Abundance Go's: Boryeong Mud Festival

Located South of Seoul and on the Daecheon beach in Boryeong city, is a thing called the Boryeong Mud Festival. Yes in my four years living in Korea, I have never been to it. But if you talk to most veteran expats you will hear them tell you how you must go to this event at least once. That is why I will showcase to you glimpses into what previous festivals were like, and if possible get you enticed to go to this years upcoming event in July.

1. Annie Around the World: I like how she sums it up in one sentence, "But a bunch of mud + the beach + summer + cheap alcohol + no open container laws = one out-of-hand party" It is originally promoted as a place to get a dollop of healing mud put on you, but the reality is that the place is a party zone. But that's great, isn't it?

2. Lee's Korea Blog: Can you believe that it has been about 15 years since the first festival. So it has likely evolved and expanded over the years, right? Here is a post from a festival goer that happened in 2008. As you read you start to notice that the festival added more attractions like a "mud prison." I can't imagine all the stuff that is going to be there at the next festival. At least they got away with some unique mud soap...

3. Elyse Marie: For the most part the festival is the place to be to capture exciting imagery. A lot has been said over the years about Korean media heading down there to get photos of foreigners behaving bad. But generally people covered in mud is definitely photogenic. I didn't know it but I guess you can paint yourself in different color muds.  (Photo from her blog..)

4. Long Time Gone: Maybe you want to know if Boryeong is a destination to go to when no such event is happening. Well take a look here and find out for yourself.

If you still don't get the point of the festival than go back and look at these posts. It is all good ...not clean...fun!

Abundance Buzz: Christmas in Korea

For some they go home and share presents in person, but for must of us Christmas is another holiday spent in Korea. It is a good time to meet up with new and old friends and celebrate. Also it can be a great way to observe how Korean people enjoy this time of year. For sure, things like the Christmas tree and lights have taken over this country more and more. Here for you are a selection of Kbloggers who have had good times this holiday season.

1. 유♥웃: Here you can see what Christmas time is like at the charming Lotte World.  You can see she had a lot of fun.

2. CocoinKorea: Like I said, it is a good time to gather with friends. A lot of people host a party at their house and share in good eats. Here she did such a thing and it looked like a lot of fun.

3. Paul Ajosshi: Ever pass by the Paris Baguette and see a table full of cakes? Well those are the famous Christmas Cakes of Korea. Here Paul gives us a cake that is likely far better than the ones sold on the street.

4. ZenKimchi: But maybe you are still curious about the standard Korean Christmas Cakes. Well take a look at last year's fare all lined up.

5. Wonju Wife: A little something here for you to ponder and well laugh at. It is a guest post by Roboseyo and one that will get you thinking about Santa.

Seriously, though the thought of buying a cake specifically for Christmas is not something I recall doing when I was young. However, sometimes they can be so cute, you can't resist! What do you have planned for this special time of the year? I hope you have time off and get to rest before camps come. (I know I will!)

Abundance Buzz: Halloween Fun

Even though this holiday has passed I think some folks are still looking back at the good times they had. Or maybe thinking just how much candy they gave out to their students. Since living in Korea for 3 years now I can definitely say this holiday has picked up steam here. On the academic side schools tend to have some kind of event for their students. And on the "free time" side many bars and clubs host events for people to take part in. Costumes, both in the kid and adult department, have come along way too.

I for one don't really do something special for this holiday, but have seen other people do it. I thought I would share with you guys what happens in Korea around this time of year.

1. Annie Around the World: In this post you can see how during the day one gives Korean children a dose of what this holiday is about, and at night how one celebrates. Some cute costumes!

2. Stupid Ugly Foreigner: Here he hits the point that holidays abroad aren't really the same as they are back home. But you try to make the most of it. You get to hear about how he developed into a Zombie and spent the night away as such.


3. Elyse Marie: Another fun mix of work and play in this post. It makes you wonder how this holiday will develop in years to come.

4. Kiwi Wonju: Just a nice post here about how work is affected by Halloween, drawn up in 2008. Maybe looking at this post and then comparing it to earlier ones you can see some changes. For sure many schools like teachers to decorate the rooms for the festivities.

How was your Halloween this year? Anything special happen at work or outside of it?

Abundance Go's: Summer Destinations

If you are like me and a teacher here in Korea, than you are bound to have some time off during the summer. Either it be a week or a month you know you want to get away from your area and see someplace new. For some people going back home and relaxing in these comforts is their destination. For other's they seek out new places in Korea or go beyond the border. Today we will explore places other folks have been to during their summer vacation and see just how endless the possibilities are.

1. Coco Busan: In this ticklish title called, "Time Travel on Route 97: Jeju" you can tell you are in for a treat. Exploring new possibilities on your vacation is a great idea to enjoy your time off. When you are somewhere new it is often a good idea to take the advice of someone and go in a different direction. In her post you can see just a few wonders of her trip.

2. Xweing away in Korea: Sometimes for a few of us just hitting the beaches isn't enough. When you are traveling it also a good idea to get in some of the cultural sites to see. Here she took a trip to Gyeongju where you can definitely see some great historical artifacts.

3. Kiwi Wonju Blogger: He took a trip to Japan where he made a hike on Mt. Fuji. A part of his series while in Japan last year you can see some great photos and read even better stories.

4. The Harrington Times: Maybe getting out and exploring South Asia is one of the better options. Either you go in the winter to warm up or go in the summer to just enjoy the beaches. Here on their post they show some eats and highlights from their visit to Chiang Mai.

Wherever you are going on your summer vacation this year I wish you safe travels and a fun time.

Love Guru: Dating in Korea

Valentine's day for many is that time of the year where you celebrate your love, or lack there of. In Korea there is Valentine's day and then White day. But don't we all know this? What I think most of us don't know is what it is like to date a Korean guy. For many expat women in Korea you find yourself in the position of wanting to try dating Korean men. Yet if you have never dated outside your culture diving into this kind of love life can feel daunting. Thankfully, we have Dating in Korea to show us what it is like to be on the Korean dating scene.

What started off about her adventures dating a few guys has turned into a site where you can find tips and social commentary. For example, one of the major issues surrounding dating Korean men is the mind games they play. Dating in Korea says:

See. I have a big issue with drawing conclusions based on how guys are acting. Because I hate mind games and I hate guessing. So, usually I try to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. It’s very possible he is just busy this week.

It's fun to read her blog because she gives the guys she dates code names, such as "Sunglasses", "Ramen" and "Hot Guy." But her blog isn't for the faint of heart. When it comes to sex and things in those realms she writes explicitly and honestly. There is nothing wrong with this, but I do find myself blushing when reading it.

This Valentine's Day if you are looking for hot stories about love then go no further than Dating in Korea, she's got what you're looking for. ;)