My Indigo Dyeing Summer Camp: A Summer of Blues and Greens

By Dhivyaa S. P.

Usually, I do a volunteer camp during summer vacation. Only one. But this time, maybe because of the built-up stress and lack of outdoor activities for more than four months, I thought, “Why don’t I sign up for a couple more volunteering camps?”

And that’s how I found myself in Naju, learning the art of natural indigo dyeing.

Day 1: The camp began with an introduction to the program and a thoughtfully prepared welcome kit consisting of two T-shirts, a long pair of pants, a sun hat, arm sleeves, boots, and all the essentials we’d need for our days in the field. After signing the personal forms, the excitement slowly settled in; the adventure had begun!

Day 2: After an early breakfast, we headed straight to the indigo fields. We harvested the fresh leaves, splitting them into two batches. One went into large vessels with water to ferment for a couple of days, while the other half was pounded with ice into a fine paste. From this, we extracted pure indigo water. The real magic happened when we dyed white silk shawls. Dipping them into the liquid, we watched as the fabric transformed from pale green to stunning shades of blue upon oxidation. After washing the shawls nearly a dozen times, we left them to dry under the afternoon sun. The rest of the day was reserved for self-exploration and laughter over evening games.

Day 3: The chilly morning called us to the fields early. After another harvest and a hearty breakfast, we explored a small dyeing museum showcasing beautifully crafted indigo pieces. In the afternoon, we joined a fun rubber stamp- making session using indigo leaves, followed by T-shirt dyeing. Later, a few of us wandered through the quiet village streets, swapping stories about our home countries and lighting sparklers as the night set in. One of those simple, perfect summer moments.

Day 4: The morning introduced us to a different dyeing technique using persimmon extract. The smell was pungent, and I tried my best not to gag while working alongside cheerful grandmas dyeing a blanket. Afterward, we learned how to make kimbap from the elders, finally unlocking the secret: extra-sticky rice. Post-lunch, we returned to the vessels to stir the fermented indigo mixture, a task that was as exhausting as it was rewarding. The day ended with crafting dolls for a local dog shelter while sharing random conversations and endless giggles.

Day 5: A day before we say our goodbyes. We explored Naju’s historic treasures with a tour guide, starting at Geumseong Hall and Naju Moksanaea, now open as a traditional hanok guesthouse. For lunch, we savored Naju’s famous beef bone soup; then we visited a quaint café known for traditional Korean snacks, from mugwort rice cakes to oranda puffed treats. (For more on this, see D’s Café Column in this issue!) The evening was filled with heartfelt letters exchanged between camp members. A beautiful reminder of the friendships forged.

Day 6: After breakfast, we packed up and bid farewell to our temporary home, carrying with us the scent of indigo, the warmth of new bonds, and the peacefulness of Naju’s countryside.

Interview

After spending six days learning the art of natural indigo dyeing, I sat down with the program organizers to talk about their vision, the experience, and what makes this place so special.

—

This wasn’t just a volunteer camp. It was a week of learning, connection, and rediscovery where simple acts like pounding leaves, sharing meals, and swapping stories stitched together an unforgettable summer.