My second trip to the Mud Festival in Boryeong, South Korea. Can’t believe that my first trip was three years ago. This trip was significantly different. I went on my own rather than with a large group of friends. I met up with people I knew would be there, and I also made new friends.

Some foreigners see Mudfest as an excuse to be an asshole at a glorified frat party. BUT if you don’t let those people bother you, you’ll have a good time.

Packing light is a good idea. My perfected packing list for Mudfest:

• I wear regular clothes on the trip, including flip flops. I usually change back into those clothes for Saturday night, where I walk the streets and sporadically visit dance clubs.
• Tylenol, sunscreen, bug repellent, tooth brush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, make-up if you want it, etc.
• Swimsuit you don’t mind ruined by the mud.
• Clothes you don’t mind ruined by the mud, such as an old tank top and shorts.
• Beach towel
• T-shirt and shorts to sleep in, and also wear on Sunday to play on the beach a bit before the bus ride back home.
• I sound like an old maid, but I like packing a bit of fruit and nuts for the bus trip to Boryeong, as I don’t like the truck stop fried food selection.
• A bit of cash for buying bags of booze, if you’re into that sort of thing. I didn’t see any banks or ATMs near the beach. All the marts and restaurants take card though. Never needed my ID.
• Plastic bag for old camera, if you want to take photos. I wouldn’t recommend bringing your phone to the mud festivities.