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Things to Do in Ulsan

Things to Do in Ulsan

Ulsan South Korea Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Ulsan offers diverse outdoor activities, from mountain trails to seaside paths.

Hiking & Trekking

Yeongnam Alps

A peak range spanning Ulsan, Miryang, and Yangsan. Sinbulsan & Ganwolsan are popular peaks.

Difficulty Levels

Trails range from from moderate to difficult. Well-maintained paths suit intermediate hikers. Some steeper ascents exist.

Coastal Walks

Daewangam Park has easy coastal walking trails for all fitness levels, along the sea.

Water Sports & Wildlife

  • Ilsan Beach: Offers seasonal swimming. Paddleboarding or kayaking rentals may be available.
  • Birdwatching: Taehwagang National Garden is a a natural home for migrating birds like egrets and cormorants.
  • Whale Watching: Jangsaengpo offers boat tours, seasonal from April to November. Sightings are no guarantee.
  • Adventure Sports: Limited in Ulsan itself; more extreme options are in other regions of South Korea.

River Cycling

  • Taehwagang River Cycling Path.
  • Extensive, flat, and scenic paths.
  • Suitable for all ages and skill levels.
  • Enjoy the views of Taehwagang National Garden.

Coastal Cycling

  • Designated trails along Ilsan Beach.
  • Routes extend towards Ganjeolgot.
  • Scenic ocean views accompany your ride.
  • Great for a leisurely pace.

Mountain Biking

  • Some trails in the Yeongnam Alps area.
  • Cater to experienced riders.
  • More challenging terrain available.
  • Check for specific maps of trails.

Whale Watching Regulations

Note that whale hunting is internationally banned. Whale meat consumption in South Korea limits itself to whales caught incidentally or from special research permits.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Ulsan's culture through workshops, performances, and community experiences.

Workshops & Learning

  • Oegosan Onggi Village: Hands-on traditional pottery (onggi) making workshops available.
  • Ulsan Culture & Arts Center: Occasional public workshops, mostly in Korean. Inquire about English options.
  • Language Learning: Limited short-term options. Ulsan University has Korean language programs for longer stays.
  • Community Tourism: Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village gives insight into Ulsan's historical whaling community.

Performances & Festivals

Cultural Performances

Ulsan Culture & Arts Center hosts traditional Korean music and dance, alongside contemporary events.

Hyundai Arts Center

Hosts a range of performances, including plays, musicals, and live music, offering a broad cultural program.

Local Festivals

Ulsan Whale Festival, Taehwagang River Festival, and Oegosan Onggi Festival have cultural elements. Check annual dates.

Spa & Wellness

Jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses) are widely available. Luxury hotels as well often include their own spa facilities.

Natural Therapy

Hot springs and natural therapy options are limited in Ulsan proper. Some hot springs are found in nearby regions.

Yoga & Meditation

Ulsan does not mainly offer yoga and meditation retreats. These are more common in mountainous or rural areas outside the city.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in Ulsan.

Wellness Centers & Pools

  • Jjimjilbang (찜질방): Classic Korean bathhouses and saunas for a cultural relaxation experience.
  • Hotel Spas: Luxury hotels often include their own spa facilities, providing various treatments.
  • Traditional Healing: Traditional Korean medicine (한의원, haniwon) clinics offer acupuncture and herbal medicine.
  • Beach & Pool Clubs: Ilsan Beach for seasonal swimming. Hotel pools for swimming and relaxation.

Beyond the City Center

Hot Springs

Hot springs and natural therapy options are limited in Ulsan proper.

Nearby Regions

Some hot springs are found in areas nearby, requiring a short trip. Inquire with local tourism offices for directions.

Rural Retreats

Yoga and meditation retreats are more common in mountainous or rural areas outside Ulsan.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Theater

Limited dedicated live music venues. Some bars/public houses in Samsan-dong/Seongnam-dong may present live music groups. Ulsan Culture & Arts Center, Hyundai Arts Center host performances.

Nightclubs & Bars

Samsan-dong is the main district for after-dark activities, with clubs and taverns for dancing. Seongnam-dong has a more laid-back vibe.

Late-Night Fun

Noraebang (karaoke), PC Bang (internet cafes), and 24/7 Jjimjilbang (bathhouses) are popular late-after-dark options.

Shopping & Markets

Explore Ulsan's shopping scene, from traditional markets to modern boutiques.

Traditional Markets

  • Ulsan Jungang Market (울산중앙시장): Large traditional market with produce, street food, clothing.
  • Sinjeong Market (신정시장): Another significant traditional market, similar range of goods.
  • Jonggahon Market (종가헌 시장): A smaller, local market for daily needs and local flavors.
  • Artisan Workshops: Oegosan Onggi Settlement to purchase traditional earthenware directly from artisans.

Luxury & Souvenirs

Department Stores

Lotte Department Store Ulsan and Hyundai Department Store Ulsan in Samsan-dong offer luxury brands and diverse goods.

Local Souvenirs

Onggi pottery from Oegosan Onggi Village, local seafood products, and whale-themed items from Jangsaengpo are good choices.

General Korean Souvenirs

Kimchi, traditional crafts, and K-pop merchandise are widely available across Ulsan.

Unique Onggi Pottery

Purchase conventional Korean earthenware directly from artisans at Oegosan Onggi Village. Supports local craftspeople.

Fresh Seafood Products

Dried seafood or seaweed from coastal markets makes for real local souvenirs.

Whale-Themed Merchandise

Look for unique whale-themed items from Jangsaengpo, Ulsan's historical whaling port area.

Ethical Shopping Note

Be mindful of items that may exploit local wildlife; exercise caution with any "whale products" unless certified as responsibly sourced from incidental catches.

Shipping & Customs

Prepare for international shipping and customs requirements.

International Shipping

  • Major large retail stores can help with foreign shipping arrangements.
  • Local post offices also offer international shipping services.
  • Keep receipts and shipping documentation for customs.
  • An option is to ship larger items to prevent extra luggage charges.

Customs Information

Home Country Regulations

Be aware of customs regulations and duties for your home country regarding items like alcohol, tobacco, and certain agricultural products.

Research Before Shipping

Research these regulations before shipping any items to prevent issues.

Declare All Items

Always state all items accurately to border control officials.

Package Your Items

  • Use sturdy boxes for delicate items.
  • Wrap fragile souvenirs carefully.
  • Consider insurance for valuable goods.
  • Label packages clearly with contents.

Documentation

  • Complete customs declaration forms accurately.
  • Attach necessary permits for restricted goods.
  • Keep copies of all shipping documents.
  • Provide contact information for recipient.

Duties & Taxes

  • Be prepared for potential import duties.
  • Check duty-free limits for personal goods.
  • Taxes may apply depending on item value.
  • Factor these costs into your budget.

Affiliate Resources for Experiences

GetYourGuide for Activities
  • Explore and book various experiences online.
  • Find attraction tickets and guided tours.
  • Visit GetYourGuide for Ulsan activities.
Pre-booking Benefits
  • Secure your spot, especially during peak season.
  • Usually causes better rates or exclusive deals.
  • Benefit from customer support and easy cancellations.

Final Tip for Shopping

Always carry a bag for your purchases to minimize plastic waste and aid eco-friendly travel.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventures

  • Hiking in Yeongnam Alps for scenic mountain views.
  • Cycling along Taehwagang River and the coastline.
  • Whale watching tours from Jangsaengpo (seasonal).
  • Birdwatching at Taehwagang National Garden.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

  • Onggi pottery workshops at Oegosan Onggi Village.
  • Cultural performances in Ulsan Culture & Arts Center.
  • Relaxation at a traditional Jjimjilbang.
  • Exploring traditional markets and contemporary department stores.