Ulsan is coastal city located on the East Sea and is the seventh largest metropolis in South Korea.  It is located in the southeast corner of Korea, just one hour north of Busan.  Ulsan is considered to be a mid-sized city by Korean standards having a population of just over a million people.  The city has a large foreign population of mostly English teachers. Its mild climate (rarely dipping below 15 degrees Celsius) and many beaches make Ulsan one of Korea’s most desirable places to live.  It is also known for its beautiful landscape and historical sites.

Ulsan is the corporate base for thriving Hyundai.  It is home to the K League Football Club as well as the Ulsan Hyundai Mipo Dockyard soccer team.

Ulsan City Website
Ulsan Official Website of Tourism
Ulsan Foreign Living Website
Ulsan on Wikipedia

Landmarks in this area:

• Tongdosa – Meaning ‘salvation of the world through mastery of truth’ is Korea’s most famous Buddhist temple. It is part of the ‘Three Jewel Temples’ of Korea and represents the Buddha. Tongdosa houses several relics of the Sakyamuni Buddha himself, including a begging bowl, a robe and a bone from his skull.
• Naewonam Valley on Mount Daeun: Boasting amazing views of surrounding lakes and waterfalls Ulgi Park and Mount Gajisan Provincial Park allow visitors to explore the ancient Silla Kingdom.
• Whale Museum: After whale fishing was banned in Korea in 1986, the Jangsengpo Whale Museaum was built in the previous whaling harbor to preserve whale relics.  There are 1,797 pieces in the collection on the museums three floors, which includes a section for kids.
• Seonamdam Lake Park:  An ecological park comprised of three sections with the total length of 3.8km.  The park was completed in 2006 and offers a cherry blossom tree tunnel, pedestrian roads, an outdoor concert hall, flower bed sections and a therapeutic forest walk.

Festivals in Ulsan:

• Ulsan International Photography Festival: Comprised of a variety of local photographers, the UIPF was created to shed light on the current environmental issues that plague Ulsan.  Look out for the UIPF in September each year.
• Ulsan Summer Festival: This festival features top musicians and artists. One of Ulsan’s best festivals, it attracts 300,000 visitors every year, namely ‘Korean Wave’, travelers from Japan, China and Vietnam.
• Ulsan Soeburi Cultural Festival: For over 2000 years, Ulsan has produced iron; this festival is in appreciation of that.  Activities include ‘Soeburi’ (an iron-making game) and ‘Pungmul’ which is folk music. This festival is full of events that will satisfy any visitor.
• Ulsan International Jazz Festival: This festival features both international as well as Korean artists and usually happens in October each year.

Nightlife:

• 7-Club:  Found in the downtown Ulsan area, as well in Bangeojin, 7-Club is a hostess bar chain that employs a large number of Russian women servers. Beer is about 3,000 Won and Karaoke booths are offered as well.
• Benchwarmers:  A bar that is really popular with foreign expats, Benchwarmers is located in downtown Ulsan. The owner is from Newfoundland, Canada.
• MacKenzie's: Another popular spot for foreigner teachers, engineers and Koreans alike. MacKenzie’s is a bar with with a large number of expatriates, as well as engineers and Koreans. Offers a complimentary buffet every Saturday at 11 pm.
• U.S. 66: Located in the Samsan-dong area, U.S. 66 is a foreign bar that offers cocktail shows that includes music, dancing and fire on weekends around 10pm.
• PBJ's: A smaller pub that is below ground. Great atmosphere and plenty of different types of beer on tap.

Transportation:

Getting around Ulsan: You can get just about anywhere by taxi in Ulsan for less than 10 000 won

Ulsan Ferry Terminal: This terminal easily connects travelers to many beautiful Korean Islands such as Jeju-do, which is only a 3 hour ferry ride away

Ulsan Airport: More than 20 flights a day offered to both Gimpo Airport and Jeju Airport. TEL: 219-6309, 219-6312

Ulsan Railway Station: TEL: 272-7788  

Ulsan Harbor International Passengers Terminal: TEL:  201-0082 

Express Bus Terminal:   TEL: 273-2223  

Intercity Bus Terminal: TEL:  275-8087~8 

Other:  The Ulsan city transport department plan to build a light rail system similar to that of other major Korean cities.