A Blue Summer Encountered at Dadaepo, Busan: The Romance of KIMA WEEK

Under the Hot Sun, the Liberation Given by the Sea

As soon as I arrived at Dadaepo Beach (Dadaepo Haesuyokjang), the salty scent of the sea greeted me, signaling the start of the trip. Busan in August is vibrant everywhere you go, but Dadaepo becomes a little more special around this time of year. That's because of 'KIMA WEEK'. This comprehensive marine leisure festival, held since 2013, isn't just an event to watch; it's a grateful time that allows us to jump into the sea ourselves and feel the waves with our bodies.

Walking along the beach, the fine texture of the sand under my feet blends with the laughter of people heard from afar. Instead of feeling sticky, the wind pushes gently against my back, and the surface of Dadaepo, reflecting the sunlight, shines brilliantly like scattered jewels. The 'KIMA Beach' event zone, the festival venue, was literally a cultural playground unfolding on the beach. Taking photos against the backdrop of surfboards and yachts, and listening to the powerful cheers of athletes participating in marine leisure competitions, my heart started racing before I knew it.

Diverse Ways to Enjoy the Sea, KIMA WEEK

The biggest charm of KIMA WEEK is its accessibility. Even without grand equipment or skills, there are plenty of opportunities to get closer to the sea through the experience festivals prepared on-site. The thrill of standing on a kayak or paddleboard slicing across the water is indescribable. As you balance yourself while feeling the rhythm of the waves rippling beneath your feet, you feel as though the complex worries piled up in your daily life are being washed away by the tide.

Watching the dynamic marine leisure competitions performed by the athletes is enjoyable enough just by looking. Their figures cutting through the rough waves offer a mysterious sense of liberation to those watching. You don't necessarily have to do anything. Just sitting on the beach, feeling the sea breeze, and spending time with the sound of music and waves as your companion, I naturally thought to myself, 'This is what a real summer is.'

Evening in Dadaepo, Ending the Day with the Sunset

After enjoying KIMA WEEK, you shouldn't miss the highlight of Dadaepo: the 'Sunset' (Nakjo). As the sun begins to set, the boundary between the sea and the sky turns red, and standing in that scenery, I had the illusion that the world had paused for a moment. The time spent holding a cold drink on the beach, which still held the lingering excitement of the festival, while gazing at the horizon, was truly the peak of this trip.

Dadaepo has great accessibility as it connects directly to the beach when you get off at Dadaepo Beach Station (Dadaepo Haesuyokjang Station) on Subway Line 1. It might feel a bit far from Busan Station, but once you encounter the peaceful scenery where the Nakdonggang River meets the sea, the long travel time will be well worth it. Since it is quite hot and humid in August when the festival is held, I recommend bringing plenty of bottled water and sunscreen. There are also many cafes and restaurants nearby, making it a perfect place to stay all day and spend time at leisure.