During the Boryeong Mud Festival, one of South Korea’s most popular celebrations, adventurers can immerse themselves in mineral-rich mud and South Korean culture simultaneously.
Participants in the 2008 Boryeong Mud Festival. Byoung Wook - Toughkid Kim 김병욱. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Since 1998, the Boryeong Mud Festival has drawn thousands of travelers to South Korea and won several awards. Boryeong, a South Korean city located two hours away from the capital Seoul, has come to be known for its mud. In the 1990s, Daecheon mayor Park Sang-don proposed that the mud at Daecheon Beach be sold as a cosmetic product to boost the Boryeong economy and tourism after the fall of the local coal industry.
In 1994 the Daecheon Natural Mud Massage House was created. The Boryeong Mud Festival then kicked off in 1998 as an initiative to increase tourism and sell mud cosmetic products, and Daecheon Beach’s mud has drawn travelers to Boryeong ever since. The 27th Boryeong Mud Festival will take place on July 19th, 2024 at the Mud Expo Plaza in Boryeong, South Korea.
Participants at the 2013 Boryeong Mud Festival. Jirka Matousek. CC BY 2.0
There are claims that the natural sea mud contains minerals that support skin health and healing. Mud has been used for beauty and skincare for centuries and continues to be sold by skincare companies. The mud is sourced from the coastline along Boryeong Daecheon Beach.
During the festival, travelers can relax during free mud-powder massages and lounge in the mud baths. On the mudflats, adventurous visitors can participate in mud games, including an obstacle course and mud wrestling. The festivities are not limited to mud, as visitors can also enjoy live shows performed by acrobats, dancers, singers and more during the festival.
Obstacle course at the Boryeong Mud Festival. Laurie Gauthier. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Travelers visiting Boryeong have a plethora of other activities at their fingertips. City tours can introduce visitors to the Boryeong nightlife, including beach parties filled with K-pop and EDM music. After a long night, travelers can unwind at nearby white sand beaches like Daecheon Beach and Muchangpo Beach. Outdoor enthusiasts can forest bathe at the Seongjusan Natural Recreation Forest in Charyeong Mountain Range and soak up breathtaking views from a bamboo forest on Jukdo Island.
It is recommended that travelers drawn to Boryeong for the Boryeong Mud Festival should purchase tickets here beforehand. Ticket prices range from about $6 to $10 for the Regular Zone and about $3 to $8 for the Family Zone. To prepare for the muddy experience, travelers should wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty. Whether you're seeking a unique self-care experience or thrilling mud-filled activities, the Boryeong Mud Festival offers something for everyone.
Madison Paulus
Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.