Mudfest In A Day (With a car)

CHECK OUT THIS YEARS MUDFEST VIDEO

FROM ROK LIFE

< CLICK HERE >

After many years, I finally made it back for a little Mudfest drama.  Despite all the reasons I want to hate Mudfest, I love it.  In fact, I have found that the more someone doesn't want to go, the more they seem to fall in love with it when they arrive.  

Of course, in three years a lot has changed.  For example, there were actually clean people at the festival.  I have no idea how this happens, but it does.  They no longer have the endless mud tubs that they used to and it's possible to go the entire day clean as a whistle - which is a little sad but understandable.

A good change is that the festival has become much more integrated and, quite possibly, Koreans out numbering foreigners these days.  With this change has come better parking, increased beach use and improved overall services - but MUCH bitter crowds. Despite there being more people, the balance between local and visitor seems to actually help keep the foreigner drama down to a minimum and create a much more mellow dynamic.

What has remained true through time is that a successfully Mudfest experience requires planning and attention to detail.  If you don't get it right, you end up spending a lot of time standing in lines that could have been avoided.  Here is our system.

Master Tips To Mudfest in a Day

(For those driving)

Leave Early:  You need to be out of Pyeongtaek by 7:30 am.  

This will help you avoid traffic and find easy parking.

Arrive Early:  Don't mess around.  

If you want parking get there by 9:00 a.m. Full stop.

Buy Your Wristbands Immediately: Hesitation is for the weak. Go straight to the stand to get your wristbands for the game area  Don't question this.  Once there is a line, this entire schedule is useless and you WANT to play some games.

Go Straight to the Games: Don't go look at stuff.  

Get a game or two in first thing.  It's worth it.  PRO TIP:  Don't wait until you enter the area to take of your shoes.  Take your shoes off while you are inline and slide them under the rail so they are easy to access when you are done.   You don't want to have to find your shoes in the pile of shoes later.

Body Painting: If you want the colored mud leave after 1-2 games.  

This takes FOREVER so get in line with friends and have a laugh.  Nobody is in a hurry so you shouldn't be either. 

Games, second round:  If you want to play more mud games, you have a second chance.  They are going to take a lunch break.  Pay attention to when this happens.  When it does, get in line 15-20 mins before the 1hr break ends.  This will give you the chance to do 1-2 more games before massive lines form.

Going Home:  We usually leave around 5-6 pm.  

Once again, this allows you to not get caught up in the massive amounts of cars trying to go home at the end of the day.  You DO NOT want to be caught up in this.  It is worse than your worst nightmare.

What to take:

1. Clothes you can throw away.
2. A waterproof case/bag for handphone and money
3. Cash. Don't waste time looking for ATMs
4. Clean clothes for the ride home
5. You're phone. You WILL NOT be able to find your friends without it.
6. Snacks for the ride home.
7. Wet wipes
8. Towels
9. A sense of fun

What NOT to take:

1. You're handphone without a case.
2. Things that can't get dirty
3. Jewelry (wedding bands, etc)
4. Drinks in glass bottles 
5. Judgmental attitude

Massages of Magic

fyi: This photo is not from Pyeongtaek, most places here are even nicer

Right now my hips are tied up like knots and I'm looking forward to my next Thai Massage, a monthly or bi-monthly habit that has greatly improved my quality of life since moving to Korea.  In the states I would never afford a regular treatment with prices in the Seattle area skyrocketing to $120 for 45 minutes.  Which is ridiculous.

When I first started looking for massages here I was skeptical.  When I heard the prices from friends I thought, "Well, maybe they just aren't very good at it or have no training" Which was a stupid thought.  Also, I was scared to check out any of the massage places I saw around town because I was afraid to wander into a brothel.  It's a possibility.

In order to avoid this I asked a friend if she had a recommendation and she sent me to The Foot Shop which is in downtown Pyeongtaek city (Read More Here).  I loved it, but it became quite busy and I needed to make reservations, plus I moved to a different area so I haven't been in a while. Still, it's a great place and worth a try if you are in that area.

Over the years I've tried sports massage, milk massage, Korean massage, aroma/oil massage, Chinese Massage, etc.  Whatever they are offering, I'm willing to try at least once.  In the end, I always come back to the Thai Massage because it does the most to put my joints and spine back where they are supposed to be.

When you are looking for the place that is right for you, go out and just visit a few in your neighborhood.  Don't worry, if they are scary you can just run away.  I've certainly wandered into a few that were practicing the oldest profession, but all you have to do is say, "I'm sorry!" and turn around.  Nobody will bother you.  Basically, if there are pink lights run away.

Appointments: Many legit massage shops are open 24 hrs and you can easily get a walk in appointment, especially in the morning.  In four years I have only come across two places that were full when I arrived.

Discounts: Take cash. Most shops will give you a 10,000 - 20,000 discount for using it.  They also often give discounts if you go before 11 am and some have punch cards.

Nudity: Usually you will be given a prison uniform just like with you visit a sauna.  If you are a female and wear extra large clothing, they might not have one to fit you so bring loose shorts and t-shirt.

Privacy:  They usually have very nice changing rooms and showers.  Each person is in their own private room, but they also have large rooms for friends and couples.  Usually people go with someone so feel free to go with your friends.

Timing: The staff that work at these shops are on-call.  That means if it's slow they might be at home and it will take them 10-15 minutes to get back to work.  Just sit back, relax and enjoy your tea.  This is part of the process.

Language:  If you get a massage within 5 miles of either base they most likely have someone on staff who speaks English.  Otherwise pointing and smiling works just fine. They have generally have menus at the front desk where you can look at prices and times, if they don't then maybe it's a brothel.  Don't be scared though, you will find the right place for you and have relaxing time and come out feeling brand new.

Price: I usually pay between 60,000\ - 90,000\ for two hours for basic Thai massage.  I wouldn't pay more than that unless it's something special.

WHERE I USUALLY GO

Seojeongri Station: 9.8/10 Naver Stars

NAME: 허브스토리마사지

Driving Address: 경기도 평택시 서정역로 22

Exact Address: 지번 서정동 340-1 3층

WHERE I WANT TO GO

Suwon:

NAME: 영통타이마사지

Driving Address: 경기도 수원시 영통구 봉영로 1612 보보스프라자

Exact Address: 영통동 996-4 샴푸관광나이트

Seojeongri: 10/10 Naver stars

Driving Address: 경기도 고양시 덕양구 서정마을1로 4-9 

Exact Address: 미라클프라자 행신동 1080-3 미라클프라자 5층

PRO TIP: If you speak Korean, or have a friend to help you, 

you can search the country for massage studios here: 

http://apps.massagemoa.net/bbs/board.php?bo_table=shop&page=63&page=61

Jjimjilbang, Bang, into the Room

Thanks to Nicole for the photo. It's a face mask explosion.

So, maybe you read the last post and are all like, "What 'evs Nae-nae. My buttocks aren't clenched and I want to get them to a jjimjilbang stat. I just need to know what exactly to expect . I don't want to seem like a crazy foreigner."  That's legit. Here are the answers to the questions I had when I first wanted to go.

What's a jjimjilbang? First of all, you should know that jjimjilbangs and public baths are not the same thing.  In fact there are three options: just a bath, just a sauna or booth.  Usually foreigners refer to all of these things as "the jjimjilbang" but it's not accurate.  Personally, I like to go to places that have both a sauna and bath that is open all night long.

How long does it take?  There is no magic number, but you are going to feel pretty rushed if you go for anywhere less than 5 hours.  We usually go between 5-7.  Sounds crazy right?  We spend about 2-3 hours in the baths and 3-4 hours in the sauna area.

How can you spend 2-3 hrs bathing?  That's a good question.  First, you need to shower and bath for the first time (5-10 min).  Next, you need to prepare for relaxation by soaking in varies salt, tea, herb baths (30 min).  After that it it's time to work on the muscle stress which takes going from hot baths/saunas to the cold pool followed by time with the jets (1-2hrs). Now you need to scrub yourself shiny/be scrubbed shiny by staff (30 min). Finally, you are relaxed and clean enough to sauna.

How can you sauna for 4 hours?  Well, there are going to be multiple rooms and after each room you need to relax/take a nap. (1.5-2hrs).  During that time might find you need to use the massage chair (usually 1,000\ 10min).  Or better yet, maybe go for a deep tissue massage ($45-$55 hr) or facial.  If you brought a book you might want to read that for a while as well, or if you brought your tablet and earphones you can watch a movie.  My point is, this is about just doing whatever your little heart desires.  Bring the kids, eat a meal, take a nap and let them run wild.  You have no place you need to be.

What if I get really relaxed, fall asleep and don't wake up until 3am?  If you go to the 24 hour places you don't have to worry.  You don't have to leave until you darn well feel like it.  You can go back to the bath and start all over again after the sauna.  I have been known to do just this :)

Okay, this sounds great.  What do I do when I get there?  Great question, here are the steps to checking in.

1) PAY. When you arrive you need to be sure they understand you want to visit BOTH the sauna and the bath.  You don't, in fact, have to use both just because they offer both.  Some people go just for the bath and others go just for the sauna.  If you make a mistake, don't worry.  They are happy to help get you back on track.  The prices are sometimes different depending on which services you will use.  They may give you 2 towels and prison uniform at this point, or they might not.

2) SHOE LOCKER. After you pay you are going to take your shoes off and put them in their own locker. I repeat, ONLY your shoes go in this locker. Take the key and go to the locker room.  You will need it for the next locker.

3) PRISON UNIFORM.  If you did NOT get your prison uniform at the front desk, once you are in the locker room go to the service desk and give your receipt to the lady who will then give you 2 towels and your prison uniform.  Usually you use one towel for the shower and 1 towel for the sauna.

4) CLOTHES LOCKER. The key that you take from your shoe locker often matches up to the exact same number as your clothes locker.  However, NOT ALWAYS, you have to place this one by ear.  Staff is helpful when you don't understand.

5) SHOWER.  Just like back home, you need to get yourself cleaned up before you start getting clean.


What should I take with me?  Technically you don't need to take anything.  You can buy single use shampoo, conditioner, face creams, scrubbers, toothbrushes, etc. on location for cheap. They also usually have snacks and drinks for you to buy as well.  Some even have restaurants for if you are really hungry.  That said, here are things we recommend taking if you feel like preparing something:

• A refillable water bottle
• Books
• Tablet or phone with earphones
• Misc. snacks
• Face masks
• Hair masks
• Favorite travel size toiletries 
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Clean underpants

Hope this helps answer most of your questions, and saves you drama when you go. However, if you have any additional questions feel free to ask in the comments.

OH! Eat Your Kimchi JUST did a video the same day I posted this.
It messes up my post, so click here to view.

Un-clench Thy Buttocks and Go To A Jjimjilbang

Alright, to be clear, I'm a jimjillbong/public bath-addict.  Sometimes I wonder if I should just move into one and stop paying rent on my house.  It took me about nine months to get up the nerve to give one a try, and immediately felt like it was nine months of my life I had wasted. Maybe I'm weird, but I can't see why anyone would say no to a 9,000\ spa day. I encourage everyone to give it a try at least once. Of course, your are going to need to un-clench your buttocks in order to do so.  Here are the top reasons those with clenched buttocks won't enjoy the experience.

Nudity. Yes, you are going to need to strut around in your birthday suit.  You are going to sit, buck naked next to complete strangers.  Since this is a family affair, those strangers kids might climb up into your lap and then decided to use your naked body as a water slide for the next half hour.  However, this is a worst case scenario. This does not happen often, but it might so be kind and understanding if it does.

You are also going to see children scrubbing their elders backs and friends washing each others hair.  You are going to see all kinds of people being perfectly at ease with nudity. They might even look at you a bit because, quite frankly, you look different and it's no big deal.  So strike a pose and flash a smile.  Nobody cares. Being naked ain't no thing here.

Prison Uniform.  Ok not really a prison uniform - but kind of. In order to go into the shared section of the facilities you will need to wear the provided shorts and t-shirt, "Oh my gardddd. Not matching, unflattering clothes.  NOOOOOO. I can't possibly do that in front of strangers, we would never have to do that back home."  Tell that stupid voice to scram, un-clench those buttocks. You might just like it. These days I relish my prison uniform time.  It makes me feel quit sassy and carefree.

Floor Sleeping. That's right, if you really want to maximize the relaxation you are going to curl up on the floor, put your head on a block and take a nap between saunas.  It's going to be uncomfortable the first few times because thy buttocks have been clenched (literally, not joking here) tight for so long.  Your hips are actually entirely out of alignment and it makes floors uncomfortable.  It's not the floors fault, it's those clenched buttocks.  So work on relaxing, eventually it will feel delightful.

Sleeping Next to Strangers.  "Oh, that's just not safe" your stupid butt says.  Tell your butt to stop, relax, and let go of whatever has been wedged up there for so long.  Folks will be surprisingly uninterested in your sexy self in your prison uniform.  It seems they will be too busy talking to their friends, playing with their children, and taking naps.

Crawling into an Oven.  There might be saunas that are basically human size pizza ovens that require you get down and crawl through a small tunnel into a small cavernous space where you will once again, lay on the floor with strangers in blazing heat.  Your butt will scream from it's clenched lips, "No WAY IN HELL!"  Don't listen, get down, crawl into that oven and sweat out every last drop of stress.

Strangers Scrubbing Your Naked Body. Optional, Bonus Un-clench.  "Whaattt?" Ok, don't panic.  It's optional. Not everyone is ready for this on the first try, but if you level up to this you wont be sorry. After the ladies (for women) or men (for dudes) scrub you down you will have the skin of a new born baby.  You will also learn that you are a dirty disgusting person and feel great shame.  Still worth it.

So, do you have what it takes to un-clench those buttocks?  I know it's hard.  These are all things you have judged harshly for so long, but what if you could change how you saw the world in one afternoon while getting the kind of rest you have only dreamed about?  Wouldn't it be worth it?

These are two my friends and I enjoy.

Songtan:

Name:  그랜드사우나, 031-665-7227,

Address: 경기도 평택시 지산동 579 , 

Naver Map: http://me2.do/5f9EB0oX

Anjung-eup:

Name: 천둥산레저피아, 031-682-5394,

Address: 경기도 평택시 안중읍 현화리 831 붐붐프라자 3층, 

Naver Map: http://me2.do/x6OiIjE3

Other Jjimjilbang Articles:

What to expect

Open to the Public

A warm wet wind blows in off the rice paddies, across my desk, and back out toward the dark clouds that hover over the distant mountains.  Outside my office Taylor Swift and Bigbang ring out from the flat screen TV while two boys cleaning the room have a dance party.  In twenty minutes I will teach my first class of the day, then take a rest before teaching my last class of the day.  At 4:30 I will say goodbye to my co-workers, hop on my motorcycle and go for a lazy ride home through farms and along a winding river.

This is my new life as a newly minted public school teacher after over four years of teaching at private acedemies.  It's taken a little while for me to get my sea-legs after the non-stop teaching I did before. For the first week I could barely stay awake, the start and stop pacing was not what I was used to, and it felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.  How can I possibly be paid this much money to do a quarter of the work? When is the first parent going to call the school because I wasn't sending home enough homework? However, after a week I have realized this is all really as good as it seems.  I guess having experience at something is finally paying off.

These days I teach about ten classes a week and assist with another ten, previously I planned and taught thirty-five classes each week on my own while also managing the academies teaching schedules, new teacher training, etc.  Please understand, I am not complaining about my old job. I miss my old job.  My students spoke amazing English and could write thoughtful stories.  They made me laugh and sometimes cry.  I love my former coworkers, my boss, the freedom I had to teach.

However, sometimes you have to let go of the things you love because they need someone other than you to be the best they can be.  Stepping aside gracefully is the right thing to do at a time like that.  Hopefully I succeeded.