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Join Korea’s Penguin Swim at Deokpo Beach—Sign Up by Jan 5

Looking for something fun to do in Korea this January? As the chill of winter settles over South Korea, a unique tradition beckons both locals and visitors to the romantic shores of Deokpo Beach. On January 11th, 2025, the '15th Geoje Island International Penguin Swimming Festival' will unfold, offering an unforgettable way to start the new year. This midwinter sea festival combines the heart-pounding thrill of plunging into icy waters with vibrant cultural celebrations, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for all who dare to participate.


man in icy cold water
It's time to do a cold water plunge to ring in the new year!

Much like the Polar Bear Plunge events celebrated in places like Canada and Scotland, the Geoje Penguin Swimming Festival is more than just a swim—it’s a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and renewal. Participants gather to dive into the frigid waves, a symbolic gesture of washing away the past and embracing the year ahead with courage and determination. But what truly sets this festival apart is its distinctly Korean flair, weaving together traditional performances, local delicacies, and community spirit.



The day begins with an opening ceremony that sets the festive tone with lively acts like Pungmul Gilnori and Nanta, captivating the crowd with their energy. As anticipation builds, participants prepare for the main event: a daring 40-meter swim through the icy waters. With bare bodies and brave hearts, they plunge into the sea, praying for health and safety in the year to come. For those seeking even more excitement, challenges like catching fish with bare hands or joining the penguin run add a playful twist to the day’s adventures.


Beyond the icy swim, the festival offers a host of family-friendly activities. Children can partake in a treasure hunt on the beach, while others pen their New Year’s wishes in a reflective moment by the sea. Traditional Korean foods such as tteokmechigi, maksseolgi, and bokgye-ran tteokguk are served to warm both body and soul, rounding out the experience with a taste of local hospitality.



Planning your trip might seem overwhelming, but there’s no need to worry—Wonderful is here to help. As Korea’s trusted virtual assistant for expats and foreigners, Wonderful can handle all the details, from securing your spot before the January 5th registration deadline to arranging travel, accommodations, and even gear preparation. 


Important Event Information


  • Date: January 11, 2025

  • Location: Deokpo Beach, Geoje City, South Korea

  • Registration Deadline: January 5, 2025


How Wonderful Can Help


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Planning your trip to Geoje Island for the Penguin Swimming Festival? Wonderful is here to make it effortless. As Korea’s trusted virtual personal assistant for expats and foreigners, we can assist with:


  • Travel and Accommodations: From booking transportation to Geoje to finding the perfect stay near Deokpo Beach, we’ve got you covered.

  • Registration Support: Ensure you’re signed up before the January 5th deadline without any hassle.

  • Event Prep: Need help finding suitable swimwear or gear for the plunge? We’ll help you shop locally.

  • Festival Guidance: Unsure about navigating the festival’s schedule or language barriers? We’re here to bridge the gap.


Wonderful is the best on-demand English-speaking virtual assistant service in South Korea. Serving the expat community for nearly 10 years we've maintained the highest customer ratings on both Google and Facebook.

 

Regarding our pricing, we charge for the time taken working on your request by the minute, for as low as 1250 KRW per minute, depending on your preferred pricing package. If interested in our service, you can reach us on Facebook, Kakao Talk, WhatsApp, Instagram or Email.


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