BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL

Even though I may have gotten a “minor concussion” on the obstacle course (resulting in an inability to taste for about 24 hours), and still have dirt clogging one ear, the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea, was an absolute blast. And dirty in so many ways.

Boryeong was filled with seemingly every foreigner in Korea. Military members, English teachers, and travelers alike enjoyed the festivities alongside just as many Koreans. While some of us wore more modest attire, others thought thongs, bikinis and hats made out of beer boxes were appropriate for an extra filthy time. Why not?

With Howl, Brian and Casey at the Boryeong Mud Festival.

My dream of mud wrestling came true, and who knew using paintbrushes to lather dirt on friends could be so fun? An overcast sky and sea breeze kept the weekend quite cool—almost too cold at times. Nothing a little Magpie beer couldn’t warm up though.

I traveled in a large group with I.F.X. (Intrepid Foreign eXcursions). I’d definitely recommend booking with a tour company, as accommodations fill quickly, and logistics are way easier when someone else handles them. One day of muddiness was enough for me this time around. But, don’t get me wrong. I can’t wait to attend next year’s festival!

We picked at the sand for hours on our second day there, looking for treasures to take home. Shells, sea glass, and other gifts from the ocean were scattered along Daecheon Beach. The afternoon was spent walking, talking, playing and laughing with friends. It was good clean fun, until we found globs of mud to sink our feet into.

It doesn’t matter if an adventure is clean or dirty, life’s meant to be journeyed with others. I’m thankful to have made such wonderful friends in South Korea. It’s the people that make experiences worthwhile. Every place I’ve traveled wouldn’t have left such a mark on my life if it weren’t for the people I was with, or met along the way.

A woman painted with colorful mud in Boryeong, Korea.

Mud wrestling at the Boryeong Mud Festival. July, 2012.