Gangdong Beach

The Jeongja coast, incorporating Jeongja Harbour and Gangdong Beach, out along the north-east coast of Ulsan captures “the essence of the winter sea”.  It is ideal place for a windswept lonesome visit and/or private reflection time. You’ll find it hard to believe that the city is still so close.

If you visit here looking for other beach type things you might be sorely disappointed.

Jeongja Harbour with its coloured lighthouses provides a good base from which to explore the area. Be sure not to miss the fishing trawlers lined up that gives some impression of how much the ocean is still an important part of the local economy.

The live fish market that sits right in the centre of the harbour framed nicely between the red and white lighthouses stretches out within its building. Every type of fish imaginable from the nearby waters just outside is available to buy and eat. It is quite a sight to behold, each tank spilling water and spurting bubbles containing something different and interesting to watch for a few minutes.

A short drive or brisk walk will bring you to Gangdong Beach that goes on for quite some distance. It certainly looks exciting. Yet all-too-soon the black pebbles feel like a gimmick, one that quickly wears off after a short time.

Thus don’t go expecting a wholesome beach experience. You won’t be able to play sports or sun-bathe with much comfort. It’s not comfortable barefoot either, and the more you look the more you notice rubbish strewn about the place. Beware once again of the log cabin style restaurants serving expensive Korean food of questionable quality.

Try any of the Sashimi eateries.

The whole area is something to see for an afternoon if you have a car or scooter. Try to pass through on the way to somewhere rather than making it the specific place to visit for the day. Perhaps incorporate it with the coastal drive from Ulsan to Busan.

At least you can rest assured that you will not be coming home from this beach carrying most of it with you in your trainers and rucksack.

Getting there: Take bus No. 102, 112, 1402 to Hyomun Sageori and transfer to bus No. 137 or 411 to Jeongja. From Ulsan Station and Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal take bus No. 1104, 1114, 1402 401 to Hyomun Sageori. Transfter to bus No. 137 or 411 to Jeongja.