South Korea is hosting a variety of exciting summer festivals that showcase the country's unique cultural offerings, from traditional mud festivities to urban beach experiences and botanical gardens.

The renowned Boryeong Mud Festival, considered one of South Korea's most iconic summer events, continues through August 10 at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province. This interactive festival provides dedicated mud zones designed for adults, families, and water park enthusiasts. Visitors can participate in exciting activities including mud wrestling competitions, colorful mud painting sessions, and specialized mud-based beauty care treatments. The festival seamlessly transitions from daytime entertainment to evening performances complete with spectacular fireworks displays.

Ticket prices for the general zone are set at 10,000 won for adults from Monday through Thursday, increasing to 14,000 won on weekends. The family zone offers more affordable options at 9,000 won for children on weekdays and 11,000 won on Fridays and Sundays. Beyond the mud activities, visitors can explore various exhibitions and purchase Boryeong's signature mud cosmetics along with other regional specialty products.

Meanwhile, the third annual Seoul Summer Beach festival is creating excitement at Gwanghwamun Square until August 8. This year's event commemorates the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation with the special theme "Dive into Liberation." The free festival transforms the urban plaza into a seasonal paradise featuring two impressive 20-meter swimming pools, two thrilling water slides, and a child-friendly sand playground. A dedicated relaxation zone provides shaded seating areas for visitors seeking comfort, while a bustling 21-booth flea market and numerous food trucks offer summer essentials and refreshments. All visitors must wear appropriate swimsuits and swim caps. The festival also features collaborative partnerships with local businesses, hosting on-site giveaways and interactive experiences throughout the event.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Sejong National Arboretum welcomes visitors to its annual nighttime opening, running through October 11. This special event offers guests the opportunity to experience a romantic, beautifully illuminated garden setting. This year's program features enhanced lighting displays strategically placed across key areas, including the stunning Four Seasons Greenhouse, the vibrant Festival Plaza, and the traditional Korean Traditional Garden located in Sejong. Weekend cultural events add extra appeal with orchestra performances, traditional Korean music festivals, open-air cinema screenings, and immersive story-based shows scheduled every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Admission fees are reasonably priced at 2,500 won for adults, 2,000 won for teenagers, and 1,500 won for children.

The Lotus Cultural Festival at Semiwon in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, celebrates the natural beauty of lotus flowers and water lilies through August 10. Set in a specially designed water garden dedicated to ecological harmony, the festival features enchanting nighttime concerts, captivating traditional performances, inspiring art exhibitions, and engaging hands-on educational classes such as lotus tea-making workshops. Admission is set at 7,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for children, teenagers, seniors, and group visitors.

Finally, the Yangpyeong Catfish Whiskers Festival takes place in the charming village of Sumimaru in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, continuing through September 7. This unique festival is held in an area known for its exceptionally clean water and presidential award-winning rural charm. The event offers diverse hands-on experiences including catfish fishing activities, fruit syrup-making workshops, exciting all-terrain vehicle rides, and numerous other attractions. Visitors can enjoy dedicated bubble play zones, scenic picnic areas, and traditional Korean meals featuring specialties like spicy fish stew. Admission prices vary from 19,000 won to 49,000 won, depending on the selected activity packages.