The Boryeong Mud Festival, explained

Every July, Daecheon Beach in Boryeong fills with mud pools, slides and wrestling pits as the Boryeong Mud Festival pulls in big summer crowds, many of them foreign travelers. (tripclimate.com)

Origins of the Boryeong Mud Festival

In 1998, the Boryeong Mud Festival began as a promotional event for cosmetics made from the region's mineral-rich mud. The mud, sourced from the Boryeong mud flats, is renowned for its skin-enhancing properties, containing minerals like germanium and bentonite. (worldatlas.com) Over the years, the festival has evolved into one of South Korea's most anticipated summer events, attracting both locals and international visitors.

Festival dates and location

The 2026 Boryeong Mud Festival is scheduled from July 24 to August 9 at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do. (mudfestival.or.kr) The festival grounds are divided into various zones, each offering distinct experiences for attendees.

Activities and attractions

Mud experience zones

• General Zone: Open to all ages, this area features mud pools, slides, and wrestling pits. It's the heart of the festival.
• Family Zone: Designed for families with children, this zone offers milder mud activities suitable for younger participants.

Additional attractions

• Mud massage zone: Visitors can enjoy relaxing massages using the therapeutic Boryeong mud.
• Marine Corps mud training course: For those seeking a challenge, this course offers a military-style obstacle experience in the mud.
• Nighttime events: As the sun sets, the festival comes alive with live music performances, fireworks, and drone shows over the beach. (visit-korea-guide.tistory.com)

Ticket information

Access to the beach and general festival areas is free. However, participation in specific mud activities requires a wristband. (mudfestival.or.kr)

• General Zone:
• Monday to Thursday: ₩10,000
• Friday to Sunday: ₩14,000
• Family Zone:
• Monday to Thursday: ₩9,000
• Friday to Sunday: ₩11,000

Tickets can be purchased on-site or through the official festival website. It's advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits, as they can sell out quickly.

Getting to Boryeong

Boryeong is approximately 200 km southwest of Seoul. Here are the recommended travel options:

By express bus

• From Seoul: Buses depart from Seoul Central City Terminal to Boryeong Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and costs between ₩15,000 and ₩18,000 one way. (seoulsignal.co)
• From Boryeong Bus Terminal to Daecheon Beach: During the festival, free shuttle buses run regularly between the terminal and the beach. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately ₩10,000.

By train

• Mugunghwa Train: Depart from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Daecheon Station. The trip lasts around 2 hours and 40 minutes, with tickets priced between ₩11,000 and ₩13,000. (seoulsignal.co) From Daecheon Station, the festival grounds are a short taxi ride away.

By car

Driving from Seoul to Boryeong takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. However, during the festival, traffic can be heavy, and parking near Daecheon Beach is limited. Public transportation is recommended to avoid congestion.

Accommodation options

Given the festival's popularity, accommodations near Daecheon Beach fill up quickly. It's advisable to book at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Options range from hotels and guesthouses to pensions and camping sites. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in traditional Korean accommodations known as "hanok."

Tips for festival-goers

• What to wear: Bring old clothes or swimsuits you don't mind staining. The mud can be challenging to wash out of certain fabrics.
• Storage: Lockers are available on-site for storing valuables. However, it's best to leave non-essential items at your accommodation.
• Facilities: Rinse stations are set up throughout the festival grounds for cleaning off mud after activities.
• Health and safety: Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen, as the festival takes place during Korea's hot and humid summer months.

Beyond the mud: Exploring Boryeong

While the mud festival is the main attraction, Boryeong offers other activities:

• Daecheon Beach: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports.
• Coal Museum: Learn about Boryeong's history as a coal mining town.
• Seongjusan National Forest: Ideal for hiking and experiencing Korea's natural beauty.

For more on Korean festivals and seasonal events, check out our Seasons and Festivals section.

Before you go

The festival works as an easy day trip or a weekend from Seoul. Buy the wristband ahead for weekends, bring clothes you don't mind staining, and pair it with Daecheon Beach and the local seafood while you're there. If it's your first trip, our travel and practical tips cover the basics.