Discover everything about the Boryeong Mud Festival 2025 in South Korea, including dates, activities, and travel tips for an unforgettable experience.
There is no shortage of mass festivities in South Korea at any given time, from fireflies and ice fishing to bullfighting and body painting. One of Korea’s most famous events is the Boryeong Mud Festival. This festival is famous for its mud and attracts numerous tourists from around the world. If you’re planning on going to this festival, make sure to read this article to make the most of your trip!
The Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제), 2025 in South Korea, is all about mud.
The Boryeong Mud Festival is a popular event in South Korea. The festival features bouncy castles, slides, football fields, and inflatable obstacles filled with mud. Have some fun with Gangnam Style or be smooth like Butter! You can enjoy live music and DJ performances here.
What is the Boryeong Mud Festival?
Every year, the city of Boryeong in South Chungcheong Province immerses itself in the healing properties of its natural sea mud. The organizers transfer mineral-rich mud from the Boryeong mud flats to Daecheon Beach and use it to build mud baths, mud slopes, and mud pools.
The Boryeong Mud Festival is a fun summer event that turns the quiet seaside town into a mud playground. The festival is a great place to have some fun and cool off in the ocean, thanks to the K-pop and EDM beats that create a festive atmosphere. The festival is also famous for its opening and closing ceremonies, including large music performances, fireworks, and celebrations.
A brief history of the Boryeong Mud Festival – Why is the mud festival celebrated in Korea?
The first Boryeong Mud Festival was held in 1998 to promote the benefits of the area’s natural mud. Since then, the festival has nearly tripled in size and popularity, with over 2 million people from around the world attending.
The Boryeong Mud Festival was founded to encourage makeup manufactured with the area’s mud. Boryeong mud, according to the event’s organizers, is high in minerals, including germanium and bentonite, and it emits significant quantities of far-infrared radiation, which is great for the skin. However, the beachside celebration quickly overshadowed any attention paid to the mud’s beauty benefits.
Boryeong Mud Festival 2025
Starting from July 25, 2025, and continuing for 17 days until August 10, 2025, the 28th Boryeong Mud Festival will welcome people to play with mud on Daecheon Beach.
- Date: July 25, 2025 to August 10, 2025
- Location: Mud Expo Plaza at Daecheon Beach
- Timings: From Monday to Thursday, 13:00 ~ 18:00 and from Friday to Sunday, 10:00~18:00
- Website: https://www.mudfestival.or.kr/festival/main.html
Boryeong Mud Festival Activities
The Boryeong Mud Festival is a non-stop celebration of mud, music, and mayhem, bringing together thousands of locals and international visitors each year for an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you can expect when you dive into Korea’s muddiest party:
Mud Madness: Games, Slides & Spa Fun
At the core of the festival is the Mud Zone, where the simple joy of getting dirty becomes a full-blown celebration. The area bursts with activity as festivalgoers cover themselves head to toe in thick, gray mud and dive into all kinds of creative games and challenges. One of the most popular attractions is the massive inflatable mud slide, where people of all ages line up to race down its slick surface, laughing and splashing as they go. Nearby, you’ll hear cheers from the mud wrestling pit, where spontaneous, light-hearted matches turn strangers into instant teammates or friendly rivals.
For a more relaxing experience, visitors can try the mud massage zone, where spa-like treatments meet festival fun. The mineral properties of Boryeong’s mud are said to have rejuvenating effects on the skin, so many take this chance to enjoy a therapeutic treatment while embracing the playful setting. Artistic souls, meanwhile, can get creative with colored mud, using it as paint to decorate their faces, arms, or even entire bodies with vibrant designs. Every corner of the Mud Zone invites you to interact, play, and fully immerse yourself in the festival’s signature element, not just for fun, but as a quirky take on K-beauty culture.
Live Music, Parades & Fireworks Galore
As the sun begins to set, the beach transforms into a live stage buzzing with excitement. Music echoes through the crowd as the festival shifts into party mode, with energetic performances ranging from local bands to major Korean pop stars. K-pop fans will especially love the evening shows, which often include headline acts and DJs spinning electronic, hip-hop, and R&B beats. Whether you’re dancing in the sand or simply soaking in the vibe, the concert experience adds a new layer of energy to the already dynamic atmosphere.
Beyond the music, the streets of Boryeong come alive with vibrant parades. Performers in elaborate costumes dance their way through the crowd, backed by traditional drumming, bright lights, and mobile floats decorated in festival themes. The parades blend traditional Korean culture with a modern, carnival-like flair, making them a highlight for both locals and international visitors. And just when you think the energy might start to fade, the night sky erupts in a dazzling display of fireworks. Reflected in the waves of Daecheon Beach and cheered by thousands, the show provides a spectacular finale to an unforgettable day of mud-soaked joy.
Accommodation at the Boryeong Mud Festival
Many people will come to Boryeong during the festival. If you want to stay in a hotel, you must book well in advance. Prices for hotels usually double during this time.
Many Koreans also offer rooms for rent in their homes. This is a great way to get to know the locals, and it is especially popular during the Boryeong Mud Festival.
Getting to Daecheon Beach from Seoul
The vibrant Boryeong Mud Festival is held annually at Daecheon Beach, located in Boryeong City, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Seoul. Reaching this coastal city is convenient with several transportation options to suit different travel styles.
By Train
Hop on a KTX or Mugunghwa train from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Daecheon Station, the closest rail stop to the beach. The journey typically takes about 2.5 hours. From Daecheon Station, it’s a short ride to the beach via taxi or local bus.
By Bus
You can also take an express bus from the Seoul Central City Bus Terminal to the Boryeong Bus Terminal. This route takes around 3 hours. Once in Boryeong, catch a local bus (No. 202, 203, or 555) or grab a taxi to Daecheon Beach—just 10 minutes away.
If you are just arriving in the country, you can find a direct bus on the first level of Incheon International Airport. A bus to Boryeong departs five times each day at Stop 09D. You may buy tickets at the terminal or pay directly to the driver.
By Car
Prefer flexibility? Driving from Seoul is a great option. Take the Seohaean Expressway (Expressway 15) for a scenic and direct route to Boryeong. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. You can rent a car, use ride-sharing services, or book a tailor-made tour with a private driver for a hassle-free experience.
From the Central City Bus Terminal, which operates roughly every hour, express buses depart for Boryeong from central Seoul. Regular train services from Yongsan Station and Yeongdeungpo Station to Daecheon Station are also available. You can reserve a month in advance online.
Tips for First-Time Attendees of Boryeong Mud Festival
Heading to the Boryeong Mud Festival for the first time? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this wild, muddy adventure:
- Dress for the mess: Wear old clothes you don’t mind ruining, everything will get covered in thick mud. Or, you can simply opt for quick-dry clothing or even a swimsuit under a rash guard.
- Don’t lose your footwear: Bring (or buy) water shoes or sandals that secure to your feet. Flip-flops tend to get lost in the mud pits.
- Keep your belongings secure: Only bring the essentials, a small waterproofpouch or dry bag is best. Lockers are available on-site for a small fee. Use them to store valuables like your phone, passport, and wallet. If you plan to take photos, use a waterproof phone case with a neck strap.
- Arrive early: The event draws thousands of people, especially on weekends. Get there in the morning to beat the crowds and participate in activities before it gets too busy or lines get long.
- Book your accomodation in advance: Daecheon Beach and the surrounding Boryeong area fill up quickly during the festival. Reserve hotels or guesthouses early, especialld y if you’re attending on peak days (usually the last weekend of the event).
- Sunscreen is important: Even though you’re covered in mud, the sun can still burn you and you’ll be outside most of the day. Apply waterproof sunscreen beforehand and stay hydrated.
- Try all the activities: Don’t just stick to the mud wrestling! There’s a mud slide, mud bath spa, color mud painting, mud obstacle course, and live K-pop concerts in the evening. Many events are free with general admission, while spa treatments may require an extra fee.
- Bring a change of clothes: There are shower facilities near the beach to clean off before heading home. Pack a clean set of clothes, a towel, and plastic bags for wet/muddy items.
- Don’t miss out on night events: Stick around after sunset for fireworks, DJ sets, beach parties, and live performances. The energy changes at night, it becomes more of a beach music festival vibe.
- Most important, be respectful: The mud is fun, but safety and courtesy matter — don’t shove, splash too aggressively, or hog the obstacles. Be mindful of children and families who attend during the day.
Pro-Tips
- Keep a waterproof pouch with you: Everything will get muddy! If you haven’t brought a waterproof casing, one is available for purchase at Daecheon Beach.
- Go Pro: “It’s now or never for Boryeong Mud Festival,” says a GoPro camera user.
Boryeong: Things to Do Along With The Mud Festival!
While the Boryeong Mud Festival is the city’s biggest draw, there’s much more to explore before or after getting muddy! Whether you’re into nature, local cuisine, or cultural landmarks, Boryeong offers a well-rounded coastal experience beyond the festival grounds.
Relax at Daecheon Beach (대천해수욕장)
Even outside the festival season, Daecheon Beach is a major attraction. Known for its soft shell powder sand and beautiful sunsets, it’s the largest beach on Korea’s west coast.
Unwind at the Mud Experience Center (머드체험관)
Can’t get enough mud? The Boryeong Mud Experience Center, open year-round, offers mud facials, spa treatments, and beauty products made from the famous mineral-rich Daecheon mud.
Explore Seongjusan National Forest Park (성주산자연휴양림)
Located just outside the city, this lush forest park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and peaceful picnic spots.
Visit the Coal Museum (석탄박물관)
Boryeong was once a coal mining town. The Boryeong Coal Museum offers an interactive glimpse into Korea’s industrial heritage, featuring simulated mines and historical exhibits.
Feast on Boryeong’s Local Seafood
Boryeong is a seafood lover’s paradise. After the Mud Festival, reward yourself with fresh catches from the West Sea.
Ending Note
Although it started as a way to market Boryeong mud, the Boryeong Mud Festival has become one of Korea’s most beloved summertime events. The festival is now an opportunity for people to come together, relax, and have some good old-fashioned fun. The Boryeong Mud Festival should be on your list if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience!
Related Posts
17,205 total views, 33 views today
