Where can foreigners go swimming in Korea?

Foreigners have plenty of swimming options in Korea, both indoor pools open year-round and outdoor venues mostly active in summer. Public swimming pools (수영장) at neighborhood sports complexes charge around 5,000 to 8,000 won per session and run lap swims, free swim, and lessons. Most major districts have one. The Olympic Park Sports Complex, Jamsil Swimming Pool, and SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium pool in Seoul are well-maintained and have English signage. Hotel gyms at properties like Grand Hyatt, Lotte World Hotel, and Park Hyatt offer day passes (50,000 to 80,000 won) with luxury pools.

For leisure, Caribbean Bay (Yongin) and Ocean World (Hongcheon) are massive water parks with wave pools, lazy rivers, and slides, peak season from late May through August at 50,000 to 80,000 won per ticket. Hangang River outdoor pools (Yeouido, Ttukseom, Jamwon) open July to August at 5,000 won and are super crowded but fun. Beaches at Haeundae and Gwangalli (Busan), Sokcho, and Jeju are open July through August officially with lifeguards, though water gets cold outside that window. For required gear, swim caps are mandatory at almost all Korean public pools (buy at site for 5,000 won), and tight-fitting swimwear is required (no board shorts at most pools). Bring your own goggles, towel, flip-flops, and 100 won coin for the locker. Sign-ups for monthly memberships at neighborhood pools fill fast on the 1st of each month.