Haeundae Polar Bear Swim Festival 2024 in South Korea
Thousands of "polar bears" gather in the south of Korea every winter to bathe in the freezing sea water
Dates: December 6–8, 2024
The Polar Bear Festival, held annually at Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea, is a unique and thrilling event that attracts thousands of brave participants. This winter festival involves approximately 2,000 people who, in the middle of December, strip down to their swimsuits and dive into the frigid waters of the sea. The desire for adrenaline, personal achievement, and, of course, fun drives the event. While many join in for the exhilarating challenge, spectators can also enjoy the spectacle from the beach.
Schedule
The festival kicks off on Saturday, December 7, with the Winter X concert, followed by the main event on Sunday, December 8. The main event features the exhilarating 1km Companion Swim from 8 am to 10 am, with entry time from 08:30 am to 09:30 am.
Concert Lineup
In addition to the swim, the festival includes a range of side events, including performances by popular pop singers, adding to the festive atmosphere. On December 7, the WinterX Not performance program will take place in the evening, while on December 8, there will be energetic concerts on the Heating Stage with the Recycling Band performing. The Burning Stage will host both K-POP EDM and K-TROT music, with acts like Ttanttara Family and Park Gun.
Registration Fee
For the Haeundae Polar Bear Festival, registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of 2,500 participants. The event is open to ordinary citizens, families, clubs, and couples, as well as foreigners and tourists. The participation fee is 30,000 won.