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City in South Korea
Photo: Rhie Cudanin, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ulsan (울산(蔚山)) is a metropolitan city in southeastern South Korea. It is the capital of the Ulsan Metropolitan District. While Ulsan is not listed in many tourist guides, it is the gateway to the Yeongnam Alps, considered to be one of the most beautiful national parks in South Korea. It also has twelve designated "Scenic Areas", from natural icons to man made buildings.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A large riverside national garden along the Taehwa River, known for its bamboo grove, seasonal flowers, and walking paths.
가지산
Selected as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Mountains in Korea, Mt Gaji is the tallest mountain in Ulsan. There are well marked hiking trails up the mountain and are accessible from Seongnamsa Temple.
간절곶
Ganjeolgot Cape is a famous sunrise-viewing spot on Korea’s east coast, located in Ulju, Ulsan. It is celebrated as the first place in Korea (and one of the earliest in East Asia) to see the sunrise due to its geographical position. The site features a lighthouse, a large mailbox symbolizing hope and good fortune, and landscaped walking areas overlooking the East Sea. Every New Year’s Day, thousands of visitors gather here to watch the first sunrise of the year, making it a culturally and spiritually meaningful destination.
강동몽돌해변
For those hoping for a view of the winter sea, or those longing for the engulfing embrace of the clear dark-blue waves crashing into huge rocks, Gangdong Pebble Beach is the place to be. The coastal road, with its beautiful scenery of the sea and mountains, is a popular driving route. With diverse attractions nearby, many vacationers are attracted to this beach in winter.
대왕암공원
Daewangam Park is a seaside park located on the east coast. The park has a walking trail that passes by a forest of pine, cherry blossom trees, magnolias, camellias, apricots, and forsythia. This park is located at the end of the southeasternmost point facing the East Sea, and has a lighthouse that serves as a marker for fisherman and sailors out on the sea. The park is also home to Daewangam Rock 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.
대운산 내원암 계곡
The tranquil valley is filled with pools of water and waterfalls next to large stones. The Naewonam Temple is also located in the valley amidst the mountain scenery.
While looking over an industrial complex might not seem like a tourist attraction, the view is something out of Blade Runner or Koyaanisqatsi. Take your tripod to get the best night photos.
울주 대곡리 반구대 암각화
Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri, Ulju-gun are estimated to have been drawn over several periods since the New Stone Age so you can discover the differences in styles among various ages. Primary objects that were popularly carved include sea animals, land animals, humans and tools and, as our prehistoric ancestors actively engaged in hunting, the hope of abundance in game is believed to be the reason why these objects were frequently carved on rocks. Vividly expressing animals and hunting scenes and colorfully depicting outstanding traits of objects, these petroglyphs are a form of both hunting art and religious art, and they are considered as the greatest masterpieces from which we can take a peek at the life and customs of the prehistoric ages. In 2025, the petroglyphs in the river valleys here were listed as a .
Mt Sinbul is the second tallest mountain in Ulsan, with a vast plain covered in reeds. Like Mt Gaji, it is considered to be one of the 100 most beautiful mountains in Korea.
문수월드컵 경기장
If you enjoy visiting random stadiums, then by all means, go to the Ulsan Sports Complex, although it seems like it only made the list because Koreans love soccer. Home to one of South Korea's many soccer teams.
Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium’s exterior design looks like a crane, which represents the bird of Ulsan. The design of the roof and the pillars represents the youth and dynamics of the city. Other representative symbols include a whale and big crown of the Silla dynasty.
작천천계곡
Formed by many years of water erosion, the river runs straight past a temple. The rocks are engraved with Korean characters and is an excellent place for photography.
선바위
The combination of rocks, river and the bamboo forest create a breathing space in a highly industrial city. It is linked to the Taehwagang River Grand-Park.
파래소폭포
A 15-meter-high waterfall with the reflection of the mountain in the pool below.
울산암각화박물관
Ulsan Petroglyph Museum was established on May 30, 2008 at the entrance to Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace (National Treasure No. 285) in Ulju-gun. The museum displays 311 exhibit materials and has an exhibition hall, a storage room, a research lab, and an audiovisual room. The exhibition hall presents models of petroglyphs of Bangudae and petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri (National Treasure No. 147), an educational video introducing the petroglyphs, a children’s hall, and family activity facilities. Visitors can observe reproductions of famous petroglyphs at the outdoor exhibit.
장생포 고래박물관
The Jangsaengpo Whale Museum opened on May 31, 2005 is the first and only whale museum in Korea and stands on what used to be a central area for the Korean whaling industry. After whaling was banned in 1986, 250 artifacts from whalers and the whaling industry were collected and put on display. Visitors can enjoy experience zones such as the Whale Belly Road or the Underwater Adventure Zone. Exhibitions include things like a Bryde's whale skeleton, a killer whale skeleton, a gray whale corner, and whaling ships.
외고산 옹기마을
Oegosan Onggi Village was established when earthenware master Heo Deok-man settled in the area in 1975. The village today showcases a massive collection of various earthenware products, which creates a unique sight. Over 50% of the country's earthenware products are crafted at this village. The village also features several attractions for visitors to enjoy, such as the Ulsan Onggi Museum, which houses the largest earthenware pottery recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records; and the annual Ulsan Onggi Festival, with many diverse activity programs.
울산박물관
A museum covering Ulsan's history and industrial development, with permanent and special exhibitions.
울산 일산해수욕장
Ilsan Beach is a fine-grained sandy beach that is 600 m in length, 40-60 m in width, and 26,000 ㎡ in total area. The water is relatively shallow at 1-2 m in depth and holds an average temperature of around 21.2 °C during the summer months. Every July, there is a beach festival. Ilsan Beach offers various amenities and is surrounded by accommodation facilities, allowing for a comfortable and pleasant stay. Nearby tourist attractions include Daewangam Park and Hwaam Boat Trail Mark Management Center, which has a lighthouse exhibition center and the highest lighthouse observatory in the area, giving visitors a wide-open view of Ulsanhang Harbor. Hyundai Heavy Industry is also located nearby.
진하해수욕장
Jinha Beach is a little slice of summer paradise measuring 1 km in length and 300 m in width. Like most beaches along the southern coast, the waters of Jinha are shallow, warm, and calm, making it a perfect place for swimming. The deep scent of the surrounding pine trees mixes with the 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. Freshwater river bathing is also available as the water from Hoeyagang 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 noraemi, flounder, and rockfish. Around 10 km away is Ganjeolgot Lighthouse, which is in operation 24 hours a day.
18th Ulsan Taehwagang Bamboo Forest Horror Festival
An annual summer horror festival featuring horror trekking, theater performances, a horror mask dance party, and themed experience programs. The 2026 festival was held from August 14 to 17 at Taehwagang National Garden.
울산 삼산밀면 본점
It is a noodle that is only eaten in South Gyeongsang Province in Korea. It's a cool noodle called Milmyeon and you can taste the unique taste of Korea.
경복궁
A popular spot for premium hanjeongsik and charcoal-grilled beef, suitable for family or business meals.
스시카이키
Intimate Edomae-style omakase with reserved seatings; advance reservations essential.
만족 울산대점
Casual, value-friendly jokbal/bossam specialist popular in the college district.
함양집
Historic Korean restaurant (est. 1924) famous for traditional bibimbap and classic side dishes.
미몽
Late-night Japanese-style pub with small plates and drinks; a local favorite.
OX 스모크 앤 브로일
Casual grill house for smoked and broiled meats with a lively atmosphere.
나마스카르 삼산점
Long-running Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori in the Samsan area.
언양 기와불고기
Classic Eonyang-style bulgogi grilled over charcoal with thin-sliced beef.
삿뽀로 울산점
Premium Japanese dining with sashimi and course menus; good for groups.
서가앤쿡 울산무거점
Casual western chain popular with families; generous platters and sets.
미진돌곱창
A legendary local restaurant with over 40 years of tradition in Ulsan's famous Samho Gopchang Alley. It specializes in sizzling grilled beef tripe and intestines (gopchang gui) cooked on heated stone plates, as well as a rich, spicy tripe hot pot (gopchang jeongol) packed with vegetables and noodles. Finishing the meal with stir-fried rice on the hot plate is highly recommended.
샤브온당 울산삼산점
A shabu-shabu restaurant offering individual hot pots for each customer. The menu includes a variety of vegetables, meat, and other ingredients, as well as several broth options. Customers can select their preferred ingredients and broth for their meal.
Pho Bay is a great Vietnamese restaurant. Try the pho noodle soup.
This market is similar to Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan. Customers choose their fish, and the fish is prepared on the spot. Prices are fixed but it can be possible to negotiate some extra fish at no additional cost, though vendors here generally do not speak English. Common dishes include hoe (raw fish, pronounced "hway"), sannakji (dead but still moving octopus), and various fish soups. A small fee is added to the price of the fish for its preparation. Dishes are usually accompanied by vegetables, various sauces, and kimchi. Beer or soju can be purchased for around ₩4000 a bottle. The market also sells whale meat, and it is sometimes possible to see a whale being butchered at the exterior of the building.
Great foreigner bar in Shinae (Old Downtown). They host a poker game on a weekly basis.
A business-oriented hotel at Gongeoptap Rotary, very close to the Ulsan Grand Park.
The most luxurious place to stay. It is in the center of the main downtown area, just steps away from various bars and shopping. The intercity and express bus terminals are within a few minutes walking distance. One drawback is the lack of food and drink options (two restaurants and no bars in the hotel), however the hotel's location does alleviate this being in the main downtown area with a decent selection of restaurants and bars within 5 minutes walking distance of the hotel.
Another 5-star accommodation. It is in Dong-Gu, and unless you are visiting the Dong-Gu area, is very inconveniently located.
By train
Ulsan has rail links with the rest of the country and it is possible to get to the city without too much trouble or waiting.
By car
Getting to Ulsan by car is simple enough using the national expressway system:
By bus
Ulsan is well served by intercity buses and it is possible to get to the city from any other major (and not so major) location in the country.
By boat
There are no ferry services to Ulsan though some people do arrive via work on boats that make port at the shipyards.
By bus
Getting around the city by bus is a lengthy and time-consuming process. The white express bus services alleviate this somewhat but are less frequent on the routes.
By taxi
Foreigners use taxis in the city frequently and almost always without problem. They're relatively cheap to use especially if the cost is shared among others.
By train
If you're in some of the outlying areas and live close to a station then it becomes a viable form of transport into the city. For example, Hogye and Hyomun have stations in the north.
By Light Rapid Transit
A Light Rapid Transit (LRT) will be built in the city similar to that found in some European cities.
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Ulsan · Regional · USN
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