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Ulsan

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Ulsan

Located along the southeastern coast of South Korea, Ulsan is one of the country’s largest metropolitan cities, offering both industrial and natural charms for travelers. Its strategic location along the south coast results in mild winters and delightful weather during autumn, summer, and spring. Currently, Ulsan is actively transforming its identity into a prominent national tourist destination and a cultural city.

Recognized as the industrial hub of South Korea, Ulsan boasts the world's largest automobile assembly plant operated by Hyundai Motor Company and the world's largest shipyard managed by Hyundai Heavy Industries. In Ulsan, you can enjoy a day of sunbathing along the shores of the East Sea and capturing cool pictures with a stunning sky in the background. Moreover, there are numerous performances and exhibits available that you can enter for free.

Ulsan also offers a wealth of cultural and historical sites, hosts engaging annual festivals, and boasts enchanting natural attractions. Jangsaengpo Whale Museum, the sole whale museum in Korea, showcases artifacts related to whaling, providing a deeper understanding of whales as a symbolic element of the city.

If you enjoy nature, you can explore the captivating Oegosan Onggi Village, known for its traditional pottery, or hike through the scenic Munsu Mountain. With its unique blend of industry, culture, and nature, Ulsan promises a memorable experience for every traveler.

Travel Tips for Ulsan

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Ulsan

A guide to Ulsan's local transportation

Bus
Taxi
Car rental

To get around Ulsan, using the bus is the best choice because you can get tickets at a relatively affordable price. You can pay for your bus trip via T-Money Card, which can be used for multiple trips, or a single-value card for each travel time. The adult fare is around KRW1,000 in cash and around KRW900 for T-Money Card users.

Practical Tips for Ulsan

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How many days should I spend in Ulsan?

Ulsan is famous for its sandy beaches, expansive rocky cliffs, and notable tourist attractions, particularly whale watching. If you only have one day to visit Ulsan, make sure to visit Daewangam Park in the morning to enjoy the beauty of the seaside park while strolling around. Continue your journey to see the Ulsan Culture and Arts Center to enjoy high-quality classic and pop culture performances, some of which you can watch for free.

If you have 3 to 5 days to visit Ulsan, Ilsan Beach is one of the tourist destinations that you must visit. You can camp on the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunrise the next morning. You can also spend your time taking part in various competitions and having fun at the Ulsan Whale Festival, which is held every year.

What to do in Ulsan?

You can have the experience of making your own makgeolli (rice wine) at Boksoondoga Rice Winery. Here, you have the opportunity to taste handmade makgeolli that is brewed in pots using Korean rice and traditional yeast, resulting in the distinctive Boksoondoga makgeolli. The small-scale production ensures a more delightful taste. Located in the western part of Ulsan, specifically in Hyangsanding-gil, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, you can buy makgeolli and takju (raw rice wine) as you like.

When visiting Ulsan, make sure to explore the Ulsandaegyo Observatory located in Bongsu-ro, Dong-gu, to see the beautiful sunset and night views from a height of 203 meters above MSL. Of course, seeing the view from the Ulsandaegyo Observatory will provide a different experience, plus you can take photos of yourself with the panoramic view at the observatory on the fourth floor.

What places to visit in Ulsan?

Taehwagang National Park, situated in Neosan-ro, Jung-gu, Ulsan, is a must-visit destination with its captivating bamboo forest. This park offers an array of attractions, including scenic walking paths, bamboo ecological facilities, a vibrant flower garden with over 60 million blossoms in spring, and the Taehwagang River that flows into Ulsan Bay.

Your trip to Ulsan will not be complete if you don't visit the Jangsaengpo Whale Museum, located in Jangsaengpogorae-ro, Nam-gu. This museum offers various tourist attraction zones that you can visit, such as Jangsaengpo Whale Experience Room, Jangsaengpo Whale Museum, Jangsaengpo Whale Watching Cruise, 5D theater, Ulsan Warship, Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural Village, JSP Whally Kids Land, and many more. Bring your family to learn more about whales at this museum.

Another place to visit is the Ulsan Grand Park. This place is perfect for you to relax and watch the family festival held there. You can play with your children at the Children's Amusement Park. Some facilities are only open at certain times, so it's advisable to check the schedule before planning your visit to this park.

What to eat in Ulsan?

Ulsan is famous for its Korean beef, which is enjoyed with Korean liquors. You can enjoy unique dishes, such as Bulgogi hanu Eonyang (grilled beef), which can be found in the Bonggye and Eonyang areas, featuring premium hanu-class beef. The meat is lightly marinated to bring out the traditional soft and chewy taste of hanu, making the region's hanu bulgogi second to none.

Another delectable option to savor in Ulsan is jokbal (braised pig’s feet), boiled for an extended period with a blend of 30 carefully selected ingredients. Known for its chewy texture and moist taste, Hansu jokbal, the original version, is delightful when enjoyed with salted shrimp or wrapped in vegetables and seasoned dried radish.

What is the best time to visit Ulsan?

Explore Ulsan in the months of July, August, and September for a warm weather experience as you wander through the city. If you prefer a visit during the rainy season, consider touring Ulsan in November, December, and January, especially November, when you can see many festivals in Ulsan. Alternatively, February holds its own charm, making it an ideal time to visit Ulsan, especially for skiing enthusiasts seeking the best winter sports conditions.

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