Busan is good

Haeundae Beach to hold Polar Bear Swim

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The most unusual annual winter sports event in Busan, the “Polar Bear Swim” will take place on January 31 at Haeundae Beach. Participants will plunge into the wintry sea with minds and bodies focused on the challenge ahead wearing nothing but swimming suits. This festive event, which has attracted a growing number of participants year by year, is also held in the spirit of wishing everyone a healthy year in 2010. Anyone ？ both foreigners and Koreans - is welcome to participate in the event.

The event starts with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by warm-up exercises. The main event will take place from 11:30 a.m. till noon. Various side events, including photo-taking, a Patbingsu (bin ice dessert) eating contest, flipper run and hula hoop contest will be held. Online registration will be available from January 13 to 22 on the website at http://bear.busan.com. The first 1,200 people registering for the event will be accepted and there is a charge of 20,000 won per participant. Call 051)461-4436~8 for more information.

* The Polar Bear Swim is hosted by Busan Ilbo and Haeundae Culture & Tourism Committee, and supported by Busan Metropolitan City, Haeundae-gu District, the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism and the Korea National Tourism Organization (KNTO).