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Picture of Ulsan, South Korea

Travel Guide for
Ulsan

South Korea

Humid subtropical, mild winters, hot summers

Introduction

Ulsan, located on South Korea’s southeastern coast, is a dynamic industrial city known as the country’s manufacturing powerhouse, home to Hyundai’s mammoth shipyards and factories. With roots tracing back to fishing villages and growth fueled by modern industry, Ulsan blends tradition with innovation.

Visiting between September 12 and 19 offers mild, pleasant weather—perfect for exploring futuristic business districts and networking at local cafés. Business travelers on an average budget can enjoy efficient transit, comfortable hotels, and relaxed evenings at business-friendly spots near Taehwa River or the lively Samsan-dong area.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleBusiness

Dates12-19 September 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house

Interests and Activities:

nightlife and entertainmentgastronomyoutdoor adventures

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Picture of Ulsan, South Korea

Key Facts

Location

Southeast region, Korea

Currency

South Korean won (KRW)

Religion

Buddhism, Christianity

Population

1,135,000

Language

Korean

Electricity

220V, 60Hz, Type C/F

Time zone

UTCKST (UTC+9)

Country code

+82

Internet access

High-speed broadband and 5G widely available

Climate

Humid subtropical, mild winters, hot summers

See More South Korea Facts

Language:

Korean

  • hello

    안녕하세요 (ann-yong-ha-say-oh)

  • goodbye

    안녕히 가세요 (ann-yong-hee ga-say-yo)

  • yes

    (nay)

  • no

    아니요 (ah-nee-yo)

  • how much

    이거 얼마예요? (ee-guh ul-ma-ye-yo)

  • please

    주세요 (joo-say-yo)

  • thank you

    감사합니다 (kam-sa-ham-ni-da)

  • excuse me

    실례합니다 (shil-lay-ham-ni-da)

Map

Logistics

Ulsan is easily accessible from major cities in South Korea, especially for business travelers on a moderate budget. The quickest way is to fly into Gimhae International Airport (Busan), then take a direct airport limousine bus or KTX high-speed train to Ulsan; the journey takes about 1-2 hours.

You can also reach Ulsan by express bus from Seoul or Busan, offering comfortable seating and frequent departures. Boats are not a common option for reaching Ulsan. September weather is usually mild, but occasional typhoons could disrupt schedules, so check forecasts and consider travel insurance during that week.

Weather

Ulsan has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are generally pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Summer (June-August) brings higher temperatures and rainfall, sometimes with typhoons, while winter is cool and mostly dry.

From September 12 to September 19, expect mild and comfortable weather with daytime highs around 23–27°C (73–81°F) and cooler evenings. Light rainfall is possible, but severe weather is rare during this week. Visitors can comfortably explore outdoor adventures, savor Ulsan’s fresh seafood, and enjoy lively nightlife scenes downtown.

Food & Drink

Ulsan is famous for fresh seafood, especially whale meat (gorae gogi), oysters, and Korean-style raw fish (hoe). Korean BBQ, kimchi, and milmyeon (wheat noodles) are also local staples. Traditional drinks include soju and makgeolli, a milky rice wine perfect for unwinding after meetings.

For a business-friendly yet affordable experience, try Samho Bokguk for blowfish stew, or Ulsan Port Raw Fish Center for varied seafood platters. Located downtown, Jeil Sundubu specializes in soft tofu stew, while Culture Street offers trendy cafes like CAFE OASIS. Western coffee chains and casual bars are ubiquitous for informal gatherings or unwinding.

Tipping isn’t customary in Ulsan, as service charges are usually included in the bill. Many restaurants have vegetarian or halal options but always check ahead. Note that business dinners often involve sharing dishes, which is a cultural standard.

A picture of Kimchi

Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional fermented dish made of seasoned vegetables and salt. The most common variety is baechu...

A picture of Bibimbap

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a mixed rice dish topped with a variety of sautéed and seasoned vegetables, chili pepper paste,...

A picture of Bulgogi

Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a marinated meat dish, traditionally made with thinly sliced beef that is grilled or stir-fried. The...

A picture of Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made of cylindrical rice cakes, fish cakes, and scallions, stir-fried in...

A picture of Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean BBQ dish featuring thick, fatty slices of pork belly that are grilled at...

Accommodation

For a business trip on an average budget, stay near Samsan-dong or City Hall, Ulsan's main commercial districts. Hotels like Lotte City Hotel Ulsan and Staz Hotel offer business amenities and easy access to restaurants and transportation. Both areas have modern hotels ideal for convenience and comfort.

If you prefer apartment-style living, check booking sites like Airbnb and Agoda for serviced apartments or short-term rentals, which are common in the city center. During mid-September, accommodations may be busier due to Chuseok, a national holiday, so reserve early for the best choices. Most bookings can be made online and offer flexible cancellation policies.

Itinerary

Ease into your Ulsan experience by settling into the city and starting to explore its vibrant nightlife, setting the tone for a balance between business and relaxation.

Welcome Dinner at Samsan-dong BBQ Street

Dive into Ulsan's local food scene with a Korean BBQ dinner along Samsan-dong's lively restaurant strip. It's a favorite for business travelers to mingle, enjoy various grilled meats, and experience authentic flavors.

Drinks and Live Music at Shilla Street

Kick off your evening with drinks and live performances at Shilla Street, Ulsan's nightlife hub. Explore cozy bars and cafes featuring local musicians to soak in the city’s vibrant after-dark culture.

2 Hour Private Kpop Dance Class in Seoul South Korea

2 Hour Private Kpop Dance Class in Seoul South Korea

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is a private K-pop dance class only for you, and you can learn your bias's dance in 1 day. Dancers with abundant experiences in K-pop choreography like BTS backup dancers are ready to teach you. They are good at English so that communication during lesson would be smooth.

5.0 (8 reviews)

From $80 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (8 reviews)
2 Hour Private Kpop Dance Class in Seoul South Korea

2 Hour Private Kpop Dance Class in Seoul South Korea

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is a private K-pop dance class only for you, and you can learn your bias's dance in 1 day. Dancers with abundant experiences in K-pop choreography like BTS backup dancers are ready to teach you. They are good at English so that communication during lesson would be smooth.

From $80 USD

View Details
4.9 (11 reviews)
DMZ Tour for Sokcho Cruise Travelers in South Korea

DMZ Tour for Sokcho Cruise Travelers in South Korea

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The DMZ is considered a main landmark for visitors to South Korea and Most visitors tend to choose the Seoul route which is very crowded and complicated to visit. You can visit the DMZ on the edge of East Korea while disembarking at the Sokcho cruise terminal. It will be customized for the Sokcho cruise travelers. A local English-speaking guide with knowledge and experience will make your tour perfect and unforgettable.

From $111 USD

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5.0 (14 reviews)
Private DMZ Tour in South Korea

Private DMZ Tour in South Korea

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

1. Pick up from Hotel and back to Hotel(Private Car) 2. Licence English guide with Army experience. It has been over 70 years since the outbreak of the Korean War and the drawing of the 248 km (155 miles) Case-fire line along the 38th parallel, which created the Demilitarized Zone(DMZ). Symbolizing both war and peace and division and unification, the DMZ is a place where time has come to a stop. Today, it is a heaven for rare animals, birds, and plants. U.K.T's all of the guides(man) have army experience of more than 2~3 years So, you can hear a real army story between North Korea and South Korea. For example, 30 years ago, if you do research on Koreans, do you think we should be union sooner or later? then everybody said yes. But nowadays, Koreans have changed their mind You can hear real stories from them about what has changed such as different thinking and concepts. If you are lucky, you will have a chance to meet a female guide. please hear the surprising story from them.

From $230 USD

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4.0 (1 reviews)
Grand South Korea 12 days 11 nights

Grand South Korea 12 days 11 nights

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Accommodation: Best selected 4star hotels located in the heart of downtown. Tour Guide: Best selected Licensed English speaking guides, who are passionate, well-trained, and knowledgeable to create a truly unforgettable experience. Tour condition: Premium quality Service, Comfort, Hassle-free Travel, Not too rushed. Kimchi making class You can take kimchi-making classes taught by a professional kimchi instructor. Experience of Trying on Hanbok Hanbok is the traditional attire of the Korean people. Hanji experience: Visitors can make Hanji themselves with the help of a jijang (paper-making expert). As Korean culture spreads around the globe, more and more people come to Korea seeking to experience it first hand.

From $8410 USD

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4.9 (8 reviews)
South Korea Highlights 7D/6N

South Korea Highlights 7D/6N

MANUAL

Discover the rich history, stunning nature, colourful culture, and flavourful cuisine of South Korea on this week long trip through all the nation’s highlights. Highlights: -Learn about ancient Korean history at museums and temples across the country -See stunning vistas at Mt. Seoraksan, Suncheonman Bay, a green tea plantation and more! -Experience local culture with authentic Korean meals, traditional papermaking, and market visits

From $2633 USD

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5.0 (15 reviews)
9-Days Tasty Journey Around South Korea Tour

9-Days Tasty Journey Around South Korea Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This 9 days tour will take you to beautiful fishing villages, mountain villages, and big cities such as Busan and cities with thousands of years of history. Korea has a perfect combination of mountains and beaches. Historical sites and beautiful scenery can be found not only in the small coastal towns but also in the remote forested mountains. This is a tour around Korea to uncover the many flavors and delicacies that define the very identity of a region, the lifestyle of its people as well as the many ways in which eating habits and cities give shape to one another. Enjoy the adventure of exploration when traversing around South Korea. The tour allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature, energetic trendy big city, peaceful rural areas, mountain range canyon sightseeing train, and tasty Korean local foods. ◆ A great tour for first-time visitors to South Korea who want to get to know a detail history of Korea and Korean foods. ◆ Take a Mountain Range Canyon Train (V-Train)

From $4530 USD

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5.0 (42 reviews)
Half-Day South Korea DMZ Small-Group Tour from Seoul

Half-Day South Korea DMZ Small-Group Tour from Seoul

MANUAL

Absolute MUST-VISIT place which is the symbol of war and separation. A chance to observe North Korean village and walk through the tunnel. ★Original passport is mandatory to enter DMZ (No copy, no photo)★ - There is a limited number of tickets per day - DMZ Entrance Tickets are sell as "first come, first served" - Suggested booking time: One month before the tour - Last minute bookings are available, but only at random Schedule

From $500 USD

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