Happy TravellerWelcome to Ulsan, South Korea’s industrial powerhouse and home to some of the world’s largest automobile assembly plant, shipyard, and oil refinery. With a population of over 1.1 million inhabitants, Ulsan is the country’s seventh-largest metropolitan city and the eighth-largest city overall. Located in the southeast of the country, Ulsan neighbors Busan to the south and faces Gyeongju to the north. Despite its reputation as an industrial city, Ulsan has much to offer tourists. From beautiful mountains and beaches to traditional folk villages and museums, there is something for everyone in Ulsan.
Start your journey by exploring the Yeongnam Alps, which is home to seven tall mountains over 1,000m above sea level. Sinbulsan (MT.) Ridge, where grasses turn silver in autumn, is one of the best sights to see in the Yeongnam Alps. Don’t miss the Eoksae festival held every early October in Ganwoljae, which is best known for its colony of silver grass. For those interested in traditional Korean pottery, Oegosan, the largest traditional folk Onggi (earthenware) village in Korea, is a must-visit. Here, visitors can witness the traditional Onggi manufacturing process in workshops and kilns, and learn about the history and diversity of this earthware at the Ulsan Onggi Museum.
As the only whale museum in Korea, Jangsaengpo Whale Museum collects, maintains, and displays whaling-related artifacts. The museum provides a variety of information related to whales and marine ecosystems. Whale cruises depart from Jangsaengpo port, giving visitors the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Nature lovers should head to Ulsan Grand Park, the best ecology park in a downtown area in Korea, boasting a vast area of 3,640,000 m2. The park sponsors a variety of events and festivals for families, with the Rose Festival every June presenting a feast for the eyes and nose. Taehwagang (River) National Garden, one of the 12 scenic beauties of Ulsan, is another must-visit. Simnidaesup (10-ri bamboo grove), a restored bamboo grove, is connected to the river and is a space that expresses the related ecology of the area. It allows visitors the chance to observe and experience wildlife in its natural environment and to relax while being one with nature.
For sports fans, Ulsan is home to the K League 1 football club Ulsan Hyundai FC, which has been crowned champions of Asia twice. The city also hosts Korean Basketball League team Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus. If you’re lucky, you may catch a game during your visit. Lastly, don’t forget to indulge in Ulsan’s local cuisine. From Gaejang (raw crab) to Ulsan-style beef tartare, the city has a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Ulsan, where industrial might meets natural beauty and rich culture.
