Boryeong, South Korea

The Boryeong Mud Festival may draw 2.2 million visitors, but living in this small town 200 km south of Seoul comes with its downsides. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the local government has struggled to boost the economy after the closure of its coal mines in the 1990s. While the mud is touted for its health benefits, the festival's gimmicks can only distract from the drab reality of a place that has historically struggled to attract tourists. Unless you're particularly enamored with mud baths and fireworks, Boryeong is likely not the South Korean locale for you.