Ulsan Metropolitan City is a major industrial hub in southeastern South Korea, known for its large corporations and ports. It has the highest GDP per capita and contributes significantly to the nation’s exports. Ulsan became a metropolitan city in 1997 due to rapid industrial growth.
Ulsan Metropolitan City (울산광역시, 蔚山廣域市) is a metropolitan city located in the southeastern part of South Korea. It is bordered by Miryang (밀양시), Yangsan (양산시), and Cheongdo (청도군) to the west, Gyeongju (경주시) to the north, and Gijang (기장군) in Busan (부산광역시) to the south. The Taehwa River (태화강) flows through Ulsan and into the East Sea, and Ulsan is home to major ports such as Ulsan Port, Bangeojin Port, and Onsan Port.
Ulsan is known for its large corporations, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Steel, Hanwha Solutions, Lotte Chemical, SK Innovation, S-OIL, LG Chem, LG Household & Health Care, LS MnM, and Kumho Petrochemical. Additionally, public enterprises such as the Korea National Oil Corporation, Korea Energy Agency, Korea Energy Economics Institute, Korea East-West Power, Korea Industrial Manpower Corporation, Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service, and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency are located here. The Onsan Industrial Complex (Onsan Industrial Park) is also a notable industrial area in Ulsan, which is highly developed in the automobile, shipbuilding, and petrochemical industries.
As of 2014, Ulsan had the highest GDP per capita in South Korea at 61.1 million KRW. It is the country’s largest industrial capital and city, accounting for 17.7% of South Korea’s total exports. Due to the rapid development of its industries, Ulsan’s population grew quickly, leading to its elevation to metropolitan city status on July 15, 1997. While it has the second-largest administrative area among the special and metropolitan cities, it has the smallest population, resulting in the lowest population density among them.
The Name and History of Ulsan (울산)
The name “Ulsan” (울산, 蔚山) first appeared in history in 1413 during the reign of King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty, when “Ulju” (울주, 蔚州) was renamed “Ulsan-gun” (울산군, 蔚山郡). The name “Ulju” had been in use even earlier, first found in records from the ninth year of King Hyeonjong of the Goryeo Dynasty in 1018. Other historical names for the Ulsan area include Gonghwa (공화, 恭化), Heungnye (흥례, 興禮), Hagok (하곡, 河谷), and Gulahwa (굴아화, 屈阿火).
The use of “Ul” (울, 蔚) as part of Ulsan’s name dates back to prehistoric times. During the Samhan period, the small kingdom of Usisan-guk (우시산국, 于尸山國) was located across present-day Ulsan’s Ulju-gun (울주군) and Ungcheon-myeon (웅촌면), and Yangsan-si (양산시) in Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도). According to the Idu script, “Usisan” becomes “Ulsan,” as “si” (시, 尸) was used to represent the sound “ㄹ.” Thus, the name likely referred to “Ulmeonara” or “Ulsannation,” meaning “the country surrounded by a fortress” or “a country surrounded by mountains like a fortress.”
In old Korean, “Ul” (울) meant a fence or fortress. Hence, “Ulmeonara(울뫼나라)” could be interpreted as “a country surrounded by a fortress” or “a country surrounded by mountains like a fortress.” This name evolved into “Ulsan,” the name we use today.
Evidence suggests human habitation near Ulsan, specifically in the vicinity of Eonyang-eup(언양읍), dates back to the prehistoric era. The Bangudae Petroglyphs depict hunting scenes of wild and domestic animals and wooden fences possibly used for animal husbandry or protection against predators. These petroglyphs, found in Eonyang-eup, also include depictions of communal whale hunting, indicating a thriving population in the Ulsan region during ancient times. However, the more precise history of Ulsan Metropolitan City begins to emerge during the Samhan period(삼한시대).
Geography
Ulsan Metropolitan City is located in the southeastern part of South Korea, bordering Gyeongju to the north, Cheongdo to the northwest, Yangsan and Miryang to the southwest in Gyeongsangnam-do, and Gijang in Busan to the south. It lies along the eastern coast, embraced by the East Sea.
The city is surrounded by mountain ranges, with the Taebaek Mountains to the west and the Dongdae Mountains forming a protective barrier to the east. Nestled between these ranges is the Ulsan Plain, irrigated by the Taehwa River and Dongcheon Stream, forming fertile agricultural land. Ulsan is renowned for its ports, including the largest, Ulsan Port, along with Mipo Port, Jangsaengpo Port, and Onsan Port.
Rivers like the Taehwa River and Hoyagang flow through Ulsan, providing a lifeline for its residents. While historically, the Taehwa River suffered from poor water quality due to industrial and domestic waste, recent efforts have significantly improved its condition, supporting diverse aquatic life.
The city’s strategic coastal location and abundant freshwater resources have fostered its growth into South Korea’s leading industrial hub. The Ulsan Bay, formed by the mouth of the Taehwa River, offers deep-water harbors, facilitating maritime trade and industrial development.
Regional Features
The western region, corresponding to Ulsan’s Ulju County area, is characterized by the Taebaek Mountain Range, boasting peaks like Sinbulsan and Gajisan. This area is designated as the Gajisan Provincial Park, often referred to as the “Alps of Yeongnam” due to its picturesque landscapes. Notable attractions here include the Jakcheunjeong Valley, Seoknamsa Temple, and Sinbulsan National Park.
Ulsan’s topography is further defined by various mountain ridges, such as the Samtaeji, Homi, Namam, and Yongcheon ridges, extending to the East Sea, offering scenic hiking trails popular among locals. The southern coastal area, particularly Ganjeolgot, is famous for being the earliest sunrise spot on the Korean Peninsula, drawing visitors for New Year’s sunrise celebrations.
With its diverse geographical features, Ulsan offers not only industrial prosperity but also natural beauty and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Economy
In 2012, Ulsan’s Gross Domestic Regional Product (GDRP) amounted to 70.648 trillion Korean Won, with a real growth rate of 3.6%. The city’s economic activities are primarily concentrated in the secondary and tertiary sectors. Ulsan plays a vital role in South Korea’s national heavy industry sector, serving as a driving force behind the country’s economic development. As of December 31, 2011, Ulsan’s exports totaled $101.487 billion, accounting for 18.2% of South Korea’s total exports. Conversely, imports amounted to $85.803 billion, primarily consisting of raw materials such as crude oil, metals, and petrochemicals.
Museums and Art Galleries:
The Ulsan Museum, located near the East Gate of Ulsan Grand Park, opened on June 22, 2011. It features both a history museum and an industrial history museum, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the present day, depicting the history and relics of Ulsan City. In addition to the municipal museum, other museums, art galleries, and exhibition halls currently in operation include:
- Ulsan Museum: A museum where you can explore the history, artifacts, and modern development of Ulsan Metropolitan City. Located near the East Gate of Ulsan Grand Park.
- Jangsaengpo Whale Museum: Located in Jangsaengpo, famous for its deep-rooted whaling industry. It is the only whale museum in the country.
- Ulsan Daegok Museum: A comprehensive archaeological museum centered around artifacts excavated from the Daegok Dam, submerged due to the Ulsan Metropolitan Water Supply Project.
- Ulsan Banwoldang Petroglyph Museum(울산반구대암각화박물관): A museum dedicated to the petroglyphs of Banwoldang, depicting dinosaur footprints and scenes of Neolithic whaling.
- Ulsan University Museum: A comprehensive museum located within Ulsan University, a private university.
- Okhyun Archaeological Exhibition Hall(옥현유적전시관): An exhibition hall showcasing relics from the Bronze Age, located in Mugeo-dong, Nam-gu. (Due to a sharp decline in visitors and the archaeological site being deregistered by the Cultural Heritage Administration, it was closed at the end of 2012. It is scheduled to reopen after remodeling as a public library.)
Theaters and Movie Theaters:
The theater scene in Ulsan Metropolitan City is limited, unable to fully meet the demand, and local cinemas have disappeared since Lotte Cinema established multiplex theaters in Ulsan.
- Hyundai Arts Center: A cultural and sports facility built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, featuring theaters in the Arts District.
- Ulsan Culture & Arts Center: A prominent cultural and arts center located on Bunyeong-ro in Nam-gu.
- Lotte Cinema Ulsan: The first and largest multiplex theater in Ulsan, located next to Lotte Department Store in Samsan-dong, Nam-gu.
- Lotte Cinema Ulsan Seongnam: A multiplex theater located along the Taehwagang River in Seongnam-dong, Jung-gu. (Changed from CGV on March 20, 2014.)
- CGV Ulsan Samsan: The largest multiplex theater in the Yeongnam region, located in Upsquare, Samsan-dong, Nam-gu.
- Megabox Ulsan: A multiplex theater located in the downtown area of Seongnam-dong, Jung-gu.
- CGV Ulsan Jinjang: Opened in August 2018 in Buk-gu and currently in operation.
Sports Facilities:
Previously, Ulsan Metropolitan City relied on Jongha Gymnasium, located near Nam-gu’s Gongeop Rotary, for its sports facilities. However, with the hosting of the 2002 World Cup, Munhwa World Cup Stadium was established, dividing the functions.
- Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium: Besides a soccer stadium, it includes an indoor swimming pool, indoor shooting range, baseball field, tennis courts, roller rink, and futsal field.
- Jongha Gymnasium: A 3,000-seat indoor gym donated by Mr. Lee Jong-ha in 1977, previously a prominent indoor sports facility in Ulsan Metropolitan City.
- Dongcheon Gymnasium: A two-story indoor gym, also known as the home stadium of Ulsan Mobis Phoebus.
- Ulsan Stadium: A major sports complex in Ulsan Metropolitan City, housing an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. Home stadium of Ulsan Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Dolphin FC in the N-League.
- Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium: The second home stadium of the Lotte Giants.
Cultural Heritage:
As of December 31, 2013, a total of 128 cultural heritage sites are registered in Ulsan Metropolitan City. This includes 2 national treasures (Cheonjeon-ri Gakseok in Ulju, and Bangu-dae Rock Carvings in Daegok-ri, Ulju), and 24 nationally designated cultural heritage sites, with 104 designated by the city. Among them, Ulju County has the most with 72 sites. These cultural heritage sites span from prehistoric artifacts to modern cultural assets, showcasing various forms of cultural expression. Notable examples include rock carvings, traditional clothing, architectural structures, ancient documents, temple cultural assets, archaeological materials, and more.
Introducing Ulsan’s 7 Scenic Spots:
- GaJi Mountain All Four Seasons (가지산 사계): GaJi Mountain, known for its breathtaking beauty throughout the year, offers stunning views in every season. From vibrant spring blossoms to lush greenery in summer, fiery autumn foliage, and serene winter landscapes, GaJi Mountain captivates visitors with its ever-changing charm.
- Daewangam Park (대왕암공원): Daewangam Park boasts a majestic coastal landscape with towering cliffs and panoramic ocean views. Its serene ambiance, scenic walking trails, and beautiful natural rock formations make it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.
- Ulsan University (울산대): Ulsan University is a leading educational institution in the region, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus culture. Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, the university offers a conducive environment for learning and research.
- Gangdong-Jujeon Coastal Pebble Field (강동·주전해안 자갈밭): The Gangdong-Jujeon Coastal Pebble Field is a natural wonder, where countless smooth pebbles adorn the shoreline, creating a mesmerizing sight. Visitors can stroll along the beach, feeling the gentle caress of the sea breeze while admiring the unique geological formation.
- Night View of Ulsan Industrial Complex from MuRyong Mountain (무룡산에서 본 울산공단 야경): MuRyong Mountain offers a spectacular vantage point to witness the mesmerizing night view of Ulsan’s industrial complex. As the sun sets, the twinkling lights of factories and refineries create a captivating scene against the backdrop of the night sky.
- Sinbul Mountain Silver Grass Field (신불산 억새평원): Sinbul Mountain is renowned for its vast silver grass fields, particularly striking during autumn when the silver grass sways in the breeze, painting the landscape with hues of gold and bronze. It’s a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
- Paraiso Waterfall (파래소 폭포): Paraiso Waterfall is a hidden gem nestled amidst lush greenery, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil ambiance and the soothing sound of cascading water as they explore this natural oasis.