Boryeong Mud Festival from Seoul: How to Get There and What to Bring

Short answer: The Boryeong Mud Festival takes place every summer at Daecheon Beach on Korea's west coast, about two to three hours from Seoul. The easiest ways to get there are an express bus from Seoul's Central City Terminal to Boryeong, or a train on the Janghang Line from Yongsan to Daecheon Station, followed by a short local bus or taxi ride to the beach. Bring clothes you are happy to ruin, swimwear, a waterproof phone pouch, sandals, sunscreen and a change of clothes. The 2026 festival ran from July 24 to August 9. Dates change every year, so check the official site (mudfestival.or.kr) before planning.

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What is the Boryeong Mud Festival?

Boryeong is known for mineral-rich mud from its tidal flats, which is used in local cosmetics. The festival started as a way to promote that mud and has grown into one of Korea's best-known summer events, popular with both Korean and international visitors. The main area is the Mud Expo zone next to Daecheon Beach. Expect mud pools, mud slides, mud wrestling, obstacle courses, colored mud body painting, and evening concerts and shows. Some activities in the main experience zone need a paid ticket, while walking around the beach and watching many of the events is free. Ticket types and prices are announced each year on the official site.

How to get from Seoul to Boryeong (Daecheon Beach)

Option 1: Express bus from Central City Terminal

Express buses to Boryeong leave from Seoul Express Bus Terminal / Central City Terminal (Express Bus Terminal station, subway lines 3, 7 and 9). The ride usually takes a little over two hours, depending on traffic. Buses arrive at Boryeong Bus Terminal in the town centre, not at the beach. From there, take a local bus or a taxi to Daecheon Beach, which takes roughly half an hour by bus. On festival weekends, buy your bus ticket in advance and expect slower traffic.

New to long-distance buses in Korea? Our guide to Seoul express bus terminals and booking explains how ticket apps, seat classes and terminals work.

Option 2: Train from Yongsan to Daecheon Station

Trains on the Janghang Line leave from Yongsan Station and stop at Daecheon Station in Boryeong. The trip takes around two and a half hours or more, depending on the train type. Book on the Korail website or app. From Daecheon Station, local buses and taxis run to the beach in about 10–15 minutes. During the festival, there are often extra shuttles from the station, but check the official festival site for that year's details.

Option 3: Organised shuttle or tour

Every year some travel companies and hostels run festival shuttle packages from central Seoul (for example from Hongdae or Gangnam). These save you from changing buses and can be good value if you go with friends. Compare what is included (round-trip transport only, or entry tickets as well) and the return time before you book.

Train or bus: which is better?

The train is more predictable because it avoids road traffic, and Daecheon Station is closer to the beach. The bus has more departures and can be faster on weekdays. On busy festival weekends, the train is usually the less stressful choice, as long as you book seats early.

What to bring

Clothes

• Old T-shirt and shorts, or swimwear. Mud can stain light fabric permanently.
• A full change of clothes and underwear for the trip home, stored in a sealed bag.
• Sandals or water shoes. Avoid sneakers you care about.

Protection

• A waterproof phone pouch. Phones and mud do not mix.
• Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Late July sun on the beach is strong.
• Cheap sunglasses or swimming goggles if you plan to do the mud slides or wrestling. Mud in the eyes is the most common complaint.
• Contact lens wearers should consider glasses or spare lenses and eye drops.

Other useful items

• A small towel and a plastic bag for dirty clothes.
• Some cash and a card, kept in the waterproof pouch.
• Mobile data, so you can find friends and check bus times. A Korea unlimited data SIM is one option. See our eSIM vs pocket WiFi vs SIM card guide to choose.

Lockers and shower facilities are usually available near the festival area, but they get busy in the afternoon. Arriving in the morning makes everything easier.

Staying overnight or going as a day trip

A day trip is possible: leave Seoul early, enjoy the mud in the afternoon, and catch an evening train or bus back. But the evening concerts and fireworks are a big part of the festival, and the last trains and buses back to Seoul fill up. If you want the full experience, consider staying one night in Daecheon. Hotels, motels and guesthouses near the beach book out early for festival weekends, so reserve as soon as the dates are announced.

"Bring the oldest T-shirt you own. It will not come back the same colour." — Yara, POPORO CITY

Quick tips

• Check the official site for this year's dates, ticket types and shuttle information.
• Book return train or bus seats in advance for weekends.
• Go early in the day to beat the queues for lockers and activities.
• Protect your eyes and your phone before anything else.
• Drink plenty of water. Mud, sun and crowds are a tiring mix.
• Respect other visitors. Throwing mud at people who are not taking part is not welcome.

FAQ

When is the Boryeong Mud Festival?

It is held every summer, usually in July and sometimes running into early August. In 2026 it ran from July 24 to August 9. Check mudfestival.or.kr for the next edition's dates.

How long does it take from Seoul to Boryeong?

Roughly two to three hours by express bus or train, plus a short local bus or taxi ride to Daecheon Beach. Weekend traffic can make the bus slower.

Is the Boryeong Mud Festival free?

Entering the beach area and watching many events is free, but the main mud experience zone needs a paid ticket. Prices and ticket options are published on the official site each year.

Is the mud safe for skin?

The festival uses processed mud from Boryeong that is promoted as good for the skin, and most people have no problems. If you have sensitive skin or open cuts, test a small area first and rinse well afterwards.

Can I visit Daecheon Beach outside the festival?

Yes. Daecheon is a large, popular beach all summer, with seafood restaurants and a long promenade. Outside the festival it is calmer and easier to find accommodation.