After 2D1N in Busan, we moved to Ulsan and began our another 2D1N trip in this metropolitan city, discover some of the things to do, see and eat in Ulsan, Korea.
Ulsan, being the 7th largest metropolis in Korea, relies mainly on shipping, automobile, oil refinery, and heavy industries for its economy. In fact, it is the home to:
1. The World’s Largest Single Automobile Plant – Hyundai Motor Ulsan Plant;
2. The World’s Largest Heavy Industry Group – Hyundai Heavy Industries;
3. The Center of Korean Chemical Industry – Petrochemical Coplex and Onsan Complex;
4. Leading Manufacturer of High-Value Added Specialized Vessels – Hyundai Mipo Dockyard;
5. Korea’s First and The World’s Forth Largest Port for Liquid Logistic – Ulsan Port
It is undoubtedly an important, growing industrial district in Korea. But at the same, Ulsan authority has put in plenty of effort in developing their tourism, as this place is actually rich with culture, history, coastal beauty, mountains and fields that can be introduced to the world.
The 12 Sights of Ulsan is one of the best ways to experience Ulsan for first timer, as these 12 attractions are said to be “the Window into Ulsan City”.
Each sight has its own uniqueness, yet sharing some similarities with other sights of Ulsan, hence reflecting what Ulsan has to offer as a whole.
1. Taehwagang Grand Park and Simni Bamboo Grove
2. Daewangam park
3. Four Seasons of Gajison Mountain
4. Sinbulsan Mountain’s Silver Grass Field
5. Sunrise at Cape Ganjeolgot
6. Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace and CHeonjeon-ri
7. Gangdong and Jujeon Pebble Beach
8. Ulsan Grand Park
9. Night View Seen from Ulsandaegyo Bridge
10. Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village
11. Oegosan Onngi Village
12. Naewonam Valley in Daeunsan Mountain
There are several ways to reach Ulsan from Busan, by train, KTX, bus, taxi or self-driving.
1. KTX: Busan Station – Ulsan Station (22 minutes)
2. Train: Haeundae Station – Namchang Station (36 minutes), Taehwagang Station (54 minutes)
3. Bus: Busan Bus Terminal – Ulsan Bus Terminal (60 minutes)
4. Bus: Haeundae Bus Terminal – Ulsan Bus Terminal (60 minutes)
5. Car: Taxi/Self-driving Haeundae, Busan – Ulsan (40 minutes)
Upon reaching Busan, depends on the attractions you want to go, you may join any of the Ulsan City Tour, then take a cab to cover places which are not within the tour line if you wish to.
Ulsan Cyclic City Tour, Loop Course: This is pretty much like our Kuala Lumpur hop-on hop-off city bus. You buy a ticket at KRW10,000 and for one price, you can ride the bus and get off at any of the 16 designated tourist attractions as you like. The Loop Course is catagorized in Daewangam Course and Taehwagang Course.
Ulsan City Tour, Theme Type: It is also recommended to go on City Tour Theme Type, which available in Historical Exploration Course, Coast Tour Course, Industrial Tour Course for more in-depth, specific tour. These theme courses are available only on certain dates and time.
Let’s the trip begin!
We started by visiting main shopping streets in Junggu Ulsan, like Samsan-dong Design Street and Seongnam-dong Street.
Samsan-dong is also where largest department stores such as Hyundai Department Store and Lotte Department Store locate, making it the up-market shopping mecca of Ulsan.
We spent more time in Seongnam-dong area as we find it more interesting, with activities beyond just shopping.
There are so many things to do in Seongnam-dong, from watching movie to outdoor stages performance, shopping, eating, second-hand clothing bargaining, cafe hopping and street photo takings.
Furthermore, Ulsan revamp projects have breathe in new life to Seongnam-dong, introducing walking tours that is educational yet fun, allowing both locals and tourists to discover the past and present of Ulsan.
Real Life Walk in the Past & Present of Ulsan. Take this Ulsan Keunaegi Story Road as example, we personally feel that it is one of the best theme roads to check out in Ulsan.
It makes us feel like we were walking in the real life of a historical novel, and gives us a brand-new perspective of the before, now and then of Ulsan.
There are 3 main alleys for Ulsan Keunaegi Story Road, consisting of Keunaegi-gil (2.5KM), Street of Memories (1.6KM), and Eupseong-gil (0.89KM). It makes up to a total of 4.5KM, which takes about 1 and a half hours to for leisure walking.
Hakseong Inn (Marronnier)
It is built by the Ulsan Magistrate, Kim Su-oh, in 1681 (the 7th year of King Sukjong’s reign) and remodelled by another magistrate, Hong Ik-dae, in 1763 (the 39th year of King Yeongjo’s reign).
The first permanent night market in Ulsan. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday all-year-round, 7PM until 1AM.
Stopped by at this super cute tourist centre. Who will thought that a tourist info centre can be an attraction too but this one in Ulsan is MUST COME!
A 3-floors building, with plenty of picture-worthy spots! It is in dreamy pinkish theme, girls will love this place!
“Hello~~~ I’m Ulsan Keunaegi!”
Aww… look at the bed room of red dress girl. Can I have my room this way too?
Souvenirs printed with this charming little girl in red dress are available too! Dolls, bags, key chains, note books, handkerchief, mini pouch, mugs, and more. Hehe, feel like bringing one of each home.
“Bye bye~ Remember to have a stamp as memory before you go.” Hehe.
Taking the name of cock ticking “tick tock”, this alley is built to give solace to young people in Ulsan, who underwent tumultuous industrialization in the 1970s and 1980s.
It is a street filled with colourful mural paintings.
In between the main roads, there are a lot of smaller alleys that are worth visiting, such as Ttok Ttak Road, Culture Street, Byeongyeong Makchang Alley, Cheongchun Ko Bok-Su Jazz Road….
…Youth Street, Juk Alley, Seongnam-dong Street, Paebaek Street (Okgol Market), Tailors Street, Barefooted Young Street, Market Street, Castle Street, Food Street and more.
Generally, many interesting photo spots, plenty of things to discover. Can almost spend a day here.
A popular meeting point in Ulsam down town. Built in 1966, this tower is refurbished in 2015 with modern time, having dome-shape top and gives the whistle sound of six trains on time every hours.
Shopping paradise for teens and youngsters in their 20s. A lot of stores selling clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and fast food restaurants.
Clothing! So cheap!
9. Young Go Boksu-gil
Felt as if the masterpieces of Master Go Boksu, such as “Crushed Love”, “Living Away from Home”, resonating alongside us.
Stop and have a cuppa in your favourite cafes!
TIPS: As many places in Ulsan use only Koreans, we suggest to take this very useful UlsanKeunaegi-Iyagi-ro, or Stamp Tour map with English words from the tourism office.
Tick off each location one by one and feel the satisfaction by the end of the tour, like how we find Bukchon Hanok Village 8 Views in Seoul. Just this one have a lot more. LOL.
For more information, you can also check out Ulsan Jung-gu website : http://www.junggu.ulsan.kr/tour
How to Reach:
Board on Ulsan Cyclic City Tour – Taewagang Course, get off at stops No.14 Junngu Culture Street. All these areas are within walking distance.
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Following Ulsan Taehwagang City Bus Loop Course, we visited Taehwagang River, Taehwagang Park and Simnidaesup Bamboo Forest connected to the park.
Taehwagang River태화강 cuts across the heart of Ulsan City and flows into Ulsan Bay, linked to the East Sea.
The river basin stretches for 36KM from East to West, 28KM from North to South, comprises mainly of mountainous terrain, but there is fertile land on both sides of the river, as well as at the Southern End of the river. The river is also an important drinking water source for Ulsan citizens.
It is great to take a leisure stroll along the riverside during evening, as you will get to enjoy one of the best sunset view in Ulsan.
Located on the shore of Taehwagang River, Taehwagang Grand Park 태화강 대공원 covers a huge 530,000metre square area.
It is the only downtown park in Korea that has been designated as one of the top 12 ecotourism sites by the Ministry of Environment.
On top of that, Taehwagang Grand Park is also famous for Taehwaru Pavilion – situated in the mid-section of the river, one of the Three Pavillionin Yeongnam; and the sanctuary of white herons and crows.
A pavilion built in the late 17th century by Manhoe Bak Chwi-mun, intended to offer leisurely time to Bak’s later years.
Connected to the park is this photography-worthy toursit spot – 4KM long and 20-40KM wide Simnidaesup Bamboo Forest that reminds us about the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan.
This large bamboo field was created by the villagers to prevent the frequent flooding that occurred during the Japanese colonial period.
In spring, Taehwagang Grand Park turned into largest riverside flowering plant garden in Korea with over 60 million spring flower blossoms from 7 different species that include poppies, cornflowers, and golden coreopsis, creating a splendid full blossom scenery.
Address: Singi-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan-si
Admission Free: FOC
How to Reach Taehwagang River, Taehwagang Park and Simnidaesup Bamboo Forest: Ulsan Cyclic City Tour – Taewagang Course, get off at No.13 Taehwa Pavilion.
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Ulsan Bridge Observatory, a 63-metres high Ulsan tower with an observatory that offers one of the best spots for Ulsandaegyo Bridge viewing.
The tower consists of 4 mains floor – a gallery of construction process of Ulsandaegyo Bridge, LED Rose Garden, Cafe with View, Indoor Observatory and Outdoor Observatory.
Opened in May 2015, Ulsandaegyo Bridge is the third longest suspension bridge in Asia.
From the observatory, we get to enjoy a view of the entire area of Ulsan, from petrochemical to automobile and ship building industrial complexes – the three main industry of Ulsan.
It was quite hazy during our visit. If the weather is good, you can have a glimpse of the 7 famous mountains of Ulsan clearly.
Address:
Ulsandaegyo Bridge Observatory
155-1, Bongsu-ro, Dongu-gu, Ulsan, Korea.
Opening Hours: 9AM – 9PM
Admission : Free
How to reacH: From Taehwagan station, take bus 134 or 1401, get off at Dong-gu office and walk for 15 minutes.
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Sleeping spot of the night – Lotte Hotel Ulsan, a 5-stars hotel that offers satisfying and comfortable stay.
Modernly-designed hotel complete with all basic amenities, suitable for both leisure and business travellers.
Love the bed. It looks comfy right? And yeah, indeed it is. Had a really good sleep that night.
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The most anticipated time – DINNER!
Had Korean Ginseng Chicken!
So nourishing and tummy warming, comfort food that we could hardly say no too.
Share stir-fry meat in mini hot wok with friends too. Equally delicious. Flavourful, great with rice.
Tadaaaa… the full spread. Again, lots of Ban Chan to accompanied our dinner.
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