Jung-gu Ulsan Metropolitan City

1st Scenic Spot: Taehwagang National Garden and Taehwaru Pavilion

• Hours9 AM–5 PM (extended to 6 PM by season)
• Address300 Taehwa-ro, Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact+82-52-229-3147 (Taehwagang National Garden) / +82-52-211-0888 (Taehwaru Pavilion)

The Taehwagang Ecological Park runs through the heart of Ulsan. Taehwagang National Garden is a representative urban park of Ulsan, registered as one of Korea’s 12 major eco-tourism districts. This garden, formed along the Taehwagang River, preserves its natural ecological environment and serves as an important space for relaxation within the city. Taehwaru Pavilion, along with Chokseongnu Pavilion in Jinju and Yeongnamru Pavilion in Miryang, is one of the iconic pavilions representing the Yeongnam region. It stands as a significant historical site that fully embodies Ulsan's tradition and identity, located around the Taehwagang River. Built in 643 (12th year of Queen Seondeok of Silla), Taehwaru was constructed by Monk Jajang, who returned from China after seeking Buddhist teachings and established Taehwasa Temple. The pavilion sits atop the cliff of Hwangryongyeon along the Taehwagang River. Though destroyed during the Imjin War, Taehwaru was restored as part of the “Creating Taehwagang River with History and Future” project, revealing its grandeur again after over 400 years. A walking trail connected to the Simni Bamboo Grove has been established, offering a better view of the Taehwagang River. Facilities like ramps for the disabled and rest areas have been added to make it easier to enjoy the Taehwagang River and Taehwaru Pavilion.

2nd Scenic Spot: Hamwollu Pavilion, Embracing the Moon

• AddressSan 152-11 Seongan-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact +82-52-290-3690, +82-70-4452-4644

Completed in August 2015, Hamwollu means “the pavilion embracing the moon.” Built in the traditional Korean pavilion style and open to the public, Hamwollu offers a panoramic view of the city of Ulsan . From here, one can admire the night view of Ulsan Bridge, the third-longest suspension bridge in the world, stretching 1,800 meters. In front of Hamwollu flows the Taehwagang River, and to the north lies Hamwolsan, meaning "the mountain holding the moon," along with Baekyangsa, a thousand-year-old temple. This area, harmoniously blending mountain and water, is known for its ideal geomancy. Hamwollu hosts a sunrise celebration to welcome the New Year and operates the Jongga Hakdang (academy), offering programs in traditional culture, etiquette, and geomancy.

3rd Scenic Spot: Cherry Blossoms and Camellias in Hakseong Park

• Address54 Hakseonggongwon 3-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact+82-52-290-4420

Hakseong Park was established when Kim Hong-jo, the former president of the Gyeongnam Ilbo in 1923, purchased around 7,000 pyeong (approx. 23,140 m2) of private land and planted black pines, cherry trees, plum trees, and more, before donating it to Ulsan. In spring, the park is filled with blooming cherry blossoms alongside camellia flowers, and in autumn, maple trees paint the park with vibrant reds, offering a different charm when taking a stroll in each season. It is also a place where visitors can reflect on history by seeing Ulsan Waeseong (Japanese fortress), the Spring Letter Song Monument, and the Monument to the Honored Dead.

4th Scenic Spot: Iphwasan Natural Recreation Forest

• AddressSan 47-1 Daun-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact+82-52-290-4410

Iphwasan means “the mountain that raises flames.” It is said to be a sacred mountain where lighting candles and praying would make wishes come true. Before the Japanese colonial period, it had been said the candles on the mountain never went out. At only around 200 meters in elevation, Iphwasan is more suited to leisurely walks than strenuous hiking, making it a popular destination for families with children or the elderly. Ipwasan's Healing Forest is well-known for its camping grounds and auto-camping sites, surrounded by pine and oak trees. With a variety of recreational and experiential facilities throughout, it provides the perfect healing space for visitors. Visitors can enjoy forest bathing in a 3.5-hectare forest of cypress trees and walk along the “Path of Poetry and Song,” appreciating the artworks as they stroll. The total round-trip hiking course is about 6 km, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, including rest time.

5th Scenic Spot: Ulsan Dongheon and Culture Street

• Address167 Dongheon-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact+82-52-290-4842

Ulsan Dongheon was the central building where the governor of Ulsan handled administrative duties. Its location either changed or it was closed whenever Ulsan was promoted or demoted to bu, hyeon, or dohobu statuses. The current Dongheon was originally built in 1681 (7th year of King Sukjong of Joseon) by Ulsan Governor Kim Su-o, and when his son was appointed governor in 1695 (21st year of King Sukjong), he named it “Ilhakheon.” In 1763 (39th year of King Yeongjo), Ulsan Governor Hong Ik-dae rebuilt it and named it “Banhakheon.” During the Japanese colonial period, it was used as a gun (county) office meeting room until it was restored to its current form in 1981. There are also auxiliary buildings inside Dongheon, including Naea, the governor’s residence, which is notable for not having any surrounding walls.

6th Scenic Spot: Taehwayeon

• Hours2 PM to 11 AM next day
• Address278-2 Taehwa-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact+82-52-290-4410, +82-52-211-2834

Taehwayeon Auto Camping Site is located in the western part of Jung-gu, Ulsan near the Taehwa Simni Bamboo Grove, a food district, and Cheokgwacheon outdoor water play area. It is a specialized campground where visitors can enjoy recreation while also experiencing the tourist and cultural facilities of Jung-gu. There is a designated auto-camping section for caravans, reducing inconvenience and congestion for regular auto campers, allowing for a more relaxed camping experience. At the entrance, there is a spacious lawn area where families can enjoy nature and children can run and play, making it a perfect ecological camping site.

7th Scenic Spot: Gyeongsangjwa-do Byeongyeongseong Fortress and Oesol Choe Hyeon-bae Road

• AddressSeo-dong, Dong-dong, and Namoe-dong in Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact+82-52-290-3650

Byeongyeongseong Fortress was built in 1417 (17th year of King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty) as the command post for the Gyeongsang Left Army Command. The fortress had a circumference of approximately 1.2 km and a height of about 3.7 m, with an oval shape. Originally, the fortress had three gatehouses on all four sides, with the western and northern gates surrounded by protective walls. Bastions were added to the walls, and a moat was constructed around the fortress. It is said that there were wells, trenches, and storage facilities inside the fortress. However, during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin and Jeongyu Wars), the Japanese troops stationed nearby took the stones from Byeongyeongseong to build Ulsan Waeseong Fortress, leaving the fortress in ruins. Later, urban development further diminished its traces, but efforts are underway to restore it.

8th Scenic Spot: Hwangbangsan Mountain Barefoot Red Clay Trail

• Hours2 PM to 11 AM next day
• Address469 Janghyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan
• Contact+82-52-290-4410, +82-52-708-2833

Hwangbangsan Ecological Camping Ground is located in the northeastern part of Jung-gu, Ulsan. Its easy access via Dongcheon-seoro and Okdong-Nongso road makes it a specialized auto-camping site. The campground is equipped with caravan facilities, making it easy for those without camping equipment to enjoy the camping experience. In the center of the camping facilities is a large lawn area, providing families with children a perfect space to enjoy nature and play, making it an ideal ecological campground.

9th Scenic Spot: Seongan-dong Dalbitnuri-gil Night View

• AddressSeongan 1-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan

Seongan-dong Dalbitnuri-gil was developed in December 2023, stretching about 1.8 km from the National Police Agency. It is a place that captures both the day and night beauty of Ulsan. It is especially popular as a nighttime tourist attraction in Jung-gu, Ulsan, featuring various whimsical and emotional photo zones, such as the famous "Stairway to Heaven" observation deck.