Discovering the Hidden Gem of Muuido Island
As I hopped on the train from Gongdeok Station, my mind was buzzing with excitement for the weekend adventure that lay ahead. My friends and I were heading to Muuido Island, a hidden gem on the western coast of the Korean peninsula.
The journey there was an experience in itself. After a quick transfer at Incheon International Airport, we boarded a bus that took us straight to the ferry dock. As we approached the harbor, I couldn’t help but notice the menacing seagulls that hovered above, eyeing the unsuspecting passengers and their shrimp-flavored potato chip snacks.
Once we reached the island, a kind gentleman quickly ushered us onto his bus, seemingly aware of our destination. We paid the admission and tent fees, then set out to find the perfect spot to set up camp. The beach, known as Hanaggae, was bustling with international visitors, many of whom had already claimed the tiny beach shacks near the shore. But we opted to join the mostly Korean camping area, set back a bit further from the coastline.
As I learned from Mimsie’s account, the locals take their camping quite seriously here. I was once again impressed by the professional-grade equipment, cooking rigs, and expertly set-up tents that dotted the area. After a quick survey, we found the perfect spot and claimed it as our own.
Feasting on Bajirak Kalguksu and Marveling at the Tides
With our campsite secured, it was time to satisfy our growling stomachs. We wandered over to an unassuming restaurant and wasted no time ordering a gargantuan bowl of bajirak kalguksu – a salty soup of fresh clams and knife-cut noodles. As we slurped up spoonful after spoonful of the steamy goodness, we watched the fog roll in from the sea. Fortunately, it cleared out by the time our bellies were full.
After our delicious meal, we decided to stick around Hanaggae Beach, as it seemed to be the main attraction on Muuido. We opted out of the zipline and horse rides, instead grabbing a few beers from the beach’s convenience store, which sold everything from hiking gear to fireworks to the quintessential Korean camping snack – cup noodles.
We claimed our spot on the shoreline and threw back a few brews, watching nearby families build sandcastles and a group of Spaniards kick around a soccer ball. As the sun began to set, the tide started to go out, and we knew we were in for a show.
As Mimsie had described, the tide on Muuido goes out so quickly and so far that visitors can walk out a good twenty minutes before reaching the waterline again. We watched in awe as the sky turned shades of purple and blue, reflecting on the barely-there sea, making us feel like we were walking on clouds.
Bioluminescent Algae and Fireworks Under the Stars
As we made our way back to the shore, each step we took on the silky mud illuminated the bioluminescent algae that inhabit the island’s unique mud flats. Enchanted by the neon glow sparking from under our feet, we couldn’t resist dancing on the shoreline. Soon, others joined us, marveling at the natural wonder.
As the skies grew darker, the nearby families set off fireworks and cooked thick slices of samgyeopsal on portable grills. We even witnessed a family releasing a number of lanterns into the sky, which floated above us until they disappeared over the mountains.
Buzzed on cheap beer and the salty sea air, we turned in early for the night, lulled to sleep by the sound of a grandfather rattling off stories about the good old days to his attentive family members.
Gathering Clams and Avoiding Slugs on the Mud Flats
In the morning, we took a final walk out on the mud flats, watching adults and children alike gather in groups to dig up the island’s famous clams. From the looks of things, they were doing well, as some families were hauling full buckets of the shellfish back to the beach.
As for me, I was more concerned with avoiding the giant slugs, snails, and tiny crabs that were so abundant, it was impossible not to step on them. We packed up our things, looking only slightly less experienced than the seasoned pros that surrounded us, and headed back to the capital, feeling far more refreshed than when we first arrived.
Thanks to Muuido’s famous healing mud, the tasty seafood, and the culminating beauty of the Korean coastline, our weekend getaway was a resounding success. Little did we know, our adventure on Muuido was just the beginning of our exploration of the wonders that South Korea has to offer.
Marvel at the Naksan Sand Sculpture Festival
As we settled back into the hustle and bustle of Seoul, a new adventure caught our eye – the Naksan Sand Sculpture Festival. Located in the coastal town of Yangyang-gun, this annual event showcases the incredible artistry and creativity of sand sculptors from around the world.
We couldn’t wait to experience it for ourselves, so we booked our stay at Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, which was conveniently located just a short drive from the festival grounds. As we made our way to Naksan Beach, the anticipation grew with every mile.
Arriving at the Naksan Sand Sculpture Festival
When we finally arrived at the festival, we were immediately in awe. The beach was transformed into a captivating outdoor art gallery, with intricate sand sculptures dotting the landscape. From towering mythical creatures to delicate floral designs, each piece seemed to defy the very laws of physics.
We wandered through the exhibits, marveling at the sheer skill and attention to detail displayed by the talented sculptors. As we scrolled through Yantastic’s Instagram, we gained a deeper appreciation for the meticulous process involved in creating these masterpieces.
The Art of Sand Sculpting
The Naksan Sand Sculpture Festival is a true celebration of the art of sand sculpting. The sculptors, hailing from all corners of the globe, spend countless hours carefully shaping and molding the sand into their visions.
Using only their hands, simple tools, and a keen eye for detail, they transform the humble grains into breathtaking works of art. From the initial sketches to the final touches, each step of the process requires immense skill and creative vision.
Immersing Ourselves in the Festival Experience
As we wandered through the exhibits, we couldn’t resist the urge to try our hand at sand sculpting. We quickly grabbed a spot on the beach and got to work, sculpting our own miniature creations. It was harder than it looked, but the sense of accomplishment we felt when we stepped back to admire our handiwork was priceless.
Beyond the sand sculptures, the festival offered a wealth of other activities and experiences. We indulged in delicious local cuisine, listened to live music, and even participated in a sand sculpting workshop led by one of the festival’s expert sculptors.
The Ephemeral Nature of Sand Sculptures
One of the most captivating aspects of the Naksan Sand Sculpture Festival was the ephemeral nature of the art form. We knew that these magnificent creations, crafted with such meticulous care, were ultimately at the mercy of the tides and the elements.
As the waves crashed against the shore and the wind whipped across the beach, we witnessed the gradual erosion of the sculptures. It was a bittersweet experience, watching these temporary masterpieces slowly disappear before our eyes.
Leaving with Lasting Memories
As the sun began to set on our day at the Naksan Sand Sculpture Festival, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible artistry we had witnessed. Despite the temporary nature of the sculptures, the memories we had made would last a lifetime.
We left the festival with a newfound respect for the art of sand sculpting and a deep appreciation for the creativity and skill of the artists who had brought this breathtaking event to life. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and one that we couldn’t wait to share with our friends and family back home.
So, if you find yourself in South Korea, be sure to make the trip to the Naksan Sand Sculpture Festival. Marvel at the impressive creations, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, and let the magic of this unique art form captivate your senses. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
