The cradle of Ulsan's cultural renaissance, the art center is the city residents' highly respected multi-purpose facility, holding various generes of quality performances, exhibitions, and other cultural activities. In addition, the space is filled with state-of-art banquet halls and other ancillary spaces, making an ideal destination for visitors of all backgrounds and interests. * Opening date: October 5, 1995
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
The Theme Botanic Gardens & Arboretum was built on a farm that had been used for agriculture for nearly 20 years. By growing a large variety of plant species, the arboretum provides opportunities for learning and researching plants, and further seeks to become the largest woodland recreational space in the region.
· 3 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Chorakdang (초락당), a resort that specializes in Oriental medicine treatments, is located in a mountain village next to Ulsan Metropolitan City. Guests can stay in hanoks (traditional Korean-style houses) with front yards that serve as a perfect setting for rest, relaxation, and medical treatments. Chorakdang offers Hanbang Tours (Oriental medicine tours) designed especially for foreigners, that last for one-night and two-days. Guests will receive health consultations, hwangto face packs (made from yellow earth), medicinal herb baths, as well as meals and teas made from various medicinal herbs. In addition, there is a 2-night/3-day course where guests will be taken on a tour of Gyeongju with the Oriental medicine experience. Reservations for all tours must be made by phone at least 3 to 4 days in advance (please note the resort is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
· 3 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Taehwagang River cuts across Ulsan City from the east to west and originates in the valley between Ssalbawi of Gijisan Mountain and Tapgolsaem of Baekunsan Mountain. The 47.54 kilometer river passes through downtown Ulsan and empties out into Ulsan Bay, which is connected to the East Sea. Not just a symbol of pride for the people of Ulsan, the river has long since been a precious commodity that has played a pivotal role in Ulsan town culture and history. There are several convenient facilities near the river such as a bamboo forest park, grassy fields, a pampas grass colony, trails, and exercise facilities. The river itself is home to many freshwater fish, while the riverside area is a famous habitat for migratory birds.
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
The Taehwagang River cuts across the heart of Ulsan and flows into Ulsan Bay, which is connected to the East Sea. The river basin, which stretches 36 kilometers from east to west and 28 kilometers from north to south, is mostly comprised of mountainous terrain, but there is fertile land on both sides of the river at the southern end of the river. The Taehwagang River is presently an important source of drinking water for the citizens of Ulsan. Along the Taehwagang River is an extensive bamboo field covering the areas between Taehwa Bridge and Samho Bridge. The bamboo field, which is about 4 kilometers long and 20-40 kilometers wide, was created by the villagers in hopes of preventing the frequent flooding that occurred during the Japanese colonial period. Today it is a rich bamboo forest. In spring, the flowering plant garden in Taehwagang National Garden offers splendid scenery created by over 60 million spring flower blossoms from 7 different species that include poppies, cornflowers, and golden coreopsis. It is the largest single riverside flowering plant garden in the country.
· 3 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Sunmot Ecological Park is home to the famous Sunmot Pond, which is associated with the legend of Dongbangsak and Grandmother Mago. The pond provides a beautiful resting space in the heart of Ulsan.
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Sinbulsan Falls National Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Sinbulsan Mountain is noted for the Yeongnam Alps and the beautiful surrounding valleys. Famous forest attractions in particular are the mountain's valleys and waterfalls. The Parasopokpo Falls are a picturesque series of cascading falls. Near the falls are old Buddhist temples and the silver grass field of Sinbulsan Mountain. The forest houses a walking path, health training facility, forest exhibition hall, and accommodation facilities such as the Cabin House, Forest Recreation Center, a camping deck and a camping site.
· 3 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Sinbulsan County Park is located in parts of the Sangbuk and Samnam districts of Ulju (County). The massive area encompasses 11.66 square km and is home to one of the most impressive peaks in the Yeongnam mountain range found in the southeast of Korea. The park’s hiking trails interconnect with those of neighboring Gangwolsan and Yeongchwisan Mountains and attract a large number of hikers year-round. Near the peak of Silbulsan Mountain sits a fortress with breathtaking views of silver grass. Water starts high above the clouds at Danjobong Peak and trickles down through streams and waterfalls to join the deep mountain valleys. One of the better known attractions in Silbulsan Mountain is Hongryu Falls which offers impressive views from its gentle cliffs. Also nearby the mountain are Deungeok Hot Springs and a number of restaurants for hikers to visit and enjoy after a full day on the mountain.
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
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, this is the place to be. When one thinks about Shin-myung Jeong-ja Beach, most people are reminded of Sokcho, Gangneung, Donghae and Samcheok in Gangwon-do. Nevertheless, many tourists seek the east coast that spreads from Jujeon in Uljin to Gampo. The costal road, with its beautiful scenery of sea and mountains, is a popular driving route. With diverse attractions nearby, many vacationers are attracted to this beach during the winter.
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Seuldo Island is located off the coast of Ulsan City in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. Its name, Seuldo ("seul" meaning the Korean stringed instrument geomungo), was given as the sound of wind and waves hitting the rock island is said to mimic the sound of geomungo. In fact, the sound of waves hitting the island is so good that it is called seuldomyeongpa or the resounding of waves. The island is also known as Siruseom ("siru" meaning an earthenare steamer) for its resemblance to the upside down siru, and Gomboseom ("gombo" meaning pockmarks) for its stones with holes in them appear as gombos. On the island, there is an unmanned lighthouse dating back to the late 1950s. The main economic activity on the island is fishery. In 2010, the TV drama "Fire of Desire" was filmed on the island.
· 3 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress (Seosaengpo Japanese Fortress) is a stone fortress typical of the Japanese style popular in the later part of the 16th century. It was built under the leadership of Japanese General Kato Kiyomasa in 1592-1593 at the beginning of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). The main fortress is located on a mountaintop 200 meters above sea level, a second fortress is halfway down the mountain, and a third fortress is located at the bottom of the mountain. The whole fortress is rectangular shaped. The fortress wall is 6 meters high and slants at an angle of 15 degrees. In 1594, a Buddhist monk named Samyeong-daesa came to Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress four times to negotiate for peace, but he failed each time. In 1598, the fortress was taken over by Korea with the assistance of General Magwi of the Ming dynasty. A year later, Changpyodang Shrine was built in honor of 53 Koreans who died during battles against the Japanese invading forces. However, the shrine was destroyed during the Japanese imperialism period and no trace of it remains. It is possible to tell from Seosaengpo Jinseongdo (a map drawn up in 1872) that the fortress was also partially used by Korean forces.
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
The name of the temple is believed to have originated from the fact that it is located in the south of Gajisan or Seokansan. Built in 824 A.D. (during the 16th year of King Heondeok’s reign), the temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1674 (during the 15th year of King Hyeongjong’s reign). Since then, it has gone through rebuilding several times. Consisting of 30 buildings, the temple is home to many Buddhist nuns. Seongnamsa Three Story Pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Property No. 5) was built in 824 A.D. by Monk Doui, reflecting his wish of protecting the country from foreign invasions. The pagoda was initially placed in front of Daeungjeon, but moved to the current location in 1973. Other notable relics in the temple include the Statue of Monk Doui (National Treasure No. 369), Three Story Sarira Pagoda, and Stone Water Tank (Cultural Property Material No. 4).
· 3 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
Seonam Lake Park was originally developed to provide industrial water, and was closed off to the public with high barbed wire fences for over four decades. However, after the area was no longer used for industrial reasons, the fences were removed and the 1.2㎢ lake area was converted into a park. Various facilities and walking paths were created to compliment the breathtaking scenery and the surroundings.
· < 1 min to read · Mar 2, 2020Petroglyphs refer to the paintings in which objects and symbols are carved, pecked, and colored on rocks, huge cliffs and cave walls. Some of these rocky paintings are from as early as the late Paleolithic Era, but mostly they are seen from the New Stone Age, Neolithic Era and Bronze Age in which times these paintings were abundant. The upper part of the rock shows various animals including deer pecked into the rock, and the lower part of the rock has writing and drawings of humans, and animals made by penciling. As for the upper part, it is thought to have been made throughout the New Stone Age and Bronze Age to express their consciousness for abundance. In comparision, the painting of a cavalcade, a sailing boat, a dragon, a horse, and a deer and about 300 writings on the lower part of the rock were considered to be done by people during unified Silla, showing their belief of the area as a holy ground.
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
If you go south from Seoknamsa Temple coming off Gajisan Mountain, you will arrive at Deokhyeongjae Pass, and if you continue walking south, you will see Baenaegol Valley, within which you will find Paraesopokpo Falls. Because of the rugged road leading toward these scenic falls, they have remained somewhat hidden and off the beaten track. The captivating falls cascade downward from a x_height of 15 meters, spraying white clouds of mist as the waters reach the bottom. The falls feed into a wide pond below, 100 meters in diameter. The falls and surrounding valley are a popular attraction during the summer for those hikers eager to escape from the summer heat and to enjoy a therapeutic walk in the nearby natural forest.
· 2 min to read · Mar 2, 2020
