How to Spend 48 Hours in Ulsan: Best Things to Do for First-Time Visitors
Ulsan Travel Guide 2025 — Bamboo Rivers, Coastal Cliffs & Sunrise Capes
A clean, first-timer friendly guide: how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, the must-see spots, and a smooth 1–2 day itinerary. Map links included.
🚆 Transportation — How to Get to & Around Ulsan
| Mode | From Seoul | Typical Cost | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTX (to Ulsan Station) | ~2h 15m | ₩45,000–₩70,000 | Fastest; bus/taxi link to downtown (≈20–30 km) |
| Express Bus | ~4h–4h 30m | ₩25,000–₩40,000 | Budget option with frequent departures |
| From Busan | KTX ~20–30m to Ulsan / Local train to Taehwagang ~1h | Varies | Easy day trip combo with Busan/Gyeongju |
Getting around: buses, taxis and short rideshares work well; consider a rental car for sunrise or mountain spots.
🏨 Where to Stay in Ulsan
Downtown (Nam-gu / Jung-gu)
Convenient for Taehwagang, markets and restaurants.
- Best for: first-timers, food lovers
- Price: budget to mid
Ilsan Beach / Daewangam Area
Coastal walks, sea views and cliff photo spots.
- Best for: couples, sunrise/sunset fans
- Price: mid to high
Ganjeolgot & Onyang/Eonyang
Sunrise cape or easy access to mountains and KTX station.
- Best for: self-drive, hikers
- Price: budget to mid
Taehwagang Riverside
Quiet stays near bamboo paths and parks.
- Best for: families, cyclists
- Price: budget to mid
🍖 What to Eat in Ulsan
- Eonyang Bulgogi (언양불고기) — Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled over charcoal. A Ulsan specialty with a rich, smoky flavor. Best enjoyed at traditional Eonyang-style restaurants.
- Ulsan King Crab (대게) — Steamed or grilled snow crab caught fresh from nearby East Sea ports like Jangsaengpo and Ganjeolgot. Many restaurants serve full crab courses with local side dishes.
- Dwaeji-gukbap (돼지국밥) — Comforting pork soup rice, similar to Busan style but lighter in flavor. A popular breakfast and late-night meal across downtown Ulsan.
- Seafood Dishes (해산물) — From grilled clams and spicy seafood stew to sashimi platters, Ulsan’s coastal markets and ports (Ilsan, Jangsaengpo, Seosaeng) are paradise for seafood lovers.
💡 Tip: Try Eonyang Bulgogi Street for authentic charcoal-grilled beef and visit Jangsaengpo Port for king crab & fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the sea.
📍 Top Attractions in Ulsan
Taehwagang National Garden (Bamboo Grove)
Shaded riverside walks, bike paths and seasonal flower fields along the Taehwa River.
Daewangam Park & Coastal Cliffs
Dramatic rock formations, suspension bridge and lighthouse views near the pine forest.
Ilsan Beach
Family-friendly beach with cafés and seafood restaurants—great at sunset.
Ganjeolgot Sunrise Cape
One of Korea’s earliest sunrise points; popular on New Year’s Day.
Ulsan Grand Park
Large urban park with lakes, playgrounds and seasonal blossoms.
Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village & Museum
Exhibitions on local maritime history; themed streets and viewpoints.
Bangudae Petroglyphs (Daegokcheon)
Ancient rock carvings in a quiet valley—check access conditions in advance.
Sinbulsan Ridge
Autumn silver grass (eulalia) fields and panoramic ridge walks.
🗓️ Suggested 1–2 Day Itinerary
Day 1 — River & Coast
- Morning: Taehwagang Bamboo Grove walk
- Lunch: noodles or gukbap downtown
- Afternoon: Daewangam Park cliffs
- Evening: Ilsan Beach sunset + seafood
Day 2 — Sunrise & Parks
- Sunrise: Ganjeolgot Cape
- Morning: Ulsan Grand Park
- Afternoon: Whale Culture Village or Bangudae Petroglyphs
- Return: KTX/express bus
🗺️ Map & Directions
❓ FAQ
Do I need a car?
Not strictly; parks and beaches are reachable by bus/taxi. A rental car helps for sunrise or mountain areas.
Where should I stay?
Downtown for convenience; Ilsan/Daewangam for sea views; Ganjeolgot/Eonyang for sunrise or quick KTX access.
When is the silver grass season?
Typically late September to late October around Sinbulsan ridge.
Related Guides
Explore more in Korea: Busan Coastal Guide · Gyeongju UNESCO Route · Daegu Itinerary
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