Last Updated on October 1, 2019
When you think of Korea, you probably don’t associate it much with Oktoberfest. Well, when you mix Korea with rowdy fighter pilots, what do you get? Pantoberfest! (named after our fighter squadron, the Pantons). So, what all does this consist of, you ask? Well, it’s not a “classy” Oktoberfest scene that you would find in Germany (yes, that is classy compared to our version here in Korea). Think obnoxious. Much, much, much more obnoxious.
This all takes place outside of our squadron’s bar on a large grassy lawn. There was classic “authentic” German food – grilled brats, potatoes, and frozen grilled soft pretzels (as good as it gets in Korea). Pizza may have secretly been delivered shortly after to avoid whatever stomachache the “authentic German food” was sure to provide.
Lawn Games
There were lawn games – beanbag toss, Stump, and destroy the car.
Beanbag Toss:
Beanbag toss was maybe the only safe and normal festivity provided for the evening. It’s downhill from there.
Stump:
Stump is a game where, like it sounds, there are about 3 feet tall stumps that each person puts a nail into. You stand around in a circle around the stump and flip a hammer, and however you catch it, you must hit someone else’s nail to try to get it into the stump, which will put them out of the game. Last nail standing is the winner! Crucial tip: wear sunglasses or eye protection! I won’t name any names, but *ahem, my husband* may have tried a little too hard and completely broke the nail which flew up and hit him in the forehead where he now has a cute little swollen bump with a nail gash.
Destroy the Car:
Those devious fighter pilots found a car that had been “abandoned” in their dorm parking lot for a while (what their definition of “a while” is is questionable – hope no one is on vacation…). So. This car. It was brought over to the Pantoberfest lawn. Spray-painted with fighter pilot shenanigans. And, destroyed. Hammers and sledgehammers were provided. Everyone had the opportunity to smash, slash, kick, hit, yell at, spit on, jump on this poor, poor car. It got flipped a few times. Doors were broken off. Windows were shattered. Tires were slashed. This car is as totaled as a car could get. Without a doubt, there were certainly a few…unintelligent is a nice word, pilots who did this in their sandals. There were definitely some bleeding feet by the end of the evening. Hope they’re all up-to-date on their tetanus shots!
Authentic Oktoberfest Attire
Dirndls for the ladies
Not all the ladies got the memo… there may have only been one other girl wearing a dirndl besides me. But then again, where do you buy a dirndl in Korea? I happened to have mine from Austria.
Lederhosen for the boys
Lederhosen for the boys (not men, not guys. Boys – this event was clear that none of them have grown up yet).
Pantoberfest was a very – interesting experience. For being a Korean fighter pilot celebration, it was frankly just fun to people-watch. From now on, though, I’ll stick with Germany’s Oktoberfest! Until next time, Catch the Drift!
Ta ta for now, drifters!
XO,
Kylie
Missed last week’s update? Check it out right here!
