Yeongnam Alps (영남 알프스) - Area information - Korea travel information

Yeongnam Alps (영남 알프스)

11.7 Km    2156     2023-07-17

103-8 Alpeuseuoncheon 5-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan

Yeongnam Alps is formed by mountains with an elevation of over 1,000 meters centered on Gajisan Mountain, which spans Ulsan, Miryang, Yangsan, Cheongdo and Gyeongju, boasting beautiful terrains and landscape. Its name originated from how it is comparable to the beauty and grandeur of the Alps in Europe.

The total area of Yeongnam Alps is around 255 ㎢, and it is a mountain tourist attraction connected by nine mountains including Sinbulsan, one of the 100 greatest mountains of Korea. Though its beauty is famous regardless of the season, it is completely covered with silver grass every fall to boast a fantastic view, attracting countless hikers from all over the country.

Gorgeous nature is not the only aspect luring people to Yeongnam Alps; there are also many things to enjoy, from mountain biking (MTB), that fearlessly runs through the mountain trails, valleys, gravel roads and bushes to paragliding by which you get a complete panoramic view of the Yeongnam Alps. The region currently looks to establish the Sky Silver Grass Trail, which aims to utilize existing trails to the greatest extent possible, and to restore silver grass colonies, and it also hosts low-carbon sports events such as the Yeongnam Alps Marathon and MTB Challenge Competition.

Ganwolsan Recreation Forest (간월산 자연휴양림)

Ganwolsan Recreation Forest (간월산 자연휴양림)

12.0 Km    32474     2024-02-28

607-15 Deungeogalpeuseu-ro, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-263-6644

Ganwolsan Recreation Forest is situated northeast of Ganwolsan Mountain, often referred to as the Alps of Korea. This picturesque recreational forest boasts dense pine forests, royal azaleas, maple trees, and pristine valleys. Accommodation facilities within the woods, a campfire site, thirty forest experience courses, a water playground, a forest park, and a sports field enhance the visitor experience. Following the hiking trails leads to observatory, and there are excellent walking paths for forest bathing. Nearby, the picturesque Jakcheonjeonggyegok Valley, famous for its cherry blossoms lane, awaits exploration.

Taehwagang River (태화강)

Taehwagang River (태화강)

12.2 Km    20902     2020-09-05

Mugeo-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-120

Taehwagang River cuts across the city of Ulsan from the west to east and originates from Tapgolsaem Spring on Baegunsan Mountain. The 47.54-kilometer-long river passes through downtown Ulsan and empties out into Ulsan Bay on the East Sea. Not just a symbol of pride for the people of Ulsan, the river has long since been a precious commodity that has played a pivotal role in Ulsan culture and history. There are several attractions and amenities near the river such as a bamboo forest park, grassy fields, a pampas grass colony, trails, and exercise facilities. The river itself is home to many freshwater fish, while the riverside area is a famous habitat for migratory birds.

Sinbulsan County Park (신불산군립공원)

Sinbulsan County Park (신불산군립공원)

12.3 Km    23507     2021-06-30

Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-229-7882

Sinbulsan County Park is located in parts of the Sangbuk and Samnam districts of Ulju County. The massive area encompasses 11.66 square kilometers and is home to one of the most impressive peaks in the Yeongnam Mountain Range found in the southeast of Korea. The park’s hiking trails interconnect with those of neighboring Gangwolsan and Yeongchwisan Mountains and attract a large number of hikers year-round.

Near the peak of Silbulsan Mountain sits a fortress with breathtaking views of silver grass. Water starts high above the clouds at Danjobong Peak and trickles down through streams and waterfalls to join the deep mountain valleys. One of the better known attractions in Silbulsan Mountain is Hongnyupokpo Falls which offers impressive views from its gentle cliffs.

Also nearby the mountain are Deungeok Hot Springs and a number of restaurants for hikers to visit and enjoy after a full day on the mountain.

Taehwagang National Garden (태화강 국가정원)

12.5 Km    43655     2024-01-03

154 Taehwaganggukgajeongwon-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan

The Taehwagang River cuts across the heart of Ulsan and flows into Ulsan Bay, which is connected to the East Sea. The river basin, which stretches 36 kilometers from east to west and 28 kilometers from north to south, is mostly comprised of mountainous terrain, but there is fertile land on both sides of the river and at the southern end of the river. The river is presently an important source of drinking water for the citizens of Ulsan.

The field around the midpoint of Taehwagang River was left abandoned for a long time before it was founded as Taehwagang National Garden, preserving nature while providing a resting spot to the citizens of Ulsan. The garden is over twice the size of Yeouido Park in Seoul, and consists of natural water and a lush bamboo forest, known as Simnidae Forest, along with canola and forage barley fields. Simnidae Forest was once in danger of demolition as part of the government's flood control plans but remains preserved thanks to community efforts. Preservation efforts led to turning the area into Taehwagang National Garden of today, which was recognized as Korea's second national garden in 2019.

Twelve Scenic Places of Ulsan City (울산 12경)

Twelve Scenic Places of Ulsan City (울산 12경)

12.6 Km    37283     2024-02-20

Ulsan Metropolitan City

Twelve Scenic Places of Ulsan City encompass the stunning landscapes of Ulsan, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. These include the bamboo forest in Taehwagang Gardens, the majestic rock formations in Daewangam Park set against the backdrop of the azure sea, the four seasons of Gajisan Mountain, the silver grass field of Sinbulsan Mountain, the breathtaking sunrise at Cape Ganjeolgot, the ancient Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace and Cheonjeon-ri from the Neolithic era. Other scenic spots include the Gangdong and Jujeon Pebble Beach, Ulsan Grand Park, the captivating night view from the Ulsandaegyo Bridge Observatory, the charming Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village, the serene Oegosan Onggi Village, and the picturesque Naewonam Valley in Daeunsan Mountain.

Sunmot Ecological Park (숯못 생태공원)

12.7 Km    6023     2022-08-18

90 , Hamwol-ro, Jung-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-290-3691

Sunmot Ecological Park is home to the famous Sunmot Pond, which is associated with the legend of Dongbangsak and Grandmother Mago. The pond provides a beautiful resting space in the heart of Ulsan.

Taehwagang National Garden and Simni Bamboo Grove (Eunhasugil) (태화강 국가정원 십리대숲 (은하수길))

12.8 Km    0     2023-01-25

Taehwa-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-229-3147

Simni Bamboo Grove is a bamboo forest that stretches over about 4 km along the Taehwagang River and is a natural garden using bamboo that has grown naturally for a long time. It is a healing space in the city where the river wind blowing through the bamboo and the whisper of bamboo leaves tickle your ears.

A unique night garden where the Milky Way descends at night. It is a must-see course where you can feel as if you are walking along the Milky Way in the night sky as colorful lights meet bamboo. In addition, through the outdoor escape room game on the Real World app, an experiential mission game platform, you can enjoy a mystery while taking a walk in Simni Bamboo Grove.

Seongnamsa Temple (석남사 울산)

Seongnamsa Temple (석남사 울산)

12.9 Km    19404     2020-03-17

557, Seongnam-ro, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-264-8900

The name of the temple is believed to have originated from the fact that it is located south of Gajisan Mountain or Seokansan Mountain. Built in 824 A.D. (during the 16th year of King Heondeok’s reign), the temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1674 (during the 15th year of King Hyeongjong’s reign). Since then, it has gone through rebuilding several times. Consisting of 30 buildings, the temple is home to many Buddhist nuns.

Seongnamsa Three Story Pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Property No. 5) was built in 824 A.D. by Monk Doui, reflecting his wish of protecting the country from foreign invasions. The pagoda was initially placed in front of Daeungjeon, but moved to the current location in 1973. Other notable relics in the temple include the Statue of Monk Doui (National Treasure No. 369), Three Story Sarira Pagoda, and Stone Water Tank (Cultural Property Material No. 4).

Ganwolsan Mountain (간월산)

Ganwolsan Mountain (간월산)

13.2 Km    14639     2021-06-30

614, Ganwolsan-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-277-0101

Ganwolsan Mountain is a popular destination for hikers in the Ulsan and Busan area as well as other regions of Gyeongsangnam-do. In early August, the reeds and lilies near the summit create a splendid view. To the west, the deep Naerijeong and Wangbonggol Valleys channel clean water to Baenaegol Pass.

From the Ganwolgogae Pass, hikers can follow the Singal Path to Wanbonggol Pass towards Paraeso Falls. There, visitors will find a cave called Jungnimgul, which is sacred Catholic ground often visited by the Catholic faithful. The first church built by Catholics in the Yeongnam region to escape persecution is found in Buldanggol Pass in Ganwolsan Mountain area. The tomb of Kim Agatha who died in persecution is also in the Ganwolgol Valley.