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How to Get to Ulsan

How to Get to Ulsan

Ulsan Ulsan, South Korea Travel Guide

Air Travel to Ulsan

Airports & Airlines

Ulsan Airport (USN) is domestic, mainly for flights within South Korea. Gimhae International Airport (PUS) near Busan (1-hour drive) a major international gateway for southeastern Korea. Incheon International Airport (ICN) South Korea's main international hub near Seoul.

Flight Options

  • Domestic to USN: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, Jeju Air (from Seoul-Gimpo, Jeju).
  • International to PUS: Korean Air, Asiana, Air Busan, Jeju Air, Jin Air (from Asian cities).
  • International to ICN: All major global airlines.

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

No direct international flights to Ulsan (USN). Direct international flights typically arrive at ICN or PUS. Flight prices are higher during peak seasons (Spring, Autumn) and major holidays (Seollal, Chuseok, summer vacation). Book in advance for better rates.

Airport Amenities

  • Ulsan Airport (USN): Cafes, convenience store, car rental.
  • Gimhae (PUS) & Incheon (ICN): Duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange.
  • Tourist information counters at international airports.

Book Ahead

Higher flight prices during peak season. Plan well in advance.

Domestic Flights

Ulsan Airport (USN) handles internal Korean flights. Connections from Seoul-Gimpo.

International Hubs

Fly into Gimhae (PUS) or Incheon (ICN) for international flights.

Airport Transfers to Ulsan

From Ulsan Airport USN

  • Taxi: Approx. 20-30 min, KRW 10,000 - 15,000.
  • City Bus: Several lines connect airport to city parts.

From Gimhae PUS to Ulsan

  • Intercity Bus: Direct fast buses to Ulsan Express Bus Terminal. Approx. 1 hr 10 min.
  • Taxi: Expensive (KRW 70,000 - 100,000+).

From Incheon ICN to Ulsan

  • KTX Train: AREX to Seoul Station, then KTX to Ulsan Station (Tongdosa). Total 3.5-4.5 hrs.
  • Intercity Bus: Direct express buses to Ulsan Fast Bus Terminal. Approx. 5-6 hrs.

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Land Transportation

Train Services

South Korea's rail network is highly efficient.

Train Types

  • KTX (Korea Train eXpress): High-speed rail. Ulsan Station (Tongdosa) connects to Seoul (2h 10m), Busan, Daegu.
  • ITX-Saemaeul/Mugunghwa-ho: Slower, conventional trains. Serve Taehwagang Station (closer to city center).
  • Border Crossing: Not applicable (South Korea shares land border only with North Korea, not traversable for tourism).

Long-Distance Buses

Buses offer an affordable and comprehensive network.

Bus Types & Companies

  • Express Buses (고속버스): Connect Ulsan Express Bus Terminal to major cities (Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju). Comfortable, services without transfers.
  • Buses Between cities (시외버스): Connect Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal to smaller regional cities.
  • Companies: Koreana Express, Samhwa Express, Chunil Express, among others.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the region. Road conditions are excellent.

Car Rental Essentials

  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP), home country driver's license, passport, credit card.
  • Navigation: Naver Map or Kakao Map are accurate. Google Maps limited.
  • Safety: Drive on right. Roads are excellent. Traffic heavy in urban centers. Some aggressive driving.

Roads, Tolls & Parking

Driving Information

  • Roads: Well-maintained highways and regional roads.
  • Tolls: Expressways are toll roads. Use Hi-Pass card or pay cash.
  • Parking: Challenging/expensive in central districts. Public metered lots available.

Sea/River Arrivals and Departures

  • Ulsan port is mainly industrial.
  • No international passenger ferries or cruise lines for tourism.
  • River transportation not applicable for tourism arrival/departure.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports not applicable for tourism entry.
  • Connections to land transportation not applicable for tourism entry via sea/river.
  • Limited domestic ferry services may exist to nearby islands.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No separate exit fees or taxes for tourists departing South Korea. Charges are usually included in airline ticket prices.

Recommended Timing

  • Domestic Flights (USN): Arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
  • International Flights (PUS, ICN): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Train/Bus Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing visitors for a comfortable experience.

Available Amenities

  • Airports: Restrooms, dining options, shops, duty-free (international), currency exchange.
  • Train/Bus Stations: Waiting areas, convenience stores, dining options.
  • Tickets: Purchase online, via app, or by the station.

Timely Arrival

Arrive early for domestic, international flights, and ground transport.

Last-Minute Needs

Airports and stations have shops for essentials or souvenirs.

No Hidden Fees

Exit fees or taxes typically included in airline tickets.

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Local Car Rental Companies

These are major companies operating within South Korea, offering reliable rental services.

Well-Known Providers

  • Lotte Rent-a-Car.
  • SK Rent-a-Car.
  • Hertz and Avis also operate here.

Car Rental Considerations

Requirements

IDP, home license, passport, major credit card.

Minimum Age

Typically 21-26 years old.

Booking

Recommended in advance, especially during peak season.

Seamless Travel

Planning your arrival and departure, whether by air or land, forms a smooth travel experience. Familiarity with airport transfers, train and bus schedules, and car rental options makes for a stress-free journey to and from Ulsan.