Ulsan, South Korea
Region: Ulsan
Geographic Coordinates: 35.550000, 129.317000
Temperature Range: -15.0°C to 35.0°C (5°F to 95°F)
Climate: Ulsan has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city experiences rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being July and August. Typhoons can also occur between July and September.
Population: 1166033
Language: Korean
Ulsan is a bustling metropolitan city located in the southeastern part of South Korea. It is the seventh largest city in South Korea and is home to over 1.1 million people. Ulsan has a rich history dating back to the Silla Dynasty, Which ruled over Korea from 57 BC to 935 AD, Making it one of the oldest cities in the country. One of Ulsan’s most famous landmarks is Gyeongju National Park, Which houses numerous historical sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer visitors a glimpse into ancient Korean culture and architecture.
Ulsan also boasts an impressive industrial sector, With Hyundai Motors being one of its most prominent companies. The Hyundai Motor Company Ulsan Plant is one of the largest automobile manufacturing facilities in the world, Producing over 1.6 million vehicles annually. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Ulsan offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring nature trails. Mount Gajisan offers breathtaking views from its summit at an elevation of 1, 433 meters above sea level.
In addition to its natural beauty and industrial prowess, Ulsan also has a vibrant cultural scene with various festivals throughout the year such as the Taehwagang Fireworks Festival held every October along Taehwa River. This festival attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy live performances, Food stalls and spectacular fireworks displays. Foodies will also love exploring Ulsan’s culinary scene which features traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap (mixed rice bowl) and kimchi (fermented vegetables), As well as fresh seafood caught off the coast that lines much of this seaside city.
Overall, Uslsan offers something for everyone – whether you’re interested in history or modern industry; natural beauty or urban life; cultural events or delicious cuisine – making it an ideal destination for any traveler.
- Ulsan Grand Park
- Taehwagang National Garden
- Jangsaengpo Whale Museum
- Daewangam Park
- Ganjeolgot Lighthouse
- Ulsan Bridge Observatory
- Ilsan Beach
- Seoknamsa Temple
- Ulju Mountain Film Festival Square
- Hyundai Heavy Industries Industrial Site Tour
- Petrochemicals: Ulsan boasts the world’s largest petrochemical complex, which produces a variety of products such as ethylene, propylene, benzene, and butadiene.
- Automotive: Hyundai Motor Company has its headquarters and primary manufacturing facility in Ulsan. Other automotive-related companies like Hankook Tire and Halla Corporation also operate in the city.
- Shipbuilding: Ulsan is one of the world’s leading shipbuilding cities with significant shipyards such as Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding.
- Steel: POSCO runs a massive steel mill in Ulsan that manufactures different types of steel products like hot-rolled coils, cold-rolled coils, and wire rods.
- Electronics: LG Electronics has an electronics factory in Ulsan that produces televisions, monitors, smartphones air conditioners among others.
- Chemicals: Lotte Chemical operates a large chemical plant in Ulsan that specializes in producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin used for making plastic bottles.
- Energy: There are several power plants located within the city limits that generate electricity using various sources such as coal-fired power plants operated by Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd., nuclear power plants operated by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., etc.
- Fishing industry: As an important port city situated on the coastlines of several seas/oceans/bays/straits/gulfs/etc , fishing industry plays a vital role in the local economy.
- The Ulsan Petrochemical Complex is a massive oil refining and petrochemical production facility that has been instrumental in South Korea’s economic growth since its establishment in 1964.
- Admiral Yi Sun-sin, born in Ulsan, is celebrated as one of Korea’s greatest naval heroes for his victories against Japanese invaders during the Imjin War.
- The Battle of Hwangsanbeol was fought near Ulsan in 660 AD between Silla Kingdom and Tang Dynasty forces from China, resulting in a Silla victory that solidified their control over the Korean Peninsula.
- Kim Ki-duk, a renowned film director born in Bonghwa (now part of Ulsan Metropolitan City), won numerous awards for his films including Pieta and Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring.
- Park Geun-hye was South Korea’s first female president from 2013 to 2017; she spent much of her childhood living with her parents on Mount Gaya near Ulsan while they were political exiles.
- The Jangseungpo Whale Museum showcases the history of whaling culture along the southeastern coast of Korea, including Ulsan.
- Hyundai Motor Company has its main production facilities located just outside central Ulsan city at its massive plant complex despite having headquarters located elsewhere.
- The Ulju Mountain Film Festival (UMFF) takes place annually every September since 2016 at Ulju-gun,Ulsan; it aims to promote mountain culture and adventure sports through film screenings from around the world.
- The Gyeongju Historic Areas are located just outside of Ulsan featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto containing some significant cultural relics from Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD).
- Ulsan Grand Park is a vast park that offers plenty of attractions such as a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park.
- The Ulsan Museum showcases the rich history and culture of Ulsan through exhibits and artifacts.
- The Hyundai Motor Company provides factory tours for visitors to see how cars are manufactured.
- Daewangam Park is a picturesque coastal park with stunning rock formations and breathtaking views of the sea.
- The Jangsaengpo Whale Museum provides valuable information about whales and their significance in Korean culture.
- Taehwa River Grand Park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts who enjoy walking, cycling, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
- Ganjeolgot Lighthouse is situated at South Korea’s easternmost point on the mainland, offering mesmerizing views of the sunrise over the sea.
- Ilsan Beach Resort Area is an attractive beach destination that offers numerous activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, etcetera!
- The Ulsan Petroglyph Museum houses ancient petroglyphs that depict life in prehistoric times in Korea.
- Bulguksa Temple is one of South Korea’s most famous temples known for its intricate architecture.
- Ulsan Hyundai FC is a renowned sports team located in Ulsan, South Korea.
- The football club was established in 1983.
- Ulsan Hyundai FC has achieved several domestic and international titles, such as the AFC Champions League in 2012.
- Another significant sports team from Ulsan is the Ulsan Mobis Phoebus.
- The Ulsan Mobis Phoebus is a professional basketball team that competes in the Korean Basketball League.
- The club was founded in 1997.
- The Ulsan Mobis Phoebus has earned multiple championships, including six KBL titles.
- Apart from these two teams, there are also various amateur sports clubs and teams based in Ulsan.
- These amateur sports clubs and teams participate in different competitions across South Korea.
- Ulsan Whale Festival: This festival commemorates the city’s whaling history and features traditional performances, food, and activities.
- Ulsan Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival: This festival is held in April to showcase the stunning cherry blossom trees in Ulsan Grand Park with food vendors, music performances, and more.
- Taehwagang River International Art Festival: Annually held in September along the Taehwagang River, this event showcases various art exhibitions and performances.
- Bangeojin Fish Market Festival: A celebration of Bangeojin Fish Market with fresh seafood dishes, traditional music performances, and a fish auction.
- Ulsan Industrial District Culture Festival: Held every October or November, this festival highlights the industrial history of Ulsan with factory tours and exhibitions on industrial technology.
- Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural Festival: An event taking place in February or March to celebrate whales returning to the waters off Jangsaengpo Port with cultural activities such as whale watching tours and traditional dance performances.
- Ganjang Gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) at Haeundae Crab Market
- Ssambap (rice wrapped in lettuce with various toppings) at Jeonpo Ssambap Alley
- Makchang (grilled pork intestines) at Gyeongju Makchang Town
- Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake) at Dongnae Pajeon Street
- Bulgogi (marinated beef) at Ulsan Bulgogi Street
- Eomuk-guk (fish cake soup) at Seokbong Eomuk Town
Some popular restaurants to try these dishes are:
- Haeundae Crab Market
- Jeonpo Ssambap Alley
- Gyeongju Makchang Town
- Dongnae Pajeon Street
- Ulsan Bulgogi Street
- Seokbong Eomuk Town
- Taehwagang National Park is a picturesque park located along the Taehwa River, offering visitors hiking trails, bike paths and picnic areas to enjoy.
- Ulsan Grand Park is a sprawling park that boasts beautiful gardens, playgrounds and even a zoo for families to explore.
- Jangsaengpo Whale Museum offers an educational experience for those interested in whales and marine life in the Ulsan area.
- Ilsan Beach is a popular destination for swimming and water sports enthusiasts alike.
- Munsu Football Stadium hosts soccer games and other events throughout the year.
- Ganjeolgot Sunrise Park provides breathtaking views of sunrise over the East Sea, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers.
- Daewangam Park features coastal walking trails with stunning views of rock formations in the sea that are sure to impress visitors of all ages.
- Yeongnam Alps Natural Recreation Forest is perfect for those who love nature walks or hiking through forests of pine trees while observing streams, waterfalls & wildlife.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some parks may have limited access or be closed temporarily; please check before visiting any public parks or recreational activities in Ulsan or anywhere else in South Korea during this time period to ensure you are following all safety guidelines put forth by local authorities.
