Things to do

After a short time in Ulsan when the most popular and easily accessible things have been discovered then comes the inevitable love affair with Busan. For some it is permanent resulting in a move to the city. Others react against it, preferring to have it as the city next door.

And when this happens looking a little closer to home will reveal that Ulsan has things to do.

Spread out and usually always a smaller version than on offer elsewhere Ulsan probably has it hidden somewhere. And if it doesn’t have it, with a little bit of motivation why not start it?

It does have many of the same things you might find in any other city around the world – a whole host of box department stores to investigate and cinemas (of varying quality).

But these things aside it is those specific to Ulsan that warrant some words.

Those who love sports will be happy to know that there are two major teams fielding sides for soccer and basketball. Alas there is no baseball.

The Ulsan Hyundai Tigers (Hyundai Horang-i) play at Munsu stadium. With a seating capacity of 44,474 and built for the 2002 world cup these days it sits eerily devoid of supporters on game day.

Ulsan Mobis basketball team ply their trade near the Mega Mart. There is decent basketball on show, with a small number of foreign players to cheer for. It can be an enjoyable afternoon/evening out with a few friends in tow.

Ulsan Grand Park is a cheap and ultimately positive experience for a day in any season. Hire bicycles, skateboard or rollerblade. Visit the petting zoo and butterfly house too. Play sports at any of the courts dotted along the way including Volly-Soccer that seems popular here.

Those living out in Bangeojin have the finest pick of city’s facilities, thanks to the Hyundai Corporation.

The Hyundai Arts Centre is a mecca for culture, western and otherwise. Theatre companies with plays and opera stop by with their very good shows.

The only ice skating rink in the city is also located here along with opportunities to go ten-pin bowling. Further all of this is incredibly cheap (or free) thanks to subsidies.

For the more adventurous there is indoor rock climbing in Bangeojin at two locations and at other selected spots (some indoor, some outdoor).

There are a number of high quality artificial sports surfaces.

For those staying a little longer, look into foreigner-organized sports. Ultimate Frisbee happens every Sunday down by the Taewha Hotel on the field and recently the foreigner football team, The Won Shot Wanderers, has restarted too.

Ulsan doesn’t offer everything, but offer it does and anyone not living in or near Bangeojin, might well think that there is a lack of things to do.

Thus with some aforementioned time, patience and dedication everything you can find it. And in turn the city might not lack so many things to do.