South Korea’s anticipated whale-themed festival is back this autumn along the coast of Ulsan.
Ulsan, South Korea’s industrial powerhouse, is home to giants like Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.
The city boasts a huge GDP of over US$55 billion and a per capita GRDP of approximately US$45,500—the highest among the country’s metropolitan cities.
Once struggling with pollution, Ulsan has improved its status through green initiatives like restoring the Taehwa River.
Now known as Korea’s cleanest city, Ulsan’s eco-friendly change is a model for other cities worldwide.
From 26 to 29 September 2024, the port town will come alive with multimedia performances, parades, and concerts celebrating its rich maritime heritage at the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture District (장생포고래문화특구).
Located in Ulsan, Korea’s only whale-themed district offers several attractions.
Jangsaengpo was once a thriving fishing village but became known for whaling before a 1986 ban.
To revitalize the area, the district created cultural spots like the Whale Museum in 2005.
Now, visitors can explore the warehouse, and village and take whale-watching cruises.
The museum also showcases whale skeletons and artifacts.
Feel free to ride the monorail or try traditional games featured in the hit show “Squid Game.”
Now in its 28th year, the 2024 Ulsan Whale Festival promises four days and nights of entertainment under the theme “The Dream of Jangsaengpo, the Hope of Ulsan!”.
Kicking off with an opening ceremony on 26 September featuring special effects and a massive holographic whale display, the festival offers something for everyone with musical productions, DJ parties on the waterfront, and the hugely popular 1 km Night Parade illuminated by floating LED artwork.
Educate yourself about Korean whale culture at the Jangsaengpo Cultural Warehouse, home to media exhibitions like the “Claude Monet: An Immersive Experience” show, and enjoy short films screened in the rooftop W Theater, or bag home some souvenirs at the flea market.
Don’t forget to feed your tummies at Jangsaeng Restaurant while enjoying the surrounding sea/city views.
Seo Dong-wook, Mayor of Nam-gu, Ulsan, shared that they have worked tirelessly to elevate the Ulsan Whale Festival by producing in-house media content that reflects the unique theme of Korea’s only whale culture, adding that they hope visitors will leave with cherished memories from this one-of-a-kind festival.
What is the fastest way to get to Jangsaengpo Whale Culture District from Seoul?
I would recommend you get your plane tickets from Gimpo International Airport to Ulsan as it will only take an hour.
A one-way ticket should cost you around $50…
Image Credits: skyscanner.com.sg
Once you reach Ulsan Airport, take a 35-minute taxi ride to Jangsaengpo Whale Culture District.
You can tell the taxi driver to drop you off at “장생포고래문화특구”.
The taxi fee should come out to be approximately 14,000 KRW.
Have fun in Ulsan if you’ve never been there before!
