VOL.53
June 2019
Trip ____ Ulsan Bridge Observatory
Night of Ulsan
where Industry and Nature Coexist
Ulsan Bridge Observatory
In May 2015, the Ulsan Bridge opened, the longest bridge in Korea and the third longest in Asia among all short-span suspension bridges. At the end of the Ulsan Bridge stands the Ulsan Bridge Observatory, which provides a wide view of the entire bridge. The observatory is 203m above sea level and 63m tall. All these put together make the night in the city even more special. Here, the night sea shimmers with light where the beach and the industrial complex are located. Let’s look around this beautiful place that has such a romantic atmosphere.
© Studio kenn
Third floor of the observatory with an open view of the landscape
Ulsan Bridge Observatory Emerging as a New Landmark of Ulsan
Drive through the downtown area of Ulsan to Dong-gu District, and you will find a new landmark of the city, the Ulsan Bridge Observatory. This part of the city is a very popular tourist destination. It is the location of the Ulsan Bridge, the third longest short-span suspension bridge in Asia. Also, this place provides a wide view of the petrochemical, automotive, and shipbuilding complexes, i.e., the three major industries of the city, as well as the top seven mountains of the city.
We drove through coastal roads and city roads to finally arrive at the Ulsan Bridge Observatory. We parked at the parking lot of the Ulsan Bridge Observatory and took a walk to the observatory. On the way to the observatory, we walked through a cypress forest path while fully enjoying the feeling of comfort in nature. Walking and breathing in harmony with nature brought us to the entrance of the observatory. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and gain a good memory while taking photos at the photo zone.
Enter the ground floor, and you will see the Ulsan Bridge Promotion Center. Here, visitors are provided with a brief description of how the bridge was constructed and can take pictures with the bridge in the background or participate in interactive hands-on activities. In the theater, you can enjoy watching various videos regarding the Ulsan Bridge. In the Promotion Hall, there are various programs of different themes for visitors, such as the Ulsan Bridge Story, a miniature model of Ulsan, a wind tunnel test model, a theater, and photographs of the Ulsan Bridge. Also, commentaries are provided by Culture & Tourism Guides, making the time spent there even more worthwhile. The exit from the Promotion Center leads to the gift shop. The shop is full of cute and adorable items that represent the city of Ulsan. I recommend you visit this shop if you have yet to buy any souvenirs during your sightseeing in the city.
Night sea of Ulsan viewed from the third floor of the observatory © Studio kenn
Night Sea of Ulsan where the Industry and Nature Coexist
On the second floor is the outdoor terrace. To enjoy the whole view of the city, we skipped the terrace and headed to the third floor. Upon stepping into the indoor observatory on the third floor, we were instantly greeted by a view of the whole city seen through the glass with the sunset in the background. When looking to the side, panoramic views of the urban area of the city and petrochemical and shipbuilding complexes were provided. The view included the Port of Bangeojin, where the modern shipbuilding industry of the country was originally initiated, and the Port of Ulsan, which has served as a forward base for the country’s export industry. Ganjeolgot Cape, Sinbulsan Mountain, and Daewangam (Royal Tomb of King Munmu) could also be seen in the far distance.
The secret to the beauty of the night scenery may lie in that it always comes after a long wait. When the night came, the scenery surrounding us transformed itself entirely. Watching the sunset fade into the sea calmed and soothed us. As darkness fell, the lights of the petrochemical complex started to turn on one by one. The urban lights mingled with nature very much resembled the Milky Way. While watching this magnificent scenery, all unnecessary thoughts disappeared from my head, and I found myself deeply absorbed in it. Here is a piece of advice for you. On the third floor, you can request commentary at the Culture & Tourism Guide booth. The commentary service at the exhibition hall is available from 10:00 to 21:00, and the exhibition hall is closed on Mondays.
On the third floor of the observatory, the development history of Ulsan is presented with pictures. Aside from the interesting stories of how domestic leading corporations and major industries have been developing in the city, the panoramic view of the city’s industrial complexes seen through the glass completely immersed me in the exhibition, making me feel as if I were witnessing the past, present, and future of the city at a glance. This photo exhibition guides you from 1960 through the history of Ulsan as an industrial city, where it commenced its new journey, up to the present. Also, the VR Experience Zone and Media Facade outside the observatory are scheduled to open in June, events that are also highly anticipated.
Media Façade
Media Facade is a combined term of “media” and “facade” which means the external wall of a building. It is an imaging method that projects various images on the external walls of a building.
Ulsan Bridge Promotion Center on the first floor, where visitors can learn about how the Ulsan Bridge was built and enjoy various videos.
Face to Face with Where the Development of the Country Began
There are numerous places called observatories in cities across the globe. Most of them have similar night scenes that evoke similar emotions. The view of Ulsan from the Ulsan Bridge Observatory, however, is somewhat different from that of other cities. There are countless ships floating on the clear sea, the industrial complexes shines bright in the darkness, and mountains surround all these scenes in the far distance. The city, mingling nature and industry, was beautiful and comfortable. At the moment, I felt like I was witnessing what had been driving the development of this country. Knowing that it wouldn’t have been possible if it were not for the sweat and tears of countless men and women touched me.
If you are planning to tour Ulsan, add the Ulsan Bridge Observatory to your list of must-see destinations. Visit and enjoy the unique beauty and atmosphere of this place. Before sunset, take a walk in nature near the observatory and, when sunset falls, enjoy the magnificent view of the sea glowing red. Come and visit with your family, friends or lover to enjoy this beautiful place where industry and nature coexist.
Information
- 155-1, Bongsu-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan
- Operating Time
- 09:00AM – 9:00PM
- Entrance Fee
- Free of charge
- 82-52-209-3345
Ulsan Bridge Observatory