The Lights of Love Washing Over the Winter Night Sea at Daecheon: Trip to the Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival
Introduction
When the cold wind brushes over the Daecheon sea dyed deep in winter, the lights that come on along the beach feel especially warm. This year-end, at Boryeong Mud Square and Daecheon Beach, the Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival, which brings together the sea, light, and love in one place, is getting ready to make these winter nights even cozier.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Recommended Stays
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name — Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival
- Dates — Wednesday, December 24 – Sunday, December 28, 2025
- Operating Hours — 13:00 – 21:00 (times vary by program)
- Venue — Boryeong Mud Theme Park and Mud Square area, 55 Gojam 2-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sinhak-dong)
- Admission — Free (some programs have separate fees)
- Host — Boryeong-si
- Organizer — Boryeong Festival & Tourism Foundation
- Inquiries — +82-41-930-0891 (Boryeong-si)
- Theme — The Sea, Light, and Love
- Official Website — http://mudfestival.or.kr
- 16:30 Stroll around Daecheon Beach and the Mud Square area to preview the winter sea scenery and nighttime light installations.
- 17:40 Watch the lighting ceremony for the nighttime scenic facilities near Mud Square and enjoy the lights as they turn on one by one in the darkness.
- 18:30 Relax over a warm meal and tea at a café or restaurant near the beach while planning out the performances and hands-on programs you’ll enjoy later.
- 19:00 Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere by joining evening programs such as “Solo Café: Frequency 12.24MHz,” the Lovely Tour, or Snow Busking.
- 20:00 Walk between the Mud Theme Park and Mud Square, taking photos at various photo zones and light sculptures along the way.
- 21:00 Enjoy one last walk with the waves illuminated by the lights, then head back to your accommodation and wind down from the winter night.
Since the lighting and performances are concentrated after dark, try to plan your visit around the evening hours.
The Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival is a year-end celebration held under the theme “The Sea, Light, and Love,” filling the skies and waves above the winter night sea of Daecheon with dazzling lights. Nighttime scenic lighting is installed throughout the Boryeong Mud Theme Park and Mud Square area, with a variety of hands-on programs and performances that couples, families, and friends can enjoy together.
The 2025 festival runs from December 24 to 28, offering warm moments in the cold season through illuminated sculptures and photo zones, live performances, and family experience programs. The quiet winter waves at Daecheon Beach, combined with brilliant lights, create an emotional night perfect for making memories with your loved ones.
Program Information
This official lighting ceremony takes place from 17:40 on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, around Mud Square at Daecheon Beach. Under the winter night sky, you can count the lights as they come on one by one, feeling the official start of the festival.
An evening matchmaking program for young men and women held on Wednesday, December 24. In a space where music and lighting blend together, it takes place in a rotating speed-dating style. There is no participation fee—only a small deposit that is refunded on the day of the event—so you can enjoy the thrill of year-end romance without pressure.
On Thursday, December 25, the Lovely Tour performances are combined with a course that visits tourist attractions around Daecheon. With a bubble show, musical performances, and more, you can fully soak up the romantic mood of Christmas.
This nighttime busking performance begins at 18:55 on Friday, December 26. Against the backdrop of the winter sea, lights that scatter like snow blend with live music, creating a perfect time to pause your walk and enjoy the show.
On the evening of Saturday, December 27, the Pably Tour performance is followed by a romantic drone show that paints the sky. Watch the choreography of moving lights between the sea and the night sky—an ideal highlight program for capturing photos and videos.
From 10:00 on Sunday, December 28, Kids’ Day features a taekwondo performance, children’s theater, magic show, and more. With children’s experience booths also in operation, it’s a great way for families to spend a fulfilling half-day with their kids.
From Wednesday, December 24 to Saturday, December 27, 13:00–19:00, and Sunday, December 28, 10:00–15:00, you can enjoy various activities such as making Christmas goods, Santa’s Wish House, Snow BBQ & chestnut roasting over a brazier, and a Santa slide.
The nighttime scenic lighting will be in operation for about 19 days, from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 to Sunday, January 11, 2026. Since you can enjoy light-filled evening walks even after the main festival ends, it’s also ideal for those who prefer to quietly take in the night views.
Since the night lighting and performances are concentrated after sunset, it’s best to plan your schedule mainly around the evening, timed with the lighting. The atmosphere really comes alive around 18:00 near Mud Square at Daecheon Beach and around the Mud Theme Park.
Some programs, such as Solo Café, require pre-registration or a deposit system to confirm participation, so check the official announcements in advance and book early. Keep an eye on schedule updates so you don’t miss your preferred time slot.
The festival programs are spread across the Mud Theme Park and Mud Square area, so if you check performance times and the locations of experience zones in advance, getting around will be much easier. We recommend reviewing the festival map or guide beforehand and sketching out your own route.
Check the operating hours of experience programs (from 13:00) and take your time enjoying them from the afternoon.
For programs requiring pre-registration, be sure to check the deposit and cancellation policies.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is December 15, 2025. The Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival runs from December 24 to 28, 2025, so it hasn’t started yet. I’m excited thinking about enjoying the festival soon, and I’m especially looking forward to the Solo Café program. Imagining the moments when music and lights blend together in the cold winter sea air, I can almost feel the salty scent carried by the sea breeze and the lingering echo of performances I’ll hear from afar swirling in my mind. The “Frequency 12.24MHz” rotating blind date concept sounds like it will add a romantic touch to the year’s end—just the name alone gives off a warm sense of anticipation.
I also like that there’s no participation fee and that you just leave a small deposit that’s refunded on the day of the event, so it doesn’t feel burdensome. Above all, the overall atmosphere of the festival seems very rich. When the nighttime scenic lights installed by the sea cast their glow over the dark blue waves, I imagine the live music and laughter drifting between them will sink deep into my heart. I’m waiting for that time, picturing couples whispering softly under the lights, the warm aroma of a plate of grilled shellfish shared with friends, and even the cold air carried by the sea breeze feeling more like emotion than chill.
I’ve heard that the warm memories created by the Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival already remain in the hearts of many people. The news that the festival won the grand prize in the “Festival Tourism” category at the Korea Festival Contents Awards makes it feel like it’s becoming a must-visit destination every winter. On the day of the festival, I want to bring my camera and capture the waves sparkling under the lights, the smiles of people, and the moments when the music all blends together. Even if it’s a cold night, I plan to bundle up with gloves and a scarf and walk slowly, fully taking in the lights and sounds of the winter sea.
Recommended Stays
Since the Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival is held around the beach and Mud Theme Park area, it’s best to choose accommodation that allows easy access to the festival grounds on foot or by car. The places below have been selected so you can comfortably explore around Daecheon Beach and central Boryeong.
52 Hae suyokjang 8-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Near Daecheon Beach · Hotel-style stay with convenient access to both the beach walk and festival grounds
It’s easy to walk along the beach to Mud Square, so you can quickly return to your room after viewing the night lights.
Distance: 0.2 km
60 Hae suyokjang 8-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Within walking distance of Daecheon Beach · A hotel located along the main route connecting the beach and festival grounds
The distance makes it easy to pop back to your room for a quick rest between festival events, and it’s not far to return even late at night.
Distance: 0.3 km
38 Gojam 1-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sinhak-dong)
Resort-style rooms · Located between the Mud Theme Park and the beach
Conveniently located for visiting the Mud Theme Park and nearby attractions by car.
Distance: 0.4 km
876 Daehae-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Hotel along a main Boryeong road · Accommodation well-suited to travel by car
A good base if you plan to visit not only the festival grounds but also downtown Boryeong and nearby attractions.
Distance: 1.0 km
17 Daecheonhang 1-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sinhak-dong)
Ocean-view stay near Daecheon Port · Resortel ideal for enjoying both sea views and harbor walks
Perfect if you want to take in harbor scenery by day and the festival lights by night to fully savor the winter sea mood.
Distance: 1.1 km
41 Jeolteo-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Yoam-dong)
Traditional Hanok-style stay · A quiet neighborhood base for exploring downtown Boryeong
You’ll need to drive to the festival grounds, but you can enjoy city sightseeing by day and the serene atmosphere of a Hanok at night.
Distance: 3.1 km
87 Cheonbyeonbuk-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Daecheon-dong)
Near downtown Boryeong · Hotel with easy access to the city and convenient car travel
Ideal if you want to visit cafés and restaurants in the city before and after visiting the festival, keeping a relaxed pace.
Distance: 8.5 km
78 Yeolrinbada 1-gil, Ungcheon-eup, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Resort near Muchangpo Beach · Room configurations suitable for long stays and family trips
Recommended as a base for a driving trip if you want to explore the Muchangpo area along with visiting the festival.
Distance: 8.5 km
Beachfront rooms book up quickly on year-end dates and weekends, so reserve early to plan a more relaxed itinerary.
Restaurants & Cafés
The area around the festival grounds has a wide range of seafood restaurants, noodle spots, and cafés, making it easy to enjoy meals and tea breaks between programs. If you follow the route connecting the beach and Daecheon Port, you can look out over the winter sea while savoring hot soup and coffee.
51 Hae suyokjang 8-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sinhak-dong)
Seafood “samhap” specialty · pen shell, pork belly, and kimchi grilled together
Within walking distance of the festival grounds, it’s a great place to warm up with hearty seafood dishes before or after viewing the night lights.
Distance: 0.2 km
313 Daecheonhang-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Seafood restaurant near Daecheon Port · Great for enjoying fresh seasonal seafood
If you plan to look around Daecheon Port along with the festival, consider stopping by in the evening to wrap up your trip with a warm seafood meal.
Distance: 1.1 km
484 Haean-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Coastal road view café · A space with full-height windows perfect for viewing the winter sea
A nice spot to relax with a hot coffee before or after the festival, and also well-known as a great photo location.
Distance: 3.9 km
405 Haean-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Clam kalguksu noodle specialty · Comforting hot broth that’s especially appealing in winter
A good lunch or dinner stop reachable by car from the festival grounds, easily combined with a seaside walk.
Distance: 4.7 km
46 Daehae-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Restaurant serving both seafood kalguksu and various seafood dishes
If your route includes a stay near downtown Boryeong, it’s a good place for a warm meal before or after visiting the festival.
Distance: 7.9 km
8 Daehae-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Myeongcheon-dong)
Local eatery in downtown Boryeong · Good for a simple, satisfying meal
If you’re traveling via public transport and passing through downtown Boryeong en route to the festival, it’s a convenient stop along the way.
Distance: 8.3 km
15 Jageunorat 2-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Restaurant near downtown Boryeong · Suitable for family meals
If you’re traveling by car and want a relaxed meal in the city before or after visiting the festival, it’s worth considering.
Distance: 8.9 km
143 Daecheong-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
All-you-can-eat marinated crab specialty · Recommended for those who want to indulge in plenty of seafood
If you’re staying in downtown Boryeong and visiting the festival, this is a hearty lunch or dinner option.
Distance: 9.6 km
Before nighttime programs, which may feel chilly, warm up with soup dishes or hot drinks to make watching much more comfortable.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time before or after the festival, we recommend a course that takes in Boryeong’s coastal scenery such as Daecheon Port, coastal roads, and mudflat experience sites. Within a manageable route, enjoy the sea, islands, and coastal drives during the day, then finish with the festival lights at night.
2215-1 Sinhak-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Square near Daecheon Beach · Great for walks and taking photos
If you include it in your seaside walking route that leads to the festival grounds, you can enjoy the contrasting daytime and nighttime atmospheres.
Distance: 0.7 km
67-5 Daecheonhang 1-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sinhak-dong)
Beach resort near Daecheon Port · Attractive walking trails and viewpoints nearby
A pleasant section for strolling around Daecheon Port and enjoying sea views near sunset before or after the festival.
Distance: 1.1 km
30 Daecheonhang Jungang-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Gateway to the islands · A place to soak in the unique atmosphere and scenery of the port
Even if ferry schedules are hard to match, just walking around the area is enough to feel the distinctive mood of a winter harbor.
Distance: 1.3 km
46 Daecheonhang Jungang-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sinhak-dong)
A cruise experience offering views of islands and coastlines from the sea
Use the daytime hours for a cruise tour, then connect the course with a visit to the festival night lights in the evening.
Distance: 1.4 km
607-5 Haean-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Experience center for hands-on mudflat activities and coastal ecology
For families, you can spend a full day with mudflat activities in the daytime and the festival at night.
Distance: 3.0 km
Songhak-ri, Jugyo-myeon, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Popular coastal drive course · A road with impressively wide-open sea views
If you’re driving, we recommend enjoying a coastal drive here during the day, then returning to the festival grounds in the evening.
Distance: 6.4 km
Wonsando-ri, Ocheon-myeon, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A quiet port on Wonsan Island · A place where island and sea scenery come together
If your schedule is relaxed, it’s worth heading out to Wonsan Island to capture the tranquil sea and harbor views.
Distance: 7.4 km
10 Okmabeot-gil, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Myeongcheon-dong)
Stay-type resort complex · A good hub for enjoying downtown Boryeong and nearby attractions
Though it’s some distance from the festival grounds, it’s well-suited for itineraries that assume car travel and group multiple attractions together.
Distance: 9.9 km
Right after sunset, the colors of the sea and sky change beautifully, so if you’re planning to take photos, aim for this time slot.
Getting There
Public Transportation — The festival is held at Boryeong Mud Theme Park and Mud Square, 55 Gojam 2-gil, Sinhak-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do. From Boryeong Intercity Bus Terminal, it takes about 15 minutes by local bus or taxi. If you’re taking the train, get off at Daecheon Station and transfer to a taxi or bus.
By Car — Take the Seohaean (West Coast) Expressway and exit at Daecheon IC or Boryeong IC; from there, it’s about a 10–20 minute drive to the festival grounds. There are public and private parking lots around Sinhak-dong near the festival site, so make use of the beach and Mud Theme Park parking lots for convenience.
If you’re driving, check the locations of public parking lots near the beach in advance to make parking easier even during busy hours.
Closing
The Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival is a year-end celebration where the cold season meets warm lights, allowing you to slowly build memories with your loved ones. The lights and music spreading over the quiet winter waves, together with people’s laughter, offer a chance to set daily life aside for a moment and give your heart a rest.
If you head to Daecheon Beach and Mud Square this winter, take your time exploring the sea and surrounding scenery by day, then follow the lighting ceremony, performances, and hands-on programs at night. True to its theme of sea, light, and love, the air, sounds, and sparkling scenes before your eyes will remain as warm memories for a long time to come.
Photo Snapshots
Videos
