Eat all of Korea's fried chicken, then enjoy a mud bath — Korea’s two most popular summer festivals kick off this vacation season

▲ The Boryeong Beauty Mud Festival is one of Korea’s most popular summer events. (Photo / Provided by the Korea Tourism Organization, the same below)

By Chen Rui-zhong / Comprehensive report

With the summer vacation season upon us, various festivals and events will be held across Korea. Between mid-July and late July, two major popular events will take place — the “Boryeong Mud Festival” and the “Fried Chicken & Beer Festival,” both highly recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization as must-do summer activities.

Boryeong Beauty Mud Festival: July 15 to July 24

The “Boryeong Beauty Mud Festival” was first launched in 1998 to promote Boryeong mud and local tourism. It quickly gained acclaim from both domestic and international visitors, and this year marks its 19th edition, to be held at Daecheon Beach.

Daecheon Beach is the largest beach on Korea’s west coast. The festival will feature a super mud waterslide, large mud pools, colorful mud body painting, a mud massage zone, a mud pool waterslide, and other mud-themed experiences. There will also be a mini Spanish La Tomatina tomato festival experience zone, street parades, and nighttime performances.

▲ The Daegu Fried Chicken & Beer Festival brings together a wide variety of beers and Korean fried chicken. (Excessive drinking is harmful to health)

Fried Chicken & Beer Festival: July 27 to July 31

Now entering its fourth edition, the Fried Chicken & Beer Festival will take place at Taeru Park in Daegu City (subway: Taeru Station). During the event, beer brands from around the world and a variety of Korean fried chicken vendors will gather. K-pop stars will also be invited to join the fun, and there will be a light and fireworks show every night at 10 PM.

Aside from buying fried chicken, visitors can also take part in a “grill-it-yourself” chicken roasting experience. A super-long waterslide will also be set up to help beat the summer heat. (Excessive drinking is harmful to health)