South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival: Relive Childhood Mud Play

If you want to relive the pure joy of playing in mud as a child, don’t miss South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival. Launched in 1998, it takes place every July at Daecheon Beach, drawing over 1 million participants to the nearby city of Boryeong, where tons of mud are prepared for various activities.

Here, there’s almost no escaping getting covered in mud—diving into mud pits and getting filthy is part of the fun. From mud wrestling to mud slides, the festival turns messy play into a communal celebration, letting adults and kids alike shed inhibitions and reconnect with carefree childhood moments.

The mud, sourced from Boryeong’s coastal areas, is said to have mineral-rich properties, adding a unique twist to the festivities. More than just a playful event, it has become a major tourist attraction, blending local culture with nostalgic joy in a messy, memorable way.