The Ultimate Guide to the Boryeong Mud Festival! Schedule, Location, Admission, How to Get There from Seoul, and Top Things to Do
Every summer, countless festivals take place across South Korea. Among them, if you had to choose just one world-famous summer festival, it would undoubtedly be the Boryeong Mud Festival.
Many people assume the Boryeong Mud Festival is simply an event where people play with mud, but it is actually a massive hands-on beach festival where you can enjoy mud slides, mud wrestling, water parks, K-POP performances, night parties, and fireworks all in one place.
Every year, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of international visitors, making it one of the must-visit experiences for travelers exploring South Korea.
What Is the Boryeong Mud Festival?
The Boryeong Mud Festival is South Korea’s largest summer festival, held at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do.
Since its launch in 1998, the festival has promoted Boryeong’s natural mud, which is known for its skincare benefits. Today, it has grown into a global festival that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Boryeong mud is rich in minerals and is known for its smooth texture and excellent skin adhesion. It is even used as an ingredient in skincare products. During the festival, visitors can cover themselves in mud while enjoying a wide variety of games and activities, creating unforgettable memories.
Festival Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Daecheon Beach, Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do |
| Festival Season | Late July to Early August |
| Duration | Approximately 2 Weeks |
| Admission | Online Reservation or On-site Purchase |
| Recommended For | Families, Friends, Couples, Solo Travelers, International Visitors |
Festival Location
The festival takes place at the Central Festival Area of Daecheon Beach.
Daecheon Beach is famous for its long sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and clean seawater, making it one of South Korea’s most popular summer beaches.
After enjoying the mud activities, visitors can swim in the ocean or explore nearby cafés and seafood restaurants.
Festival Schedule & Operating Hours
The Boryeong Mud Festival is usually held for about two weeks from late July through early August.
On weekdays, many programs begin in the afternoon, while weekends offer a full schedule of activities starting in the morning.
On selected days, the festival stays open into the evening, featuring K-POP concerts, EDM parties, drone shows, and spectacular fireworks.
Operating Hours
- Weekdays: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Night Events: Until 9:30 PM
- Last Admission: Approximately 30 minutes before closing
Admission Fees
| Category | Weekdays | Weekends |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Approximately KRW 12,000 | Approximately KRW 16,000 |
| Teenagers | Approximately KRW 11,000 | Approximately KRW 14,000 |
| Children | Separate Pricing Applies | Separate Pricing Applies |
Booking online in advance is recommended for faster entry, especially on weekends.
How to Get to the Boryeong Mud Festival from Seoul
Since most international travelers depart from Seoul, it is helpful to plan your transportation in advance.
① KTX + Intercity Bus (Fastest Option)
Seoul Station
↓
(KTX — About 40 minutes)
↓
Cheonan-Asan Station
↓
(Intercity Bus — About 1 hour 30 minutes)
↓
Boryeong Intercity Bus Terminal
↓
(Taxi — About 10 minutes)
↓
Boryeong Mud Festival
Travel Time: About 2.5–3 hours
Estimated Cost
- KTX: Approximately KRW 13,000–16,000
- Intercity Bus: Approximately KRW 9,000–12,000
- Taxi: Approximately KRW 6,000–8,000
Total Estimated Cost: Approximately KRW 28,000–36,000
② ITX or Mugunghwa Train
Yongsan Station
↓
(About 3 hours)
↓
Daecheon Station
↓
(Taxi — 10 minutes)
↓
Boryeong Mud Festival
Estimated Cost: Approximately KRW 18,000–26,000
③ Express Bus
Seoul Central City Bus Terminal
↓
(About 2.5 hours)
↓
Boryeong Intercity Bus Terminal
↓
(Taxi — 10 minutes)
↓
Boryeong Mud Festival
Estimated Cost: Approximately KRW 22,000–28,000
④ By Car
Seoul
↓
Seohaean Expressway
↓
Daecheon IC
↓
Boryeong Mud Festival
Travel Time: About 2.5–3 hours
Estimated Cost
- Toll Fees: Approximately KRW 14,000
- Fuel (Round Trip): Approximately KRW 50,000–70,000
Traffic can be heavy on weekends, so it is recommended to leave early in the morning.
Must-Try Activities at the Boryeong Mud Festival
Mud Slide
The festival’s signature attraction is a giant mud slide that delivers an exciting ride down a slippery slope.
Mud Wrestling
Challenge your friends or family to a fun wrestling match on a slippery mud arena.
Mud Obstacle Course
Take on a variety of obstacles including jumps, tunnels, ropes, and more.
Mud Massage
Relax while applying mineral-rich mud to your body for a refreshing skincare experience.
Kids Zone
A separate, safe mud play area is available for children.
Water Zone
Cool off at refreshing water attractions designed to beat the summer heat.
Mud Mob
Join one of the festival’s most popular events, where everyone throws mud together while dancing to lively music.
Night Performances & Special Events
The Boryeong Mud Festival becomes even more exciting after sunset.
As the evening begins, the beach comes alive with a variety of performances and entertainment.
- K-POP Concerts
- EDM DJ Parties
- Live Performances
- Drone Light Shows
- Fireworks
- Beach Busking Performances
The performances set against the beautiful summer beach are among the festival’s biggest highlights and one of the main reasons visitors from around the world look forward to the event every year.
Must-Try Foods at the Festival
Boryeong is famous as one of the West Coast’s leading seafood destinations. After enjoying the Mud Festival, one of the best parts of the trip is tasting fresh seafood and local specialties around Daecheon Beach.
🦪 Grilled Shellfish
One of Boryeong’s signature dishes, featuring fresh scallops, pen shells, and white clams grilled over charcoal. Enjoying grilled shellfish while overlooking the sea is considered a must-do experience when visiting Boryeong.
🍜 Seafood Kalguksu
This hearty noodle soup, filled with fresh seafood in a rich and refreshing broth, is the perfect meal to satisfy your appetite after a fun day of mud activities.
🦀 Blue Crab Dishes
Blue crab soup and steamed blue crab are among Boryeong’s most popular local specialties. Fresh blue crab offers a rich and naturally savory flavor that seafood lovers should not miss.
🦐 Grilled Shrimp and King Prawns
Fresh shrimp grilled over charcoal are especially popular with families and group travelers.
🐟 Sashimi and Seafood Platters
Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood such as olive flounder, rockfish, abalone, and sea squirt at reasonable prices, making it an excellent choice for dinner.
🍗 Street Food
Food trucks and the festival night market offer a wide selection of snacks, including Korean fried chicken, hot dogs, tteokbokki, ice cream, and refreshing drinks.
What to Bring
To enjoy the Boryeong Mud Festival more comfortably, it is a good idea to prepare the following items in advance.
- ✅ Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing
- ✅ A change of clothes
- ✅ Towel
- ✅ Aqua shoes or sandals
- ✅ Waterproof phone pouch
- ✅ Sunscreen
- ✅ Hat
- ✅ Sunglasses
- ✅ Portable power bank
- ✅ Plastic bag (for wet clothes)
Festival Facilities
The festival provides a variety of facilities to ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.
- Shower rooms
- Changing rooms
- Lockers
- Food trucks
- Convenience store
- Rest areas
- First aid center
- Tourist information center
- Family lounge and stroller area
- Restrooms
You can shower immediately after the mud activities, making it easy to enjoy the festival comfortably throughout the day.
Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
🏖️ 1. Daecheon Beach (1-minute walk)
This is both the festival venue and Boryeong’s most famous tourist destination.
Known for its wide sandy beach and beautiful sunsets, it is a perfect place to enjoy swimming or take a relaxing walk after the mud activities.
Recommended visit: 1–2 hours
🚲 2. Daecheon Seaside Sky Bike (About 5 minutes by car)
Ride a rail bike above the coastline while enjoying breathtaking views of the West Sea.
It is especially popular with couples and families.
Recommended visit: About 40 minutes
🌺 3. Sanghwawon (About 15 minutes by car)
A beautiful traditional Korean garden built along the coastline.
Traditional pavilions, scenic walking paths, and seasonal flowers create a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
Recommended visit: 1–2 hours
🌳 4. Gaehwa Art Park (About 20 minutes by car)
A cultural complex featuring a sculpture park, herb garden, art museum, and more.
It is also a popular photo spot for capturing memorable travel moments.
Recommended visit: About 2 hours
🌊 5. Boryeong Undersea Tunnel (About 25 minutes by car)
One of Korea’s longest undersea tunnels, connecting Boryeong and Wonsando Island.
It is a popular scenic driving route with beautiful coastal views beyond the tunnel.
🏝️ 6. Wonsando Island (About 30 minutes by car)
A peaceful island where visitors can enjoy quiet beaches and fresh seafood.
Although it can be visited as a day trip, staying overnight allows for a much more relaxing experience.
Recommended One-Day Itinerary
09:00 Depart from Seoul
⬇️
11:40 Arrive in Boryeong
⬇️
12:00 Lunch (Grilled Shellfish or Seafood Kalguksu)
⬇️
13:30 Enjoy the Boryeong Mud Festival
⬇️
17:00 Shower and Relax
⬇️
18:00 Walk Along Daecheon Beach
⬇️
19:00 Watch the K-POP Concert or EDM Party
⬇️
20:30 Fireworks (On Scheduled Dates)
⬇️
22:00 Check into Your Accommodation or Return to Seoul
Tips for Enjoying the Boryeong Mud Festival
- Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
- Visit the most popular attractions as soon as you enter the festival.
- Bringing your own waterproof phone pouch is highly recommended.
- Be sure to pack a change of clothes.
- Booking accommodation at least one month in advance provides more options.
- Reapply sunscreen regularly, as the summer sun can be very strong.
- If you plan to watch the evening performances, consider staying until nighttime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can foreigners participate?
Yes. The Boryeong Mud Festival is an international event enjoyed by visitors from all over the world, and everyone is welcome to participate.
Q2. Do I have to wear a swimsuit?
No, but wearing a swimsuit or quick-drying clothing is strongly recommended for the mud activities.
Q3. Are shower facilities available?
Yes. Shower rooms and changing rooms are available inside the festival grounds.
Q4. Can children participate?
Yes. The festival includes a dedicated kids’ zone and family-friendly activity areas.
Q5. Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, but tickets may sell out on weekends, so online advance booking is recommended.
Q6. Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes. Most ticket booths, restaurants, and food trucks accept credit card payments.
Q7. How can I protect my phone?
Using a waterproof phone pouch is the safest option, and they are also available for purchase near the festival venue.
Q8. When is the best time to visit?
For mud activities, weekday mornings or early afternoons are recommended. For concerts and performances, Friday and weekend evenings are the best choices.
Q9. Is the mud safe for the skin?
Boryeong mud is a natural mud that is also used in skincare products. However, visitors with sensitive skin or open wounds should exercise caution.
Q10. Is a one-day trip enough?
Yes. A day trip from Seoul is entirely possible, but a two-day trip is recommended if you also want to explore nearby attractions.
Boryeong Mud Festival Summary
The Boryeong Mud Festival is much more than a simple mud event—it is Korea’s premier global summer festival.
From refreshing beaches and exciting mud activities to the lively atmosphere shared by travelers from around the world, spectacular K-POP performances, fireworks, and fresh West Coast seafood, the festival offers an unforgettable travel experience all in one destination.
Located only about three hours from Seoul, it is ideal for a day trip. However, spending one night allows visitors to explore additional attractions such as Daecheon Beach, Wonsando Island, Sanghwawon, and Gaehwa Art Park at a more relaxed pace.
Signature experiences such as the Mud Slide, Mud Wrestling, Water Zone, and evening performances make the festival enjoyable for families, friends, and couples alike.
If you are planning a special summer getaway, consider adding the Boryeong Mud Festival to your itinerary. Booking your tickets and accommodation in advance will help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
