Daewangam Park, Ulsan: A Relaxing Afternoon By The Sea
Looking for easy day trips from Busan or beautiful places to visit on the South Korean coast? Look no further than Ulsan and its peaceful yet breathtaking Daewangam Park.
Less than hour from South Korea’s second-largest city, a walk through this park will offer you serenity, healing nature, and stunning ocean views!
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Ulsan in a few words
If you’ve ever visited Ulsan or simply heard about it, you may know that the city isn’t originally renowned for its natural beauty or numerous attractions, but rather as an industrial hub (automotive, maritime…).
But if you take a closer look and take the time to explore Ulsan, you’ll actually notice that it has much more to offer than its shipyard and various manufacturing plants. The city is also home to some of the most magnificent rocky cliffs, gorgeous ocean views and sandy beaches.
Proof of this can be found in Daewangam Park, now one of Ulsan’s most iconic attractions, and for good reason: with its various trails winding through forests, mesmerizing blue waters, and impressing rock formations, this park will make you forget about the not so charming industrial hub!
Highlights of Daewangam Park
1. Suspension Bridge
You’ve probably already seen it if you’re been browsing the Internet looking for beautiful suspension bridges (yes, I do love suspension bridges) or parks near the sea in South Korea! It’s also one of the first things you’ll see once you arrive at Daewangam, as this 303-meter bridge is located near the entrance.
Connecting the trails through the park and offering a view right above the sea and the east coast, it’s one of the favorite spots for visitors.
Scary, thrilling, or simply beautiful, it’s an experience, that’s for sure, one where you may feel a little uneasy when the bridge starts to sway slowly, making you hold on tight to your phone and your life (I sure did), but it’s still a unique and totally free experience.
2. Dragon Cave (용굴)
Just after the bridge, you can choose to go down the stairs on your left, which will take you along the coastal trail until you finally come across the Dragon Cave.
Why the Dragon Cave? Because legend has it that a long time ago, a blue dragon used to lived here, but it disturbed the sea and caused many shipwrecks. So the King of the East Sea decided to put a big stone in front of the cave, preventing the blue dragon from causing any more damage.
Legend or not, the intense blue of the sea is truly mesmerizing!
3. Ulgi Lighthouse
First lit in 1906, Ulgi Lighthouse has since then been deactivated and replaced by the new lighthouse (photo above).
Nestled in a quiet part of the park, it’s almost too easy to miss, but the great thing is that you’ll be able to see it from afar from our next stop on the list!
4. Daewangam (Daewangam Rock)
Surrounded by sandy rock formations and blue waters, Daewangam and its footbridge connecting the two parts is the ideal place to enjoy the best views not only of the endless horizon, but also the park and the city in the distance.
Said to resemble a dragon rising up from the sky, the strange cliffs and rock formations definitely add to the mystery and legends surrouding the site. One of them tells the story that Queen Jaui of Silla turned into a dragon after her death to protect the nation and that she is submerged under the rocks.
The color of the sea, the brownish rocks, and the green forest in the background sure certainly create an incredible harmony.
5. Forest & Beach
If you’re a nature lover, you really can’t go wrong with Daewangam Park, as it offers the best of both worlds: forest and coastal views.
Immerse yourself in the pine-lined trails for rejuvenating walks amid lush vegetation, or follow one of the coastal trails available in the park to enjoy breathtaking sights of the East Sea and its sandy and rocky beaches.
And if you love flowers, then you won’t be disappointed, as the park boasts various species throughout the year: cherry blossoms, daffodils and many more await you!
How to get to Daewangam Park
Address: 95 Lighthouse Road, Dong-gu, Ulsan
If you’re already in Ulsan, you can take bus 1411, which stops right at the entrance of the park.
You can also take a day trip to Ulsan from Busan. Take the Donghae line and get off at Taehwagang station (1.5h), then take bus 1411.
You can also take the KTX (20mn) and then the bus, which is just a little more expensive, it all depends on your budget and schedule.
FAQ
Is the entrance to Daewangam Park free?
Yes, the park and suspension bridge are completely free. You’ll only have to pay parking fees if you come by car.
How long does a visit to the park usually take?
You shoud allow at least two hours just to see and enjoy the main attractions. But if you’re not in a rush, I definitely recommend spending more than 2 hours here with some snacks.
There’s also a “rest area” at the park entrance with many coffee shops, a convenience store, and a few restaurants, as well as a playground for kids.
Is there anything else to do near Daewangam Park?
Yes, there’s in fact plenty to do around the park!
You can walk to Seuldo Island, visit Taehwagang Bamboo Forest, go to Ilsan Beach, or take a leisurely walk around Myeongdeok Reservoir.
Here are a few photos of Daewangam Park:
If you love suspension bridges and relaxing in nature, then Daewangam Park in Ulsan is the place for you!
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