This summer, two popular festivals are drawing visitors from across Korea. Whether you prefer getting messy at the beach or strolling through a peaceful garden, there is something for everyone. The Boryeong Mud Festival and the Semiwon Lotus Culture Festival are both currently underway.

Boryeong Mud Festival

Now in its 29th year, the Boryeong Mud Festival runs from July 24th to August 9th at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province.

First held in 1998, the festival was created to promote the mineral-rich mud of the region, which is known for its skincare benefits. Today, it draws around three million visitors each year, making it one of the largest summer festivals in Asia.

The festival is divided into several zones: the General Zone, the Family Zone, and the Water Park Zone. During the day, visitors can enjoy mud pools, slides, mud wrestling, and obstacle courses. At night, large-scale concerts are held, including a K-pop concert and a drone light show over the sea.

Semiwon Lotus Culture Festival

The Semiwon Lotus Culture Festival runs from June 26th to August 17th at Semiwon Garden in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.

Situated where the Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet, Semiwon is a botanical garden home to over 270 species of aquatic plants. The lotus flowers reach their peak bloom in mid-July, filling the garden with white and pink blossoms.

Visitors can join guided garden tours, attend outdoor concerts every Saturday, and take part in hands-on activities, such as making lotus leaf tea and traditional fans. A special exhibition is also on display. Admission is 5,000 won for adults, and the garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.