Citizens and vacationers in Gyeonggi Province are using rubber boats to dive into local waters to escape a persistent heatwave [1].
This surge in water-based recreation highlights the intensity of the current summer temperatures and the growing need for accessible cooling options in urban and suburban areas.
People have gathered at various waterfronts, including Inchang-dong in Guri and Hyangnam-eup in Hwaseong, to engage in leisure activities [1]. The primary goal for these visitors is to find relief from the daily extreme heat that has gripped the region [1].
Some visitors arrived early to secure their spots and avoid the crowds. Lee Chang-young said that when people crowd together, it becomes difficult to use the equipment quickly, so arriving early to secure a place is better [1].
Beyond the swimming, the experience includes local food and snacks. Lee Moon-hee and Kim Jae-seop said that after the exhaustion of playing in the water, eating hot bars and ramen tasted delicious and felt as if it were melting in their mouths [1].
Reporters on the scene said the experience was refreshing [1]. The activities serve as a temporary sanctuary for those unable to travel to distant resorts during the peak of the heatwave.
““I think it's better to come early and get a spot first.””
The trend of using improvised water leisure activities like rubber boats in local Gyeonggi districts suggests that traditional cooling infrastructure may be insufficient during extreme heat events. As urban heat islands intensify, citizens are increasingly turning to any available water source to mitigate heat-related health risks.
