Pages Navigation Menu

Everything You Need to Know About Ulsan

2020 Fall Foliage Update for Ulsan

Fall in Korea has to be one of the best times of the year. After typical humid Korean summer, fall is one of those season that you will welcome with open arms. From the beautiful colours of the leaves to the warm beverages and delicious foods, there is just something magical about this time of year. Ulsan, sits in the perfect location to enjoy all of the splendor that this area has to offer.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 many festivals have been canceled. Also keep in mind that many National Parks and tourist areas may be restricted or even closed to limit the spread of the virus. When visiting any place this year please keep social distancing in mind and always wear your mask!

While many of the fall festivals have been cancelled as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19, there is still plenty ways to get out and enjoy the fall colours around Ulsan. Hiking is probably your best bet at this moment in time. There are numerous mountains around the city that you can take a walk up and be one with nature. Just keep in mind that hiking is also widely enjoy by pretty much everyone in the city so no matter where you go it will get busy around late morning to lunchtime.

 

When To Go

The peak time for Ulsan’s fall colour’s will be around October 27th this year. However, that is just a prediction and anytime with in a week or two before and after that date should be fine depending on the location. Just keep an eye out for the colour change and use that as a guide. Typically, the mountains around the city like Munsu-san and Gaji-san will change colours and can be seen from many places around the city.

As for the time of day, I am an early riser and typically I head out close to daybreak as I want to beat the crowds. As the day progresses on, more and more people will show up to any given location. So keep that in mind. Also note, that the easier it is to get to, the more people will be there. So, places like Munsu Stadium will be full of people walking around the grounds at kicking up leaves by 2 pm on a Sunday, for example.

What To Do

Of course hiking is always at the top of most lists like this. It is one of the most popular activities this time of year because of the natural beauty and also the moderate temperatures. However, there are a few more things that you can do besides staggering up a mountain.

The temples are a wonderful place to spend time enjoying nature without too much effort. Around Ulsan there are a few amazing temples to enjoy most notably Tongdosa and Seoknamsa. However, the temples around Busan are within driving distance and should not be overlooked. Beomosa is particularly lovely in the fall.

Also check out Unmunsa and the Samgye Valley. It makes for a perfect day trip from Ulsan. Click here for more details. 

Visiting the parks like Ulsan Grand Park and Haksung Park are also a nice way to enjoy the fall colours. Not to mention that walking along the Taehwa River is also really nice. The silver grass near the Myeongchon Bridge by the Asano Intersection is extremely popular and you don’t have to hike all the way up Sinbulsan to see the grass.

Sorry, there are no pumpkin patches or Western style fall festivals here in Ulsan. Chuseok is basically Korea’s big holiday and their thanksgiving. However, especially in Ulsan, there are not many fall festivals with cider and pumpkin carving contests. Remember, that korean traditions and American traditions are vastly different.

If you want more places to check out here is our list of popular fall spots around Ulsan. Click here to go to the article.

What To Eat

Sadly, you will be hard pressed to find a pumpkin spice latte here in Korea. Starbucks Korea did have a “pumpkin latte” last year but it was not the cinnamon flavoured sugar bomb that Americans are used to. It was in fact a pumpkin flavoured latte. With that being said, cafes around the city are some of the best, albeit busiest places to sit and watch the leaves fall. Singular Coffee in Mugeodong is my recommendation as the hannock-style building is surrounded by beautiful trees and you can sit outside if you want.

This time of year is also a great time to try Korean stews like Gamjatang. Outdoor vendors will begin selling sweet potatoes, steamed corn, roasted chestnuts and as always heottdeok. This is a great time to warm up your body with some amazing korean food.


In my opinion, this season is the best in Korea. It is cool but not cold and skies become amazingly clear. Not to mention that the mornings are stunning this time of year. Overall, this is the perfect chance to get out and enjoy all that Ulsan has to offer.

Again, keep social distancing in mind as we are not completely finished 2020 and you never know what is going to happen.