Let There Be Mud!!

Once upon a time there was a town.  This town was a small town, and the council of elders debated how they could increase their standing within the realm.  Whilst walking along the nearby mud flats, an elder stumbled and plopped into the sludge face first.  Disgusted and invaded by the oozing substance, he strove to wipe himself clean post haste.  It was then he noticed something.  His skin had become… MAGNIFICENT.  So smooth, so soft, so baby-butt-like!  What was this miracle?

The answer was clear.  The miracle was in the  mud.

Covered from head to toe and hands a-roving, the elder ran as fast as his shuffling gait would allow.  Upon the revelation of the mud’s miraculous properties, the council decided that the only logical thing – indeed the only MORAL action – was to share this miracle with the world.  And, logically, this was best done by developing a line of cosmetics made from the viscous goop.  The business of miracles.

But alas, the world was infested with miraculous products.  Mud that sexy-fied the skin, cabbage that healed all sickness, and herbs that *ahem* inflated one’s stamina.  People couldn’t be bothered to spend their hard won dollas and cents on this miraculous madness!

So, a new scheme was hatched; a scheme as subtle and crafty as a subtle and crafty council of elders looking for a cash bath.  Tents were raised, mud was carried, and the word spread.  And, as time has shown us throughout the ages: if you build it, they will come.  And come they did in droves!

Koreans and Westerners came from far and wide to wallow and soak, smear and fling in the mud and the miraculous filth.  It was dirty, it was slimy, and it was downright glorious.  It was…. MUDFEST.

This last weekend, my friends and I journeyed across Korea to Boryeong to experience the city’s Mudfest… and boy was it a great time!  While I actually didn’t go into the Mudfest festival itself, I had a great time frolicking in the mud at the nearby beach with dozens of great Pohangers in my first ever Mud Olympics.  I also camped during a rainstorm, which was a nice, peaceful experience (surprisingly).  Here’s some pictures below!