on the beach, is excessive. They argue that the nature of the space differs between enjoying water activities at the beach and shopping in a supermarket frequented by families and seniors. One commenter noted, 'While wearing a bikini at the beach is normal, a supermarket is a communal space for everyone.'
Others suggested that wearing a shirt or shorts over swimwear is not too difficult and that at least some consideration for the location's dress code is necessary. Concerns were also raised about the potential discomfort for other customers if wet swimwear is used on supermarket seating or facilities. One opinion stated, 'The issue is not just exposure, but bringing wet clothes or sand indoors.'
Conversely, there are arguments against overly scrutinizing swimwear. Given Haeundae's status as a prominent summer resort, some believe that a certain level of relaxed dress culture should be accepted in commercial areas near the beach. Some netizens pointed out, 'In famous overseas resorts, it is common to see people in swimwear walking into shops or on the streets,' and 'If Haeundae aims to be a global tourist destination, we shouldn't view this too negatively.' They also argued, 'Not covering the body completely does not directly harm others,' and 'Standards for exposure vary by individual, so we should be cautious about restricting entry based solely on discomfort.'
Ultimately, opinions among netizens are divided on where the boundary lies for what constitutes the beach area. Many agree that wearing swimwear is acceptable at convenience stores or restaurants directly on the beach, but applying the same standard to supermarkets and residential areas located 20 to 30 minutes away on foot is more contentious.
In some famous overseas resorts, there are restrictions on wearing swimwear outside the beach. According to Yonhap, Sorrento in Italy prohibits going shirtless or in a bikini outside designated areas, with fines of up to 500 euros for violations. Some regions in France also have signs requiring appropriate attire outside the beach.
However, in South Korea, there is a consensus that simply wearing swimwear does not immediately warrant legal penalties. It is difficult to classify typical swimwear as excessive exposure or a minor offense. Therefore, establishing dress etiquette at tourist sites or guidelines for individual stores is seen as a more practical solution than legal restrictions.
Experts also suggest that rather than imposing uniform penalties, there should be guidelines tailored to the characteristics of tourist areas. In places like Haeundae, where beaches, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods are closely situated, establishing criteria for what constitutes beach living space could help reduce unnecessary conflicts.
Ultimately, this debate extends beyond the question of 'Is it acceptable to wear a bikini?' It raises issues about the balance between tourist freedom, the rights of local residents, and the dress etiquette expected in public spaces. As the summer vacation season begins, the discussion surrounding the 'boundaries of swimwear' in Haeundae is likely to continue.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.