The Best Beachfront Mud Festival in the World - Boryeong, Korea

The Boryeong Mud Festival in its 17th year is an annual festival will be held from July 18 to July 28, 2014 at Daecheon Beach.  The town of Boryeong is located approximately 200 km south of Seoul, South Korea.

Unlike most mud festivals around the world this one is hosted right on the beach.  How is that possible?
The mud is taken from the nearby Boryeong mud flats, and trucked to the Daecheon beach area, where it is used as the centrepiece of the festival. The mud is considered rich in minerals and used to manufacture cosmetics. The festival was originally conceived as a marketing vehicle for Boryeong mud cosmetics.

The event has grown significantly each year, and have been celebrated by several millions.  This year, the festival has something from the most faint of heart to those up challenging themselves. Marine style training and mud challenges stir up the excitement while those who would rather relax can relax and enjoy the beneficial qualities of a good mud massage.

The Boryeong Mud Festival is somewhat misleading with its title because it is a  festival that goes way beyond playing with mud.  If you hate mud, you will still find something that you love to do.  For 2014, about 60 main events are scheduled by the officials.

There are events for all ages groups from young kids to seniors and families, and a rock festival is planned with plenty of booze to around.  The daily admission fee is about $8.

The main stage is also being moved to right on the beach from where it used to be 300 feet away. Daecheon Beach has great sands and water, and Boryeong area offers up many unique travel and sightseeing destinations as well.

Food choices are abundant for locals and foreign travelers. Some area restaurants will be converted into pizza and hamburger joints during the festival to provide dining options beyond traditional Korean dishes.

Transportation Options:

From Seoul Central City Bus Terminal, take an express bus to Boryeong (보령).
From Boryeong Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Daecheon Beach. (10min intervals)

From Yongsan Station or Yeongdeungpo Station, take a train to Daecheon Station.
From Daecheon Station, take a local bus bound for Daecheon Beach.