Top 12 Ulsan Attractions You must Visit

Ulsan, officially the Ulsan Metropolitan City, is South Korea’s seventh-largest metropolitan city and the eighth-largest city overall, with a population of over 1.1 million inhabitants. It is located in the south-east of the country, neighboring Busan to the south and facing Gyeongju to the north.

Ulsan History

Joseon dynasty
13th Year of Rule by King Taejong (1413): Renamed Ulju as Ulsan-gun
31st Year of Rule by King Seonjo (1598): Elevated Ulsan-guns to Ulsan Dohobu
32nd Year of Rule by King Gojong (1895): Renamed Ulsan Dohobu as Ulsan-gun
1914: Merged Eonyang-gun with Ulsan-gun
1931: Elevated Ulsan-myeon to Ulsan-eup
1936: Elevated Bangeojin-myeon to Bangeojin-eup
January 27, 1962: Ulsan Specific Industrial Zone designated
June 1, 1962: Elevated to Ulsan-si
July 15, 1985: Established Jungnam-gu
January 1, 1988: Elevated Bangeojin Office to Dong-gu
January 1, 1995: Integrated Ulsan-si and Ulsan-gun
July 15, 1997: Ulsan Metropolitan City Established
January 27, 2012: 50th anniversary of the designation of Ulsan Specific Industrial Zone
July 15, 2017: 20th anniversary of the establishment of Ulsan Metropolitan City
Jul. 1, 2018: Inauguration of the 7th popularly-elected official term

Things to do here

  • Taehwagang National Garden
  • Ulsan Grand Park
  • Daewangam Park and Ilsan beach
  • Gajisan Provincial park
  • Sinbulsan
  • Cape Ganjeolgot
  • Ganwolsan
  • Seonam Lake Park
  • Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural Village
  • Ulsan Bridge Observatory
  • Jinha Beach
  • Ulsan Culture arts center

Taehwagang National Garden

Image by Lotte Hotel Magazine

Ulsan Grand Park, located in Namgu Ok-dong, is an ecotype city park with multiple attractions. The park offers huge swimming pool, a theme park, an outdoor concert area, multipurpose sports field and more. The outdoor theme park offers 4 different size ponds, a walking trail, playgrounds, outdoor concert hall, squares, multipurpose sports field and picnic areas. Also near the South gate, you can find a butterfly field, rose garden, and a small zoo.

Useful Informations

  • Address: Taehwa-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan
    울산광역시 중구 태화동 (태화동)
  • Phone: +82-52-271-8816
  • Homepage: www.ulsan.go.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Ulsan Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take Bus No. 407 and get off at Croba Apartments Bus Stop.

Ulsan Grand Park

The Taehwagang River cuts across the heart of Ulsan and flows into Ulsan Bay, which is connected to the East Sea. The river basin, which stretches 36 kilometers from east to west and 28 kilometers from north to south, is mostly comprised of mountainous terrain, but there is fertile land on both sides of the river and at the southern end of the river. The river is presently an important source of drinking water for the citizens of Ulsan.

The field around the midpoint of Taehwagang River was left abandoned for a long time before it was founded as Taehwagang National Garden, preserving nature while providing a resting spot to the citizens of Ulsan. The garden is over twice the size of Yeouido Park in Seoul, and consists of natural water and a lush bamboo forest, known as Simnidae Forest, along with canola and forage barley fields. Simnidae Forest was once in danger of demolition as part of the government’s flood control plans but remains preserved thanks to community efforts. Preservation efforts led to turning the area into Taehwagang National Garden of today, which took place from 2004 to 2010.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    05:00-23:00
    * After sunset, bikes are restricted from entering the park to prevent safey accidents.
  • Address: 94, Daegongwon-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan
    울산광역시 남구 대공원로 94
  • Phone: +82-52-229-6142
  • Homepage: www.ulsanpark.com 
  • Activity Information

    [Experience Information]
    Ulsan Grand Park Forest Tour
    – Saturdays from 15:00 (About 1hr. 30 min.)
    – Free / Contact : +82-52-277-8280 (Ulsan Life Forest)

    Children Traffic Safety Park
    – Age limit (Over 3 years old~ Under 10 years old), Group (4 or more)
    – Opens between March to June and September to November
    Closed every Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
    Forest crafts workshop
    –  Weekdays: Kindergarten, Elementary school, etc. Group (Max. 40, at least 15 or more)
    – Weekends: Family (including children age between 5~13 years old)

    * Excluding Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) Holidays

  • Available Facilities
    [Natural Ecology]
    Zelkova walking trail, nature learning center, themed flower garden, ponds/fountains, butterfly field, insect ecology hall, rose valley, children’s animal farm, wildlife rescue center.

    [Culture Life]
    Culture square, outdoor concert hall

    [Sports]
    Multipurpose sports field, teenager square, street basketball court, aquastic, gym, park golf course

    [Leisure]
    Playgroud, picnic area

    [Exhibition]
    Grand park exhibition, environmental energy

How to get here:
By [Bus]
1. From Ulsan Airport take Bus No. 412, 432, 452, or 1402 and get off at Ulju-gun office Bus Stop.

2. From Ulsan intercity bus terminal, take Bus No. 307,401,417,427,714,724,1104,1114,1127,1401, or 1402 and get off at Ulju-gun office Bus Stop.

Daewangam park and ilsan beach

Video by @Minhee_kang__

Daewangam Park is a seaside park located on the east coast. A 1-km trail leads to the seashore after passing through a forest of pine, cherry trees, magnolias, camellias, apricots, and forsythia. The seaside is littered with weathered rocks carved into interesting shapes by the wind and ocean. Another stroll path leads to a view of the Ulgi Lighthouse.

The park is also home to Daewangam Island, a large rock island that looks like a dragon rising up into the sky. It is connected to the mainland with an iron bridge and has an observation tower.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 140, Deungdae-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan
    울산광역시 동구 등대로 140 (일산동)
  • Phone: +82-52-209-3758
  • Homepage: daewangam.donggu.ulsan.kr 

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Ulsan Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take Bus No. 124 and get off at Daewangam Park Bus Stop.

gajisan provincial park

Image by Tropic of Camera
Image by Tropic of Camera

The residual mountains of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range form ten tall peaks in the Yeongnam region. Dubbed the ‘Yeongnam Alps,’ these peaks include Chwiseosan (1,092 meters, also called Yeongchwisan), Sinbulsan (1,209 meters), Cheonhwangsan (1,189 meters), Unmunsan (1,188 meters), Goheonsan (1,033 meters), Munboksan (1,013 meters), and Gajisan mountains. This group of mountains is uniquely covered with reeds. Gajisan Mountain is the tallest of this group, rising above mountains almost 1,000 meters high.

An attraction of hiking in Gajisan Mountain is that various large, oddly shaped rock peaks can be seen from the mountain trail. To the east of the mountain is Seongnamsa Temple built during the Silla Kingdom. Today, only Buddhist nuns remain, but there are relics like the budo stupa of National Master Doui (Treasure 369) and a three-story stone pagoda.

Useful Informations

  • Address: Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
    울산광역시 울주군 상북면 , 경상남도 밀양시 산내면, 경상북도 청도군 운문면
  • Phone: +82-52-229-7641~3
  • Homepage: tour.ulju.ulsan.kr
  • Hiking Course
    * Seoknamsa Temple – Ongnyu-dong – Miryangjae Hill – Gajisan Mountain /4km, 3hr
    * Bus Stop – Main Mountain Ridge – Forked Road – Jungbong Peak – Miryangjae Hil – Gajisan Mountain /6.7km, 3hr 30min
    * Seoknam Tunnel – Main Mountain Ridge – Forked Road – Jungbong Peak – Milyangjae Hil – Gajisan Mountain /6.7km, 4hr 30min  
    * Seoknamsa Temple – Imdo Island – Ssalbawi Rock – Gajisan Mountain /6.2km, 4hr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Station (Seoul Subway Gyeongbu Line), take a KTX train bound for Ulsan(울산).
* Train schedule: 05:30-23:00, 30min intervals
From Ulsan Station, take Bus 328, 807 bound for Soyajeong Villa(소야정).

sinbulsan

Image by The open Road before me

Sinbulsan Falls National Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Sinbulsan Mountain is noted for the Yeongnam Alps and the beautiful surrounding valleys. Famous forest attractions in particular are the mountain’s valleys and waterfalls. The Parasopokpo Falls are a picturesque series of cascading falls. Near the falls are old Buddhist temples and the silver grass field of Sinbulsan Mountain. The forest houses a walking path, health training facility, forest exhibition hall, and accommodation facilities such as the Cabin House, Forest Recreation Center, a camping deck and a camping site.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    [Accommodations] 15:00-12:00 (next day) [Day guests] 09:00-18:00
  • Admission Fees
    Adults (ages 19-64): 1,000 won / Groups: 800 won
    Teenagers (ages 7-18): 600 won / Groups: 500 won
    Children (ages 6 or under): 300 won / Group: 200 won
    * Winter season (December-March): Free (admission included in fees for camping site)
    * Group: 20 people or more
  • Address: 200-78, Eoksaebeol-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
    울산광역시 울주군 상북면 억새벌길 200-78
  • Phone: +82-52-254-2123~4
  • Homepage: www.huyang.go.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take a train from Busan Station to Wondong Station.
From Wondong Station, take a bus bound for Taebong (Baenaegol)
Get off at the last stop (Dongnam Garden) and walk 1.7km to The Lower Sector.

cape ganjeolgot

Image by Ulsan Online
Image by Ulsan Online

Ganjeolgot Cape in Ulsan is the first place in Korea to see the the sunrise each day, with its end point sticking out into the ocean. The cape is the site of the annual New Year’s Sunrise Festival. The festival starts at sunset on December 31 and is filled with a wide range of performances that last throughout the night. At first light, people can be seen quietly standing with their hands clasped together, making a wish on the newly born year as they watch the sun rise over the ocean.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 39-2, Ganjeolgot 1-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
    울산광역시 울주군 서생면 간절곶1길 39-2 (서생면)
  • Phone: +82-52-204-0313
  • Homepage: www.ulju.ulsan.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Ulsan Intercity Express Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 715 to Ganjeolgot Cape Bus Stop.
Walk for approx. 12 min.

Ganwolsan

Image by Peaks and Penguin

Ganwolsan Mountain is a popular destination for hikers in the Ulsan and Busan area as well as other regions of Gyengsangnam-do Province. In early August, the reeds and lilies near the summit create a splendid view. To the west, the deep Naerijeong and Wangbonggol valleys channel clean water to Baenaegol Valley.

From the Ganwol Gogae Ridge, follow the Singallo Path to Wanbonggol towards Paraeso Falls. There you will find a cave called Jungnimgul, which is sacred Catholic ground often visited by the Catholic faithful. The first church built by Catholics in the Yeongnam region to escape persecution is found in Buldanggol (Ganwolgol) Valley in Ganwolsan Mountain area. The tomb of Kim Agatha who died in persecution is also in the Ganwolgol Valley.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 614, Ganwolsan-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
    울산광역시 울주군 상북면 간월산길 614 (상북면,간월재휴게소) 부근
  • Phone: +82-52-277-0101
  • Hiking Course
    [Course 1] Gangwolsanjang – Ganwoljae Pass – Summit
    [Course 2] Baenaegogae Pass – Baenaebong Peak – Summit
    [Course 3] Ganwoljanjang – Ganwolgongryeong Ridge – Helicopter Landing Pad – Summit

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Ulsan Terminal, take Bus 323, 323-1 bound for Ganwolgyo Bridge(간월교).
* Bus schedule: 07:00, 08:10, 09 :40, 10:50, 12:50, 14:50, 16:50, 18:50, 19:50
Take a taxi to Ganwol Recreational Forest(간월자연휴양림) (9min).

From Dong Seoul Terminal (Gangbyeon Station, Seoul Subway Line 2), take an express bus bound for Ulsan(울산).
* Bus schedule: 06:00, 06:40, 07:20, 08:00, 09:00, 09:50, 10:40, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:10, 13:40, 14:20, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:40, 17:30, 18:20, 19:10, 19:50, 20:30, 22:00, 23:50

seonam lake park

Image by Rystheguy through wikimedia commons

Seonam Lake Park was originally developed to provide industrial water, and was closed off to the public with high barbed wire fences for over four decades. However, after the area was no longer used for industrial reasons, the fences were removed and the 1.2 ㎢ lake area was converted into a park. Various facilities and walking paths were created to compliment the breathtaking scenery and the surroundings.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 104, Seonamhosu-gil, Nam-gu, Ulsan
    울산광역시 남구 선암호수길 104 (선암동)
  • Phone: +82-52-226-4851~4
  • Homepage: seonamlp.ulsannamgu.go.kr
  • Available Facilities
    * Convenience facilities: Observatory, pavilion, walking path, snack bar
    * Sports facilities (Free): Equipment for physical training
    * Sports facilities (Paid): Soccer field, artificial rock climbing wall, survival game field
    * Sanitary facilities: Drinking fountain
    * Picnic area
    * Performance facilities: Small stage

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take a bus to Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal.
From Ulsan Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take Bus No. 923 and get off at Samil Girls High School Bus Stop.
Walk toward Samik Ceramic Apartment and walk along Seonam Lake-gil to the venue.

jangsaengpo whale cultural village

Image by Destimap

Opened in 2015, Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village reproduces the scene of an old whaling village through areas like Whale Plaza, Jangsaengpo Old Village, Prehistoric Whale Experience Garden, an aquatic botanical garden and other themed area as well as a sculpture park.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    09:00-18:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
    Closed on Mondays, the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
  • Admission Fees
    Individuals 2,000 won / Groups 1,600 won
  • Address: 271-1, Jangsaengpogorae-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan
    울산광역시 남구 장생포고래로 271-1 (매암동)
  • Phone: +82-52-226-0980
  • Homepage: www.whalecity.kr
  • Tour Course Information
    * West-facing entrance square – Totem pole – A Path to Meet Whales – Jangsaengpo Old Village – Aquatic Botanical Garden – Whale Square – Gorae Madang of Prehisitorical Era – Totem pole – Whale Story Trail – Whale Sculpture Park

    * East-facing entrance square – Jangsaengpo Old Village – Aquatic Botanical Garden – A Path to Meet Whales – Prehistoric Whale Experience Garden – Totem pole – Whale Sculpture Park – Whale Story Trail
  • Available Facilities
    Whale Plaza, Jangsaengpo Old Village, Whale Sculpture Park, Outdoor stage, Whale Story Trail, Whale’s Playground, Aquatic Botanical Garden, Parking Lot, 5D Video Room (under construction)

How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take Bus 246 in front of Ulsan Express Bus Terminal and get off at Jangsaengpo Whale Museum Bus Stop.

ulsan bridge observatory

Image by Malaysian Flavours
Image by Malaysian Flavours

At the height of 63 meters on top of Hwajeongsan Mountain (alt. 203 meters), Ulsandaegyo Observatory has a breathtaking view of the city and the city’s three major industries. The view is amazing regardless of day or night, attracting returning visitors to the area. The observatory has a souvenir shop and a cafe, adding more to enjoy in addition to the city view.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    09:00-21:00
    Closed
    2nd & 4th Monday, the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
  • Address: 155-1, Bongsu-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan
    울산광역시 동구 봉수로 155-1 (방어동)
  • Phone: +82-52-209-3345
  • Homepage: www.donggu.ulsan.kr
  • Tour Course Information
    Starlight Tour, Daytime Course, Two-day Course

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Ulsan Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take Bus No. 1401 and get off at Halla Tower Ap Bus Stop.
Walk for approx. 12 min.

jinha beach

Jinha Beach is located 20 kilometers southeast of Ulsan and is a little slice of summer paradise measuring 1 kilometer in length and 300 meters in width. Like most beaches along Namhae (the South Sea) the waters of Jinha are shallow, warm, and calm, making it a perfect place to go swimming. The deep scent of the surrounding pine trees mixes with the ocean sea breeze and gives the beach an intimate atmosphere despite its relatively large size.

Camping is allowed in the pine woods and is free of charge. Simple shower booths and changing rooms are available for the convenience of the visitors. You may also enjoy freshwater river bathing as the water from Hoiyagagn River from Munsusan Mountain flows into the beach area.

Near the beach is Ideokdo Island, which consists of two mid-ocean rocks, and Myeongseungdo Island, which can be reached on foot. The latter, in particular, is popular for its beautiful sunset and is famous as a great fishing spot for Dorimi, flatfish, and Ureog. Around 10km away is Ganjeolgot Lighthouse, which is in operation 24/7.

Useful Informations

  • Address: Jinha-ri, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
    울산광역시 울주군 서생면 진하리
  • Phone: +82-52-204-0332
  • Homepage: tour.ulju.ulsan.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 715 or 1715 and get off at Jinha Bus Stop.

ulsan culture art center

Image by Waterfalls and Caribous

The cradle of Ulsan’s cultural renaissance, the art center is the city residents’ highly respected multi-purpose facility, holding various generes of quality performances, exhibitions, and other cultural activities. In addition, the space is filled with state-of-art banquet halls and other ancillary spaces, making an ideal destination for visitors of all backgrounds and interests. 

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours: 09.00-22.00
    Closed on Monday
  • Address: 200, Beonyeong-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan
    울산광역시 남구 번영로 200 (달동)
  • Phone: +82-52-275-9623
  • Homepage: ucac.ulsan.go.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Station, take a KTX train to Ulsan Station.
Take limosine bus No. 5001 from KTX Ulsan Station and get off at Nam-gu Office Bus Stop.

[Taxi]
From Ulsan Bus Terminal, take a taxi for about 10 minutes (total travel distance: 2.4km).
From Ulsan Airport, take a taxi for about 30 minutes (total travel distance: 9km).

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