Things To Do
in Boryeong

Boryeong sits on the western coast of South Korea in Chungcheongnam-do, famous for its long sandy beaches and seafood culture. It is best known for the Daecheon Beach and the annual Boryeong Mud Festival, which draws visitors from around the world. The town blends salt-washed fisheries, a laid-back seaside vibe, and easy access to dunes and coastal trails.

Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, mud-related spa experiences, and stunning sunsets along the Yellow Sea.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Beach Exploration
morning
:

Upon arriving in Boryeong, start your morning with a leisurely stroll along Daecheon Beach, where the golden sand meets the azure waves. Take in the fresh sea air and grab a traditional Korean breakfast from a nearby café, sampling dishes like kimchi jjigae. This is the perfect time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the beach crowds arrive.

afternoon
:

After exploring the beach, spend your afternoon at the Boryeong Mud Festival site, where you can participate in various mud-related activities. Engage in mud wrestling, mud sliding, or try your hand at mud painting, all while enjoying the infectious energy of fellow festival-goers. This unique experience will not only be fun but also beneficial for your skin, thanks to the mineral-rich mud.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a seaside dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants, savoring dishes like grilled clams and spicy octopus. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach, where you can witness the beautiful twilight hues reflected on the water. End your evening with a nightcap at a beachfront bar, enjoying the calming sound of waves.

day 2
Cultural Heritage and Local Cuisine
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Boryeong Cultural Center, where you can learn about the city's rich history and cultural heritage through engaging exhibits. After exploring the center, head to a local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample traditional snacks like hotteok and tteokbokki. The energetic morning will immerse you in the local culture.

afternoon
:

For lunch, find a cozy restaurant that serves Boryeong's famous seafood dishes, such as raw fish and grilled mackerel. Post-lunch, visit the nearby Boryeong Seaside Park, where you can take a leisurely walk, enjoying the beautiful coastal views and lush landscapes. This afternoon is perfect for relaxation and soaking in the scenic beauty of the area.

evening
:

In the evening, indulge in a cooking class where you’ll learn to make local specialties under the guidance of a skilled chef. As you prepare your meal, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow participants and the delightful aromas wafting through the air. Afterward, sit down together to share the delicious dishes you've created, creating lasting memories.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🍜Lunch at mid-range restaurant$12-25
🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel$60-120
🚆Local transit day pass$2-6
🧭Souvenir from local market$5-30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Coastal access and beaches
  • Seasonal mud festival and seafood culture
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Language barriers in some areas
  • "안녕하세요" - Hello (polite)
  • "감사합니다" - Thank you
  • "얼마에요?" - How much is this?
  • "영어 할 수 있어요?" - Do you speak English?
  • "저기요" - Excuse me
  • "메뉴 추천해 주세요" - Please recommend a dish

Places to Visit in Boryeong

Visit one of these nice places.

Daecheon Beach Sunset

Expansive sandy shore with colorful skies at golden hour; ideal for wide-angle coastal shots.

Boryeong Mud Festival Grounds

Vibrant mud sculptures and festival tableaux; best captured during festival days.

Daebeol Coastal Bridge Lookout

Iconic bridge framing sea and sky; great for long exposure shots.

Daecheon Market at Dawn

Early morning light over market stalls and fishing vessels.

Culinary Guide

Food in Boryeong

Boryeong’s cuisine centers on seafood, salt-infused flavors, and comforting Korean dishes. Fresh catches from the Yellow Sea are common and pair well with locally produced sea salt used in many preparations.

Boryeong Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ganjang Gejang (soy sauce crab)

Fresh crab fillets marinated in a rich soy sauce; a coastal staple best enjoyed at Daecheon seafood markets.

Must-Try!

Maeuntang (spicy fish stew)

A hearty chili-spiced fish soup with tender fish pieces and vegetables.

Bibimbap with local seafood

Rice topped with seasonal seafood and vegetables, finished with gochujang for a coastal twist.

Salt-grilled mackerel

Mackerel lightly seasoned with local sea salt to highlight the coast’s flavors.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Daecheon Market

Bustling market near the beach offering grilled fish, jeon (pancakes), tteokbokki, and fresh produce.

Daecheon Street Food Lane

A cluster of stalls serving hotteok, tteokbokki, and seasonal bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Boryeong experiences four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers; cold winters; mild springs and falls. Typhoons can affect the coast in late summer and early autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Etiquette Rule

Speak softly on public transport and in quiet spaces; removing shoes when entering homes or certain traditional spaces is common.

Etiquette Rule

Use both hands when giving or receiving items, especially with elders.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers. Take standard coastal precautions, stay hydrated in summer, and protect valuables in crowded markets and beaches.

Tipping in Boryeong

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Korea; rounding up the bill or small tips at upscale places is sometimes appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; mobile payments (Kakao Pay, Naver Pay) are common in cities.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming cherry blossoms along coastal parks; bring light layers.

Summer

Hot and humid with periodic rain; ideal for mud festival and beach days.

Autumn

Pleasant days and cool evenings; clear skies perfect for outdoor photography.

Winter

Cold with strong winds; occasional snow; bring a warm coat and waterproof footwear.

Nightlife Guide

Boryeong at Night

The nightlife in Boryeong is laid-back and coastal. Expect beachside bars, casual pubs, and noraebangs (karaoke) near the Daecheon promenade; most places close around midnight or earlier in the off-season.

Hiking in Boryeong

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Daebo Mountain Coastal Trail

Coastal ridge hike with ocean views; 2-3 hours.

Oido Marsh Coastal Walk

Flat, birdwatching-friendly path along tidal flats.

Janghungsan Ridge

Moderate hike with panoramic views of the Yellow Sea.

Airports

How to reach Boryeong by plane.

Incheon International Airport

Major international hub; about 2.5-3.5 hours by car or train to Boryeong.

Gimpo International Airport

City airport serving domestic and some international routes; similar travel time to Boryeong.

Cheongju International Airport

Mid-sized airport in central Korea; reachable by road/train for more options.

Gwangju Airport

Regional airport serving western Korea; convenient for fly-and-drive trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Boryeong is highly walkable along the Daecheon Beach and town center, with most sights within easy reach on foot. For rural or hillside spots, a car or scooter can save time.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many visitors come for family-friendly beaches and mud-themed activities.

Young Professionals

People working in tourism, fishing, and coastal services.

Seniors

Older residents and visitors enjoy relaxed seaside living.

Domestic Travelers

Korean travelers exploring coastal Chungcheong.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Korean baseball is popular, with local leagues and events energizing community sports.

Taekwondo

Martial arts tradition; many schools and demonstrations in the region.

Soccer

Widely played and watched, especially among youth and families.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate outside peak hours; during festival seasons expect more travelers near Daecheon Beach. Public transit includes buses and a regional rail connection to major cities.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Boryeong.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy vegetable banchan, tofu stews, and rice bowls; request no fish sauce or anchovy stock.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Boryeong include public clinics and the regional hospital; for more specialized care, larger hospitals in nearby cities are accessible by train or car.

Discover Korea, South

Read more in our Korea, South 2025 Travel Guide.

Korea, South Travel Guide