200K flock to Gangwon beaches as summer heat peaks

Nearly 200,000 people hit Gangwon Province's east coast beaches over the weekend as temperatures soared and most beaches officially opened for summer. Gangneung saw the biggest crowd with over 41,000 visitors, followed by smaller coastal towns like Sokcho and Donghae. It's peak beach season in Korea — expect crowded shores and traffic if you're heading east.