Beating the Heat

[Anchor Lead]

The Korean Peninsula is sweltering under an early heat wave, with highs reaching 30 degrees Celsius. Over the weekend Koreans went searching for cool spots around the nation in their attempts to beat the heat.

[Pkg]

Children excitedly jump into the pool. But today the pool is full of tomatoes instead of water. The children roll in the tomatoes, throw them, and step on them. Whatever they do, they don't worry about getting scolded.

[Soundbite] Lee Ki-yeong(Visitor) : "Playing with the tomatoes makes me forget all about the heat. It's also fun and exciting."

This boy is immersed in picking tomatoes with his father.

[Soundbite] Yu Seong-deok(Visitor) : "It's really hot, but it's nice making such meaningful and pleasant memories."

Athletes jump in the sea at the sound of a starting whistle. They bravely swim through the high, rough waves. This triathlon competition involves swimming, cycling and running a course of 113 kilometers within 8 and a half hours. Some 1,000 athletes from all over the globe came to test the limit of human endurance.

[Soundbite] Jeong Jae-jin(Participant) : "It was a bit hard because of the hot weather, but the great scenery made it fun."

Koreans are finding different ways to beat the stifling heat as a string of hot, humid days continues during a short lull in this year's rainy season.