🌊 Boryeong Mud Festival 2026 Korea: ZEROBASEONE, Wendy and Lee Chan-won – Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors
Korea's legendary mud party is back for 17 days in summer 2026 — ZEROBASEONE, Wendy (Red Velvet), and 15 more acts perform at Daecheon Beach from July 24 to August 9. 🎤
Weekend tickets start at just 16,000 KRW (approx. $12 USD) — here's the full guide: daily lineup, how to buy tickets, how to get there from Seoul, and what foreign visitors need to know. ✨
※ Artist lineups and schedules may change. Always verify the latest information at the official Boryeong Mud Festival website: mudfestival.or.kr/en
The 29th Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제) is one of the most internationally recognized summer festivals in all of Asia. Held at Daecheon Beach (대천해수욕장) in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province (충청남도), it runs for 17 days from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, August 9, 2026. The festival draws hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors each year and is famous for its mud pools, slides, and baths made from Boryeong's mineral-rich coastal mud. Beyond the mud fun, the 2026 edition brings a massive K-POP and K-trot music lineup: ZEROBASEONE and tripleS open on July 24; Wendy (Red Velvet), STAYC and CRAVITY perform on July 25; and Lee Chan-won (이찬원) closes the festival on August 9. A total of 17+ artists perform across the 17-day run. Weekend admission to the experience zone costs 16,000 KRW for adults (approx. $12 USD), while weekdays are 12,000 KRW. Early bird tickets online offer a 10% discount. The official website at mudfestival.or.kr/en has full English, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish pages — making it one of Korea's most internationally accessible festival websites. For more K-pop concert experiences in Korea, see the PSY Humbuk Show SUMMERSWAG Korea 2026 concert guide.
Official Ticket Info (English)
💡 Early bird tip: Buy tickets online at mudfestival.or.kr/en for a 10% discount — weekday tickets drop from 12,000 to 10,800 KRW, and weekend tickets from 16,000 to 14,400 KRW. Each ticket also comes with a 5,000 KRW Boryeong Love Gift Certificate redeemable on-site!
The official Boryeong Mud Festival website (mudfestival.or.kr) has a full English-language version at mudfestival.or.kr/en. It includes the ticket booking system, English-language schedule, and detailed zone information. Foreign visitors can purchase tickets directly there using international credit cards. Note: 30% of daily tickets are available online, while 70% are sold on-site. On peak weekends, on-site tickets can sell out early and waiting times may be long — online booking is strongly recommended.📊 2026 Boryeong Mud Festival: Quick Overview
ZEROBASEONE, Wendy, Lee Chan-won and 17 acts over 17 days at Daecheon Beach!
Korea's most internationally famous mud festival combines mud pools, slides, K-POP concerts, and drone light shows for all ages.
Dates: Friday, July 24 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 (17 days)
Venue: Daecheon Beach (대천해수욕장), Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province
Tickets: Adult weekend 16,000 KRW (~$12 USD) / Adult weekday 12,000 KRW (~$9 USD)
Lineup highlights: ZEROBASEONE (July 24, Opening), Wendy (July 25), STAYC, CRAVITY, Lee Chan-won (Aug 9, Closing), Coyote and more
Buy online at mudfestival.or.kr/en to skip the queue and get the early bird discount!
Boryeong Mud Festival 2026: Key Info
July 24 (Fri) – August 9 (Sun), 2026
K-POP Super Live on July 25 (Wendy, STAYC, CRAVITY), Opening July 24 (ZEROBASEONE), Closing August 9 (Lee Chan-won). Weekend admission 16,000 KRW, weekday 12,000 KRW. 5,000 KRW Boryeong Gift Certificate included with each ticket. Buy online early — on-site weekend tickets sell out fast!
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1. About the 29th Boryeong Mud Festival
History, Scale and Why It's International
The Boryeong Mud Festival began in 1998 as a regional promotion for Boryeong's natural mineral-rich mud, which is used in skincare products. Since then, it has grown into one of Korea's most internationally recognized summer events, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors — including tens of thousands of foreign visitors — every year. The 29th edition in 2026 runs for 17 days at Daecheon Beach (대천해수욕장), one of Korea's most popular west coast beaches. The festival combines the signature mud experience zones with K-POP concerts, trot music stages, a drone light show, mud busking performances, a flea market, and food zones. English-language information and signage are well available at the venue, and the official website has a complete English version at mudfestival.or.kr/en — making this one of the most foreign-visitor-friendly events in Korea.
K-POP Super Live Lineup: 17 Artists Confirmed
The 2026 Boryeong Mud Festival boasts an all-star performance lineup spread across the 17-day run. Here are the confirmed highlights: ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) and tripleS, TEMPEST, and Heize perform at the Opening Ceremony on July 24. The K-POP Super Live on July 25 features Wendy (웬디) of Red Velvet, STAYC, and CRAVITY. Coyote (코요태) and a roster of K-trot artists are also scheduled throughout the event. Lee Chan-won (이찬원), one of Korea's most popular trot singers, headlines the Closing Ceremony on August 9 alongside a TV Chosun Super Concert stage. A drone light show is planned for the closing night. Pick your preferred artist's date first when planning your visit — then book tickets and accommodation together.
Mud Experience Zone: What To Expect
The mud experience zone — the heart of the festival — is divided into a Regular Zone and a Family Zone. The Regular Zone features mud pools, mud slides, mud wrestling, and more for visitors 140 cm and taller. The Family Zone is designed for children and their guardians. Operating hours are weekdays 1:00 PM–6:00 PM and weekends 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Note that the experience zone will be closed for safety inspection on August 5 (Wednesday) — avoid visiting only for the mud zone on that date. The Mud Cask Zone (self-mud massage) is free for paid wristband holders. The Water Park Zone is also included with your admission ticket. Full Lineup and Ticket Details
💡 Accommodation tip: Daecheon Beach hotels fill up weeks in advance during the festival. Book now on Agoda or Booking.com!
International visitors can also find package tours combining the Boryeong Mud Festival with accommodation on Klook or Trip.com. Daecheon Beach hotels in peak summer typically run 80,000–180,000 KRW ($59–$133 USD) per night for a double room. Booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance is strongly recommended — the same weekend as major K-POP performances sees the fastest sellouts.2. Daily Highlights: 3-Day Breakdown
July 24 (Friday) — Opening: ZEROBASEONE
The 29th Boryeong Mud Festival opens on Friday, July 24 with ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) headlining the Opening Ceremony stage at Daecheon Beach Mud Expo Square. Also performing are tripleS, TEMPEST, and Heize. The opening day always draws massive crowds — the combination of the first day atmosphere and ZB1's high-energy performance makes it one of the most electric days of the festival. Arriving in the morning to enjoy the mud experience zones before the evening concert is the recommended strategy. Mud experience zone opening times on Fridays are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with a Night Opening session on July 24 until 9:30 PM at the General Zone only).
July 25 (Saturday) — K-POP Super Live: Wendy
The K-POP Super Live on Saturday, July 25 features Wendy (웬디) from the globally popular K-POP group Red Velvet, alongside STAYC and CRAVITY. Concert start time is approximately 7:20 PM. Wendy is widely beloved by international K-POP fans — this is the day most likely to sell out. Each entry ticket purchased on this day includes a 5,000 KRW Boryeong Love Gift Certificate (approx. $3.70 USD) to spend at the festival. If you want front-of-stage positions, arrive at the outdoor stage area by late afternoon to secure your spot. Saturday tickets must be purchased in advance — on-site tickets on popular concert days frequently sell out before noon.
August 9 (Sunday) — Grand Closing: Lee Chan-won
The 17-day festival closes with a bang on Sunday, August 9. Lee Chan-won (이찬원) — one of Korea's most popular trot (트로트, traditional Korean pop) singers — headlines the Closing Ceremony alongside a TV Chosun Super Concert. A spectacular drone light show caps the evening, turning the Daecheon Beach sky into a canvas of light. The closing night is also one of the most popular days, so accommodation and tickets should be arranged far in advance. Trot (트로트) is a traditional Korean pop genre beloved by all generations — even if you don't know Lee Chan-won's music, the energy of a trot performance on a Korean beach at night is an unforgettable experience.
3. Tickets and How to Buy: 4 Steps
Step 1: Check Ticket Prices
Mud Experience Zone ticket prices are as follows. Regular Zone adult tickets cost 16,000 KRW on weekends (Friday–Sunday) and 12,000 KRW on weekdays (Monday–Thursday). Teenager tickets (ages 11–18, 140 cm or taller) are 14,000 KRW weekends and 11,000 KRW weekdays. Family Zone guardian and child tickets are 13,000 KRW on weekends and 11,000 KRW on weekdays. A 30% discount applies for Boryeong residents, persons of national merit, disabled persons (grades 1–3), and seniors (65 and older) — valid ID or documentation required at the gate. Group discounts are also available for travel agencies with 50 or more participants (20% off on weekdays).
Step 2: Buy Online at the Official English Site
Purchase tickets directly at the official English website: mudfestival.or.kr/en. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted. An early bird 10% discount was available until June 15 — if that has passed, standard prices apply. Note: only 30% of daily tickets are sold online; the remaining 70% are available on-site. On popular weekend concert days, on-site tickets can sell out early in the day, so online booking is the safer choice for foreign visitors.
Step 3: Choose Your Date and Redeem the Gift Certificate
Select the date that matches your preferred performer's schedule. Each ticket purchased (online or on-site) comes with a 5,000 KRW Boryeong Love Gift Certificate, redeemable at food and merchandise vendors within the festival grounds. This effectively reduces your real admission cost by 5,000 KRW. The certificate is distributed at the entry gate upon ticket verification — keep it handy for snacks and drinks inside.
Step 4: Enter and Explore
Show your QR code ticket (or printed ticket) at the wristband exchange booth. You'll receive a wristband that grants all-day access to the paid experience zones. Weekend operating hours are 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with the mud zone closing at 5:30 PM for last entry. Arrive before noon on busy weekends to get maximum time in the mud zone before the evening concert. The outdoor stage area is open to the public regardless of wristband — only the mud experience zones require a paid ticket. Buy Official Tickets (English)
💡 Day tour option for international visitors: Klook and Viator offer guided day tours from Seoul to the Boryeong Mud Festival — great if it's your first time in Korea and you want a stress-free experience with English-speaking guides!
4. How to Get There from Seoul and Incheon Airport
Express Bus from Seoul (Recommended)
The most common and convenient route from Seoul to Boryeong is by express bus from Seoul Central City Bus Terminal (고속버스터미널, Line 3/7/9) or Dongseoul Bus Terminal (동서울버스터미널, Line 2 Gangbyeon Station). Buses depart regularly and reach Boryeong Intercity Bus Terminal in approximately 2 hours. Bus fares run approximately 15,000–18,000 KRW one-way. From Boryeong Bus Terminal, take local bus 105 or a taxi (approx. 3,000–5,000 KRW) to Daecheon Beach — about 15–20 minutes. During festival weekends, express bus seats sell out fast. You can compare and book through Trip.com for Korean intercity buses.
From Incheon International Airport
From Incheon Airport (Terminal 1 or 2), take the Airport Railroad (AREX) Express to Seoul Station (approx. 43 min, 9,500 KRW / ~$7 USD). From Seoul Station, walk to Seoul Bus Terminal or take the subway to Seoul Central City Terminal (Line 3 or 9, Express Bus Terminal station). Total travel time from Incheon Airport to Daecheon Beach is approximately 3–3.5 hours. Alternatively, airport limousine buses run directly to various Seoul points where you can transfer to Boryeong-bound services.
Accommodation Near Daecheon Beach
The closest accommodation to the festival is within walking distance of Daecheon Beach. Search for Boryeong or Daecheon Beach hotels on Agoda or Booking.com. Budget motels start around 50,000–80,000 KRW ($37–$59 USD) per night on weekdays and jump to 100,000–180,000 KRW ($74–$133 USD) on peak concert weekends. Book several weeks in advance — festival accommodation is the single hardest part for international visitors to arrange.
5. Weekend vs. Weekday Visit: Which is Better for You?
| Category | Weekend (Fri–Sun) | Weekday (Mon–Thu) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | 16,000 KRW (~$12 USD) | 12,000 KRW (~$9 USD) |
| Major Concerts | K-POP and Trot headliners | Mud busking and smaller stages |
| Crowd Level | Very busy (long queues possible) | More relaxed and spacious |
| Accommodation Cost | 20–50% higher than weekday | Affordable options available |
| Best For | Concert fans and K-POP lovers | Mud experience and casual tourism |
6. Tips for Foreign Visitors
What to Wear and Bring
Wear a swimsuit or clothes you don't mind getting completely covered in mud. Aqua shoes or waterproof sandals are ideal inside the mud zones — regular sneakers will be ruined. Bring a towel and spare clothes for after the mud experience. Smartphones must go into a waterproof pouch before entering the mud pool area (pouches are sold on-site). Valuables can be stored in coin-operated lockers near the entrance.
Free Zones: You Don't Need a Ticket for Everything
Most foreign visitors don't know this: a large portion of the Boryeong Mud Festival is completely free. Daecheon Beach itself, the outdoor performance stage area, the flea market, food zone, and the free Mud Busking program (Friday–Sunday, 6:00–9:00 PM) are all accessible without purchasing an admission ticket. Only the mud experience zone (pools, slides, Water Park) requires the paid wristband. This means you can enjoy an evening concert and beach atmosphere without any ticket cost — a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Payment Methods
Credit cards are accepted at most food vendors and shops inside the festival. However, smaller pop-up stalls and street food vendors may only take cash (KRW). ATMs are available near the beach area. The 5,000 KRW Boryeong Love Gift Certificate (included with every paid ticket) can be used at designated food and merchandise vendors and is a great way to try local Boryeong snacks without spending extra.
Daecheon Port Seafood
After the mud, wash off and head to Daecheon Port (대천항) for fresh West Sea seafood — flower crab stew (꽃게탕), grilled large shrimp (대하구이), and spicy seafood stew (해물찜) are all specialties here at 15,000–30,000 KRW per person. Arrive before noon or after 2:00 PM to avoid peak lunchtime waits.
August 5 Closure: Don't Forget
The mud experience zone closes for a mandatory safety inspection on Wednesday, August 5. If you are planning to visit specifically for the mud experience, do not choose August 5 as your date. Free beach areas and outdoor performance stages may remain available — check mudfestival.or.kr/en for the confirmed August 5 schedule. Full Schedule and Tickets
💡 Day tour from Seoul: Viator and Klook list guided day tour packages from Seoul that include round-trip transportation and a festival entry wristband — ideal for first-time visitors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I enjoy the Boryeong Mud Festival without buying a ticket?
A. Yes! Daecheon Beach, the outdoor concert stage, the flea market, food zone, and free Mud Busking performances (Fri–Sun, 6:00–9:00 PM) are all free. Only the mud experience zone (pools, slides, Water Park) requires an adult paid entry wristband: 16,000 KRW on weekends, 12,000 KRW on weekdays (approx. $9–$12 USD).
Q2. On which dates do Wendy and Lee Chan-won perform?
A. Wendy of Red Velvet performs on July 25 (Saturday) at the K-POP Super Live stage. Lee Chan-won (이찬원) performs at the Closing Ceremony on August 9 (Sunday). Lineups are subject to change — always confirm at mudfestival.or.kr/en before traveling.
Q3. How do I get from Seoul to Boryeong?
A. Take an express bus from Seoul Central City Bus Terminal or Dongseoul Bus Terminal to Boryeong (approx. 2 hours, 15,000–18,000 KRW one-way). From Boryeong Bus Terminal, take local bus 105 or a taxi to Daecheon Beach (15–20 min). Compare and book bus tickets on Trip.com. From Incheon Airport, take AREX to Seoul Station first (43 min, 9,500 KRW).
Q4. Is English signage available at the festival?
A. Yes — Boryeong Mud Festival is one of Korea's most internationally accessible festivals. The official website has full English, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish pages. English signage is present at the venue, and the ticket booking system at mudfestival.or.kr/en supports international visitors.
More to Explore
For more K-pop concerts and summer events in Korea, see the PSY SUMMERSWAG tour guide.
Compare and book express buses from Seoul to Boryeong before seats sell out.
Soo Blog
Curating Korea travel, events, and festival guides from official sources.
Compiled from verified official information for foreign visitors planning their Korea trip.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
Curating Korea travel, events, and festival guides from official sources.
Compiled from verified official information for foreign visitors planning their Korea trip.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
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