Residents and tourists on Jeju Island are flocking to beaches after dark to escape a persistent heat wave and prolonged tropical nights [1].

This shift toward nighttime recreation reflects the growing struggle of locals and visitors to find relief as daytime temperatures remain extremely high. By moving their leisure activities to the evening, people can take advantage of cooler, breezier conditions to cool off in the sea [1, 2].

The region has experienced a tropical night for more than 15 days [1]. This extended period of high nighttime temperatures has made traditional daytime swimming difficult for many due to the intense sunlight.

Visitors have sought out specific locations to combat the heat, including the Yongcheon cold-water spring area [1, 2]. The average water temperature at the Yongcheon spring is 16 °C [1], providing a sharp contrast to the humid air.

Choi Se-rang, a visitor from Gwacheon, said it is difficult to play in the water during the day because of the sunlight, but the evening breeze makes it a great time for activities [2]. Local residents are also utilizing the water to manage the heat.

Kang Min-jun, a resident of Jeju City, said he felt scared when entering deeper water but found it to be very cool [2]. The trend of "night vacations" has become a primary strategy for those living in or visiting the island during this weather cycle [1].

As the tropical nights continue, the demand for nighttime access to beaches and natural springs is expected to remain high. The combination of breezy evenings and cold-water sources provides the only viable respite from the ongoing heat [1, 2].

“Tropical night has persisted for more than half a month”

The rise of nighttime beach outings in Jeju indicates a behavioral adaptation to extreme weather patterns. When daytime temperatures become prohibitive for outdoor activity, the utilization of natural cold-water resources like the Yongcheon springs becomes a critical public health and comfort measure for the population.