Beaches

Throughout the Ulsan metropolitan there are three main beaches and beach areas. Each differs quite substantially from the last and have their own distinct characteristics.

Ilsan beach, in Bangeojin, offers the closest beach get-away to the downtown districts. Bizarrely it also has the only Subway Sandwich in the city which makes it a popular foreigner stop - for many it is the only reason to go there. Next to Ilsan is Ulgi park, Daewangam Rock and Pine forest (the latter is a scenic sight). It is a popular place with school children and couples looking for a slice of romance.

On the southern edge of the metropolitan area is Jinha. This charming beach makes for an ideal get-away for the day, though the water may not be as clean as the tourist literature leads you to expect. An illuminated Myeongseondo Island at night makes for a great place to look out over with some food, drink and friends.

The black pebble beach at Gangdon offers something completely different. Coupled with the Jujeon seashore (a scenic sight) there is a chance of some seclusion up and over the mountains. This beach is situated in the northeast outskirts of the city.

Life at a Korean beach really differs to what westerners are used to. Arriving at a beach here can be likened to jumping into a big tub full of cultural differences all of which are spilling out over the sides.

Koreans swim and play in the ocean fully clothed. They lie buried in the sand fully clothed in the belief that it is healthy to do such a thing. Koreans like to let firecrackers off as soon as dusk arrives. Koreans bring tents and feasts to make their stay a home-from-home.

You will see Korean men topless in their Speedos, but you will rarely see Korean women wearing bikinis. The foreigners then, who wear less, are a constant source of amusement. Expect to be stared at if wearing a swimming costume that would back home be considered normal. Here it will be provocative, salacious and daring.

It is all quite a sight for the uninitiated.  Especially when you see a father passing on the art of using a firecracker to his 4-year-old.

Most of the time it defies logic.

It will make you realise how different out cultures really are.

So the beaches in Ulsan are not that clean but offer a beach experience if you so desire one.

Those looking for a better beach experience would be best looking south (once again) to Busan. Seongjong beach and the famous Haeundae beach are no more than an hour and thirty minutes away by bus from Samsandong express bus terminal.