A childhood friend spent a good ten days with me in the middle of August and we took a Saturday trip to Busan, a port city on Korea's southeast coast. It is the third largest city in the country and home to one of Korea's most famous beaches - Haeundae.
Somewhere exists a handbook that outlines the year based on when it is proper to partake in certain outdoor activities in Korea. August is definitely beach season. On a regular weekend, I've found Korean beaches fairly barren, a presumed consequence of the stereotypical Asian distaste for suntans. As Allie and I approached sand, I was shocked. The beach was prepared for the inflow of eager people looking to enjoy this space, a completely different way than I am used to in America.
If you ever wondered what Miami might look like if it decided to switch places with Korea, it would appear something like this:
The ENTIRETY of the sand area would be lined with umbrellas. For about $4, said umbrellas can be rented and sat under. Replace bronzing babes with babes carrying parasols. And everyone has these TUBES. I've heard a rumor that Korean's as a whole don't swim well, so perhaps this enhances their enjoyment at the beach. Ninety percent of people over age 10 are swimming in their clothes. It can be bet upon that everywhere you look, someone, somewhere is applying sunblock SPF 8 million in the shade, with a hat on.
TRUTH: Korean's have excellent skin.
Allie and I got some curious stares for purposely laying our towels outside of our sun-secure umbrella, but I also saw far more Korean's in bikini's this year than last. Whether this new-found freedom is a sign of leniency or a generation's act of rebellion, for this I applaud. Be free in your body.
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