Boryeong Mud Festival

Korea's Summer Festival of Mud and Smiles

2026/07/10 - 2026/07/19

Every July, the quiet port city of Boryeong on Korea's west coast transforms into a lively stage for the Boryeong Mud Festival, a grand celebration filled with mud and laughter. For two weeks, Daecheon Beach becomes a giant mud playground where local youth, families, and travelers from around the world get covered in mud and have a blast. Whether you want to play with full adrenaline, are interested in wellness and beauty, or just want to let loose, this is a summer experience you can only have here.

The sensation of mineral-rich mud spreading smoothly underfoot, the sounds of K-pop and laughter blending with the waves, and people applying mud to their sun-kissed skin. The scent of sea breeze and roasted food, the aroma of street food stalls, and the pure spirit of playfulness fill the air-Boryeong's summer is a feast for all the senses.

Main Attractions

Mud Wrestling, Mud Slides, and Mud Obstacle Races

The heart of the festival is the special "Mud Zone" at Daecheon Beach. Mud wrestling, giant slides, and muddy obstacle races get everyone covered in mud! The exhilarating feeling of plunging headfirst into cool, smooth mud and the shared laughter create the best sense of unity. Team competitions are lively, but the biggest reward is the muddy smiles.

Mud Painting, Mud Prison, and Mud Spa Experiences

For the artistic and relaxed, there is full-body mud painting and the unique experience of entering a "mud prison" with friends. Mud packs and massages using Boryeong's famous mud are also very popular. Soaking in a mud spa by the sea refreshes both mind and skin!

Beach Concerts, Fireworks, and Night Parties

From dusk, the beach heats up even more! K-pop live shows, DJ events, and night parties keep the energy high, culminating in a grand fireworks display over the sea. Dancing covered in mud and looking up at the night sky is a unique exhilaration found only here.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Boryeong Mud Festival began in 1998 to promote cosmetics made from Boryeong's mineral-rich mud and to revitalize the local area. At that time, Daecheon Beach had a poor image due to water quality and mud, tourism was declining, and the closure of coal mines caused a severe economic crisis. Local governments and companies collaborated to develop cosmetics utilizing the mud's beauty benefits and planned a hands-on event to "play with mud," which became the festival's origin.

Initially a small, four-day local event, the festival quickly grew in popularity with unique programs like mud packs, mud wrestling, and mud slides, attracting young people, tourists, and even US military personnel stationed in Korea. By 2007, attendance surpassed 2.2 million, and it has since developed into one of Asia's premier summer festivals, drawing over one million visitors annually.

Economically, the festival has significantly boosted tourism revenue for hotels, restaurants, and shops, generating about 50 million dollars annually. It is a source of pride and employment for local residents and has rapidly gained international recognition. The festival symbolizes Korea's playful spirit, hospitality culture, and the effective use of natural resources.

In recent years, the festival has also focused on environmental protection and sustainable tourism, promoting recycling, biodegradable materials, and reducing environmental impact. Beyond "mud play," it continues to evolve as a festival embodying modern Korean culture, regional revitalization, global exchange, and wellness trends.

Participant Voices

"I came with friends from Seoul and ended up mud wrestling with people from five different countries. We laughed so hard we could barely stand. The mud was cool and silky, and I left with the softest skin of my life!"

Fun Facts

About 200 tons of mud are transported annually from Boryeong's tidal flats for the festival.
There are "Mud King" and "Mud Queen" contests, awarding the muddiest participants.
The venue is equipped with showers and changing rooms, allowing comfortable refreshment after getting muddy.

Festival Dates

The Boryeong Mud Festival is held every July at Daecheon Beach in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. Come ready to get covered in mud, make summer memories, and meet new friends!