Tradition or Dirty Novelty? A visit to South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival

Staying the night

Locating accommodation during Mudfest can be tricky if you don’t plan ahead, as the festival continues to grow with each passing year. Still, it’s not completely impossible. Options include the ubiquitous minbak, bare-bones accommodation in which guests sleep together on mats on the floor. The majority of the city’s budget hotels don’t advertise online, so it’s advised that you inquire directly at the motels around the beach upon your arrival.

If you prefer to book ahead, only the more ‘upscale’ hotels like the Hotel Mudrin and the Hanwha Resort Daechon Paros (which are actually still quite basic) accept online reservations. A number of tour operators such as Adventure Korea and WinK Travels provide all-inclusive packages with shared accommodation for an affordable price. If you’re really in a bind, ring up the Korea Tourism Organization through their free hotline (+82-2-1330). An English-speaking representative will happily assist you by providing additional information or interpretation if needed.

Attracting thousands every year, Mudfest is without a doubt Korea's must-visit festival © Boryeong Mud Festival Organization Committee