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| Visitors walk on the bridge that connects impressive rocks at Daewangam Park. / Korea Times photo by Jung Min-ho |
How beautiful parks turn industrial metropolis into eco-city
By Jung Min-ho
ULSAN ― If you remember how Ulsan looked 20 years ago, or even just 10, you may be surprised to find so much green and blue there today.
Black and dark gray used to be the colors most people would associate with the city, which has long been known as the "industrial heart of Korea."
Ulsan still is home to the main facilities of two of the country's largest companies ― Hyundai Motor and SK Innovation ― but also to gorgeous parks that differentiate the city from its past.
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| A forest of bamboo trees stands at Sipridae Forest. |
Walking through bamboo trees
Taehwagang Grand Park epitomizes the dramatic transformation of Ulsan.
"It was a dirty river that no one would go near," a longtime Ulsan resident said. "Few types of fish could live in the stinking, polluted water."
But Taehwagang has been "brought back from the dead." Since 2005, a swimming contest has been held there every year. Many fish and birds have returned.
Next to the river, there is Sipridae Forest, which used to be a crime hot spot. But the forest of bamboo tress has morphed itself into the most popular picnic place in town.
There are two sections of the forest along both sides of the river. Visitors can walk along the 4.3-kilometer-long river or through bamboo trees.
This is a pleasant place to go all year round. It is cool in summer and uniquely picturesque in winter. Situated in the heart of Ulsan, it is also convenient to visit from anywhere in the city.
The Korea Tourism Organization selected Sipridae Forest as one of the 100 must-visit places of Korea in 2015. Perhaps the only thing you may not like there is mosquitoes ― lots of them.
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| A beautiful trail at the rose garden of Ulsan Grand Park |
Resting at Korea's largest urban park
Boasting 3.69 square kilometers, Ulsan Grand Park is Korea's largest urban park.
With a nature-learning center, a botanical garden, zoos and playgrounds for children, it is an interesting place for many reasons. But what is also interesting is the story behind how the park was born.
In 1995, SK Group decided to invest more than 100 billion won ($88 million) to create a park in Ulsan as a way of giving back to society. At that time, the city was filled with nothing but factories and housing for workers.
But the plan soon encountered a crisis as the country was caught up in the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Many within SK expressed concern over the plan, but the firm pushed forward and completed the project in April 2006.
"Looking back, we are so glad SK did not cut back on the plan," a company official said. "Today the park remains a symbol of the city's new eco-friendly image and our contribution for it."
Various kinds of roses and a petting zoo are among the park's biggest attractions.
Jogging toward impressive rocks
If there was one place to see before leaving Ulsan, it would be Daewangam Park, which can be translated into "Park of Great King Rocks."
At the park entrance, you can choose one of many trails to get to the photogenic bridge that connects gigantic rocks, which is the highlight of sightseeing there.
Mainly, you can either walk along the beach, in which you can see restaurants and coffee shops as well as people resting under the sunlight, or you can stroll through the forest of 15,000 tall pine trees that keep the area cool.
The park is great for walking ― and even better for jogging. Beads of sweat on your forehead will disappear as you near the bridge. On the way there, you may see some runners who have already figured how to best enjoy the place.
There are benches to sit and rocks to climb to enjoy the fantastic views of the place ― a perfect reward after running. You may want to stay there for some time while hearing the sound of waves hitting the rocks.
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| A windmill stands near the lake at Ulsan Grand Park. |
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