KARUNA SHINSHO, CNN ANCHOR: For most people, a summer holiday is a chance to relax and enjoy themselves, but this year, 153 South Koreans opted instead for some discipline, marine style. Alphonso Van Marsh has the story.</s>ALPHONSO VAN MARSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Marine boot camp -- for a group of South Korean civilians, this is the top holiday destination of the year. One hundred fifty-three of them spent their vacation living the lives of soldiers. Ranging in age from 13 to 45, they spent five days at the camp. The course aims to toughen up city dwellers.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I realized that I had not done my best in everything. I will make an effort to do the best when I go home, after the boot camp.</s>VAN MARSH: Recruits learn to row, and steer rubber boats, as well as deploy them and carry them to shore. The course is run by the marines, and participants are expected to live just like the soldiers; that means no pampering and no luxury. Participants leave behind their individual identities, to work like a group. But the recruits say the course has Had the desired effect.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): Before I came to the camp, I wanted to give up when I felt a little difficulty. But I want to be a model here, so I participated in the training enthusiastically. Alphonso Van Marsh, INSIDE ASIA.
South Koreans Opt for Boot Camp Vacation