Mayor Roaming Han River in Full-Body Swimsuit... "Unbelievably Clean"

1st Easygoing Hangang Triathlon Festival Participation
Seoul Citizens Complete 1km Swim

On the 2nd, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon swam across 1 km of the Han River together with citizens.

Mayor Oh participated on the second day of the city's '1st Easygoing Han River Triathlon Festival' and completed the 1 km swimming course. About 2,000 citizens took part in the swimming event.

This event is a lifestyle sports festival where citizens can leisurely complete three disciplines?swimming, cycling, and running?at their own pace. Mayor Oh personally planned the festival.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Mayor Oh challenged the advanced course by swimming 1 km across the Han River from the southern end of the Jamsil underwater weir to the northern end.

At around 9:15 a.m., wearing a full-body swimming suit and a swim cap bearing Seoul’s new brand 'Seoul My Soul,' Mayor Oh jumped into the Han River and completed the course at about 9:46 a.m., 31 minutes later.

Having participated in the first day of the festival the previous day, Mayor Oh completed the beginner swimming course of 300 m, the 20 km cycling course, and the advanced 10 km running course.

Mayor Oh has a special affection for triathlon events, having participated in international triathlon competitions, and is known as a sports enthusiast who regularly enjoys running, cycling, and swimming.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Last year, Mayor Oh also took part in the Han River Triathlon inspection and main competitions but was unable to complete the swimming course, stating, "I will complete it next year." The Seoul city government is working to establish the Han River Triathlon event, promote the perception that "the Han River is a river where you can swim," and strengthen water quality safety.

A city official said, "Mayor Oh checks the safety and water quality of the Han River whenever possible and holds events with citizens," adding, "This is to raise citizens’ interest and affection for the Han River."

Mayor Oh said, "Today was my first time crossing the Han River, and although it was longer than I expected, the water was unbelievably clean. I confirmed that citizens can cross without worry," and pledged to build Seoul as a 'city that always runs,' a 'city that walks,' and a 'city that exercises together.'