One of Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Attractions: Enjoy Stunning Ocean Views at Daewangam Park in Ulsan

Have you heard of the breathtaking “Daewangam Park” in Ulsan, South Korea? When it comes to traveling in Korea, Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan are the usual staples, and the name “Ulsan” may not be familiar to many visitors. Ulsan is a port city blessed with a mild climate, located next to Busan at the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. In Ulsan, you’ll find “Daewangam Park,” one of Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Attractions, offering spectacular ocean views. This time, we’ll introduce the little-known beauty of Daewangam Park and sightseeing spots around it.

1. Access to Daewangam Park (From Downtown / From Busan)

First, here’s how to get from major cities to Ulsan’s Daewangam Park.
▶ From Busan to Ulsan / By Airplane
Ulsan, home to Daewangam Park, is next to Busan and has its own airport. From Seoul’s Gimpo Airport to Ulsan Airport, it’s about a one-hour flight.
▶ From Seoul to Ulsan / By KTX
To reach Ulsan by train from Seoul, take the KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul Station and get off at Ulsan Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
▶ From Busan to Ulsan / By Train or Bus
If traveling from Busan to Ulsan, take the “Saemaeul” or “Mugunghwa” train from Bujeon Station and get off at Taehwagang Station. The ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. There are also direct buses from Busan; board at the Busan Central Bus Terminal and get off at the Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal in about an hour.
▶ From Ulsan Station to the Park / By Car
From Ulsan Station, it’s about a 50-minute drive to Daewangam Park. The park has parking facilities, so you can get there by rental car or taxi.
Note: Access information is as of May 2019 and may be subject to change.

2. Highlights of Daewangam: Ocean Scenery and the Dragon Legend

Daewangam Park is a seaside park designated as one of Ulsan’s 12 Scenic Sites. While Ulsan is an industrial city, its ocean views are among the best in Korea, and the sight of large and small oddly shaped rocks lined up in Daewangam Park is truly stunning. The largest of these rocks is called “Daewangam” (Grand King Rock).
According to legend, the queen of King Munmu of the ancient Silla Kingdom was buried beneath Daewangam, having declared she would “become a dragon after death to protect the nation.” The rock is also said to resemble a dragon soaring into the sky, which is why it’s also known as “Yongchuam” (Dragon Soaring Rock). As the park is located on Korea’s east coast, it’s a popular spot for watching the sunrise. At night, the bridges connecting the rocks are illuminated, offering a fantastical scene quite different from the park’s powerful daytime views.

3. Nearby Ilsan Beach: Recommended for Summer Trips

If you’re visiting Ulsan, you’ll also want to check out its beautiful beaches. Ilsan Beach is located right next to the industrial area in Dong-gu, Ulsan, making it easy to access for a quick visit. Despite its proximity to industry, the sea here is remarkably clean, and the area around the beach is lined with restaurants and stylish cafés, giving it a resort-like vibe. Public restrooms and shower booths are available, so if you visit in summer, be sure to enjoy a swim.

4. Other Sightseeing Spots Around Daewangam Park

There are many other attractions near Daewangam Park. Once a hub of whaling, Ulsan is home to Korea’s only whale museum, the Jangsaengpo Whale Museum. Here you can learn about the history of whaling, view whale models, and even visit an aquarium with dolphins. The aquarium features a tunnel tank where you can walk through and watch the dolphins swimming—great for families with children.
Also worth visiting is the Ulsan Bridge, which connects Maeam-dong in Nam-gu to Ilsan-dong in Dong-gu. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ulsan Port and the South Sea. As a landmark of Ulsan, the bridge is one of the must-see spots when traveling to the city.
Ulsan, one of Korea’s leading industrial zones, is also famous for the stunning beauty of its industrial complex nightscape. At night, be sure to take in the powerful and mesmerizing nighttime views of the industrial area.

◎ In Conclusion: After Sightseeing, Try Ulsan’s Famous Whale Cuisine!

How did you like this introduction to the hidden beauty of Daewangam Park and the surrounding attractions? Ulsan has long been famous in Korea for its whales, and even today, there are many restaurants in the city where you can try whale dishes. After sightseeing in Ulsan, be sure to enjoy this local specialty.
Daewangam Park is still relatively unknown among overseas tourists, with most visitors coming from within Korea. However, its magnificent scenery is well worth seeing at least once. For a travel experience that’s a little different from the usual, why not visit Ulsan?

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One of Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Attractions: Enjoy Stunning Ocean Views at Daewangam Park in Ulsan