That's My DJ

Seoul held it's 4th annual World DJ Festival this weekend. The festival kicked off at 2pm on Saturday and went all the way until 6am Sunday morning. There were different DJs and MCs from all over spinning different kinds of music such as rock, hip-hop, and house. Oh yes, there was house. Not exactly my favorite kind of music, but after enough time the beats all blend together and your feet just can't help but to move. There were four stages each playing different music simultaneously. I made my way back and forth to all of them and even squeezed my way through the crowd to the very front row for a bit.

I was surprised at the amount of people who came out for the event. There must have been hundreds (maybe a thousand?) of people spread out over a few acres of land right along the Han River. There were so many different types of people; punk rockers, goth kids, hippies, preppies, teenagers, middle-agers, Koreans, expats, you name it, they were there. People watching was part of the fun of the festival. You would be surprised at how big Doc Martins (yes, the same ones we begged our moms for in 7th grade) still are here. Not sure if it had anything to do with their huge promotional tent at the fest, but I'm thinking perhaps. Despite the differences, we all had something in common; music. Everyone came to hear the music and enjoy a night of partying and dancing.

For a few thousand won, you could down some cold Miller beers or stand by the Jager tent and sip Jager/energy drinks all night. Food was served in the form of a stick; fish cakes and sausages were devoured by hungry, energy seeking people. Glow sticks were everywhere to be found, as well as dance circles. Face painting/make-up was done by our friends and MAC make-up artists, Jin-he and Mini. Blankets and tarps were spread out all over the ground by those who arrived early and claimed their space. A reggae drumming circle came through the festival around 1am complete with a parade, flags, and lit up drums. And there were cameras. Oh man, were there cameras. People were desperately trying to capture every moment on film as if to prove that 'yes, it really happened'.

Koreans generally love to party until dawn and that's just what they did (minus the occasional person passed out on their tarp). We left the fest before sunrise, but there were plenty of people still jumping up and down rocking to the music as we made our way out. I survived with sore feet, aching throat, and pounding head, but it was worth it.

Sean and I before the DJ Fest

DJ Fest poster

some of the group

reggae drummer

Sean, me and Sam

Sam and I breakin it down

the main stage

Namaste