WINTER FESTIVALS AROUND BUSAN | GET IN THE SPIRIT
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL—HOLIDAY CHEER If you would like to get a taste of the look, the feel, and the spirit of Christmas in Korea, there is no better place than the Busan Christmas Tree Festival. Each holiday season, the Jung-du Gwangbok neighborhood of Busan’s Jung-gu district comes alive with a spectacular display of lights, ornaments, and the joy of Christmas revelers out on the town for a hearty dose of holiday cheer. The centerpiece of the festive street display is a 20-meter Christmas tree erected in the center of the three-way intersection at the heart of the Gwangbok-ro neighborhood. From there, brightly lit streets, decorated with trees shining with lights and ornaments, span throughout the area, allowing visitors to bask in the season’s glow as they walk the winter streets of Busan.
POLAR BEAR SWIM—A DEEP CHILL The Polar Bear Swim Festival was held for the first time in 1988 to celebrate the Seoul Olympics. After starting with only 100 participants taking the polar bear dip, the swim has since grown into one of Korea’s most popular outdoor winter events. The yearly swim, which occupies the top spot on BBC’s “Top 10 Unusual Winter Sports” list, draws well over 3,000 participants every year. After a morning of beachfront activities, participants take the brave plunge into the icy-cold waters off Haeundae Beach.
THE POLAR BEAR SWIM IS ONLY FOR THE BRAVE OF HEART. BUSAN MEETING PLANNER
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