[Must Have Items] Four Items Capturing the Mountains and Rivers of Ulsan

A city where the sound of steel hitting and clanging together in huge factories reverberates. This is the image of Ulsan, an industrial city in the southeast of South Korea. But that’s not all of Ulsan. Everyone knows how green and beautiful Ulsan’s nature is, and how tempting and delicious its food from lush nature is. Rice from the fertile land is used to make Boksoondoga makgeolli (Korean rice wine), and the sweet and crunchy Ulju pear is used to make pear cakes. It’s fun to take a panoramic view of the city from the Ferris wheel at Lotte Department Store Ulsan Branch and to explore Ulsan Youth Street in Seongnam-dong for shopping. Here are some must-have items capturing the mountains and rivers of Ulsan.

1. Boksoondoga Makgeolli

It’s a name most alcohol lovers have heard at least once: Boksoondoga, a premium traditional liquor brand, has its distillery in Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Setting a new standard for “sparkling makgeolli,” Boksoondoga makes non-sterilized makgeolli with yeast made from locally grown rice and whole wheat. It is close to KTX Ulsan Station and an aesthetically beautiful building that belies its status as a brewery and draws drinkers from all over the country. Right next to the brewery is a pub where you can sample and purchase Boksoondoga’s various liquors.

Fizz, that hiss you hear isn’t from a soda. It’s from Boksoondoga’s bestseller, Boksoondoga Handcrafted Makgeolli. Described as the “Dom Pérignon of the Makgeolli world,” this traditional Korean rice wine bursts with natural carbonation like champagne. The effervescent bubbles are the result of a 20-day low-temperature fermentation process using traditional yeast in an onggi (clay pot). Its apricot-colored, yoghurt-like hue is a treat for the eyes, while its sparkling effervescence and sweet-sour flavor are a delight for the palate. In addition, the subtle aroma of yeast provides a soothing pleasure to the nose. This is a truly popular traditional drink.

- Address: 48 Hyangsandong-gil, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan - Inquiries: +82-1577-6746 - Operating Hours: Every day 09:00–18:00 - Website: https://boksoon.com - Where to Buy: https://boksoon.com - Price: Boksoondoga Handcrafted Makgeolli: about KRW 10,000

2. Pear Cakes

Ulsan is often called as the city of “bae (pear).” The nickname has inspired the humorous saying: “We export bae loaded on well-built bae.” In this humor, the first “bae” refers to the pear, and the second to the ship. This phrase emphasizes Ulsan’s importance in shipbuilding and its reputation for producing exceptionally sweet and crunchy pears. Ulsan’s famous varieties include Ulju pears, which are exported as far as the United States, and Seosaeng pears, which are grown in the Seosaeng-myeon area near Ganjeolgot Cape. Sowoldang, a local bakery in Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, uses these Ulju pears to make delicious pear cakes.

Sowoldang’s pear cakes, made with the locally renowned Ulju pears, are their signature treat. These fluffy madeleines are generously filled with sweet, fudgy pear jam. Since pears are watery fruits, they are tricky to use in baking, requiring significant effort to prepare. For instance, pear jam is made by simmering pears over low heat for more than 15 hours. To add a delightful crunch, thinly sliced pear pieces are layered alongside the jam. The cakes are made with natural butter from New Zealand and Korean wheat, so you can eat as much as you want and still feel good. Cake sets are available in various sizes, including 8, 12, and 16-piece options.

- Address: 30 Nammun-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan - Inquiries: +82-52-262-3013 - Operating Hours: Monday–Friday 11:30–20:00, weekends and public holidays 11:30–19:00, closed on the day of Seollal and Chuseok - Website: https://sowoldang.com - Where to Buy: https://sowoldang.com - Price: A set of 12: about KRW 30,000

3. Yetgan: Local Producer of Sesame and Perilla Oil

For more than 60 years, Yetgan has specialized in sesame oil and grains, renowned for their rich, aromatic flavors. The brand’s success lies in six secrets passed down through three generations. Among these is the steam pressing method invented by the founder’s grandfather. As a child, the grandfather observed whale oil presses in Jangsaengpo Port and was inspired to develop a unique “wooden steam press.” This innovative approach became the foundation of Yetgan’s distinctive oil milling process. By combining high-quality raw materials from its own farm, advanced technology, and the expert craftsmanship of its sesame roasters, Yetgan has earned a nationwide reputation. Its sesame oil is especially sought after by department stores, luxury hotels, and Korean restaurants.

What does 60 years of tradition taste like? Maybe you’ve already tasted the flavors of Yetgan’s sesame and perilla oils. Popular restaurant brands like Gogiri Makguksu, Wonhalmeoni Bossam, Yucheon Naengmyeon, and Yong Udon are among the hundreds of eateries nationwide that rely on Yetgan’s oil. These endorsements from top restaurants attest to the exceptional quality of this premium oil producer. The secret lies in the founder’s unique steam pressing method, which enhances the oils’ rich flavor. Yetgan uses a cold-pressing technique that applies slow, gentle pressure at low temperatures, preserving the nutty aroma of sesame seeds. The set containing one bottle each of sesame and perilla oil is a perfect gift.

- Address: 177 Soyajeong-gil, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan - Inquiries: +82-52-295-9035 - Operating Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–18:00, closed on weekends and public holidays - Website: www.yetgan.co.kr - Where to Buy: www.yetgan.co.kr - Price: A set of Sesame Oil and Perilla Oil (350 ml for each): about KRW 30,000

4. Ulsan Keunaegi Character Merch

Rosy cheeks, red dress, short hair adorned with pins, and a doll-like yet playful expression. Originally a mascot for Jung-gu, Ulsan, Keunaegi’s role has expanded to represent the entire city. The character’s name is inspired by the 1965 song “Ulsan Keunaegi” by singer Kim Sang-hee, which once referred to the women of Ban-gu-dong, Jung-gu. At Keunaegi House, visitors can browse and purchase a variety of merchandise, including dolls, mugs, and keychains.

Ulsan Keunaegi merchandise is a great way to remember the happy moments of your trip to Ulsan. At Ulsan Keunaegi House, you can find all kinds of household items with the character’s cheerful charm. One of the most eye-catching items is a doll in a red dress. Its bright color makes it a point anywhere in the room. The diffuser captures the scent of the leaves of the Simni Bamboo Grove as they sway in the river wind. It would be a perfect gift for a friend from Ulsan.

- Address: 28 Munhwaui-geori, Jung-gu, Ulsan - Inquiries: +82-52-296-9191 - Operating Hours: Every day 10:00–19:00 - Where to Buy: Ulsan Keunaegi Character Merch - Price: Dolls and Diffusers: about KRW 10,000

Ulsan Shopping Districts: From Department Stores with the Ferris Wheel to One-Stop Shopping in the Original City Center

Located in Samsan-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan, this branch of the Lotte Department Store is part of a complex that includes Lotte Young Plaza and Lotte Hotel. Its convenient location next to the Ulsan Express and Intercity Bus Terminal ensures easy accessibility. What sets this store apart is the “Ulsan Grand Wheel,” a Ferris wheel on the 7th floor of Young Plaza. This 42-cabin wheel takes riders 107 meters above the city, offering panoramic views, especially at night. The 20-minute ride becomes even more exciting, with cabins featuring transparent tempered glass floors, providing a thrilling bird’s-eye perspective of the city below.

- Address: 288 Samsan-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan - Inquiries: +82-1577-0001 - Operating Hours: Monday–Thursday 10:30–20:00, Friday–Sunday and public holidays 10:30–20:30 - Website: https://lotteshopping.com/store/main?cstrCd=0015

This is a shopping street located in Seongnam-dong, the original downtown of Ulsan. It stretches from the Seongnam 119 Safety Center to the Newcore Outlet Ulsan Seongnam Branch for about 720 meters. The street is lined with clothing, cosmetics, and accessory shops, making it a great place for one-stop shopping. There are also a variety of restaurants to fill your stomach after shopping. There is also a dome-shaped arcade on the ceiling, allowing shoppers to browse in any weather. At the end of the street, you can also relax at the Megabox movie theater or explore the Newcore Outlet.

- Address: 219-16, Seongnam-dong, Jung-gu - Inquiries: +82-52-245-2555 - Operating Hours: Every day 10:00–22:00 (varies by store)

From the Bamboo Forest Glistening like the Milky Way to a Park with the East Sea All Around, Travel Destinations Near Ulsan

ⓒKorea Tourism Organization Photo Gallery Dudrim

This is a national garden along the Taehwagang River, a first-class ecological river. It is a representative tourist destination in Ulsan, attracting an average of 14,000 visitors per day. The most popular part of the 835,400-square-meter garden is the Simni Bamboo Grove. The name Simni (10 li: Ii is an ancient unit of measurement, and one li equals 400 meters) comes from the fact that the dense bamboo forest stretches for about 4 kilometers along the Taehwagang River. During the day, you can cool off with the river breeze that blows through the bamboo grove, and in the evening, you can stroll along the Eunhasugil (Milky Way), which is illuminated like the Milky Way by five-color LED lights.

- Address: 5 Saetgangnam-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan - Inquiries: +82-52-229-3147-8 (Taehwagang National Garden Information Center) - Operating Hours: Every day 00:00–24:00, Simni Bamboo Grove Eunhasugil: every day from sunset to 22:00 - Website: https://ulsan.go.kr/s/garden

This is a coastal park on the eastern edge of Ulsan. It is home to Daewangam, where the sun is said to rise the earliest in Korea, along with Ganjeolgot Cape. The park offers a spectacular view of unusual rock formations and 15,000 sea pine trees merging with the East Sea. In particular, the 600-meter road from the entrance to Daewangam is lined with dense sea pine tree clusters. The highlight of the park is the 42-meter-high swaying bridge on the northern shore. Spanning 303 meters, the Suspension Bridge offers a wonderful experience, with the sea visible all around—beneath your feet and ahead.

- Address: 95 Deungdae-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan - Inquiries: +82-52-209-3738 - Operating Hours: Every day 00:00–24:00, Daewangam Park Suspension Bridge: every day 09:00–18:00, closed every second Tuesday and the day of Seollal and Chuseok - Website: https://daewangam.donggu.ulsan.kr