Beyond mud festival: Boryeong plans to become Korea's next tourism hub

Rounded pebble beaches, hiking trails and sunsets over the West Sea — Boryeong Mayor Uhm Seung-young rattles off the city's coastal assets with the confidence of someone certain the rest of the world just hasn't caught on yet.

“Anyone who has visited Boryeong's islands knows they offer scenery that rivals anywhere abroad," Uhm said in an interview with The Korea Times, pointing to beaches, trails and sunsets that characterize the area.

That confidence underpins his belief that the city can draw more visitors who stay longer, building on the natural beauty of its coast and islands.

Located in South Chungcheong Province, Boryeong has long put that coastal beauty to use through tourism.

Its best-known showcase is the Boryeong Mud Festival, held every summer around Daecheon Beach.

The festival drew 1.69 million visitors last year, including roughly 90,000 foreign visitors.

This year's event, beginning Friday and running through Aug.

9, will feature a new mud massage zone with 20 facilities and a Mud Infinity Pool overlooking the sea, along with a Mud on the Beach segment featuring electr ...