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Ulsan Taehwagang Bamboo Forest and Daewangam Park: How to Visit

The Taehwagang bamboo forest and Daewangam Park are Ulsan's two best-known sights, and you can easily visit both in one day. The bamboo forest, called Simnidaebat, is inside Taehwagang National Garden along the Taehwa River near central Ulsan. Daewangam Park is a rocky coastal park in Dong-gu on the east side of the city, about 30–40 minutes away by taxi or longer by bus. Spend the morning walking under the bamboo, then head to the sea for the cliffs, the rock islets and the suspension bridge in the afternoon. Both are free to enter.

Getting to Ulsan

By KTX

Ulsan Station (on the KTX line between Seoul and Busan) is the main high-speed rail stop. It sits in Ulju-gun, well outside the city center, so plan on a bus or taxi into town. City buses connect the station with the Taehwagang area; the trip takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Check the current route in Naver Map or Kakao Map when you arrive. If you are coming from Seoul, our KTX booking guide for tourists explains how to buy tickets online.

From Busan

From Busan, the Donghae Line commuter train runs from Bujeon Station up the coast to Taehwagang Station in Ulsan, which is much closer to the city than the KTX station. It is slow but cheap and easy, and it passes coastal towns along the way. Intercity buses from Busan to Ulsan are another option.

Getting around

Ulsan is spread out, and the two sights are on opposite sides of the city. Buses work fine with a T-money card, but taxis save a lot of time between the garden and the coast. Korean taxi apps are widely used here.

Taehwagang National Garden and the bamboo forest

Taehwagang National Garden became Korea's second national garden in 2019, after Suncheon Bay. It is a long riverside park, not a fenced garden, with flower fields, walking paths and the famous bamboo grove. The Taehwa River was once heavily polluted by industry; its recovery into a clean river with fish and birds is a story Ulsan is proud of.

Simnidaebat bamboo forest

The name means roughly "ten-li bamboo field," referring to a long belt of bamboo that follows the riverbank. Inside the grove, a walking path called Eunhasu-gil winds between tall stems. On a sunny day the light comes through in thin stripes, and the sound of wind in the leaves is the main attraction. The path is flat, so it suits all ages.

A few things to look for:

  • The main bamboo path: about 20–40 minutes of easy walking through the densest part of the grove.
  • The night walk: parts of the grove are lit in the evening with soft lights. Whether and when the lighting runs can change, so check before you plan around it.
  • Seasonal flower fields: the open areas of the garden are planted with seasonal flowers, often tulips and other spring flowers, and cosmos or other blooms in autumn.
  • The crows of Taehwagang: in winter, large flocks of rooks and jackdaws roost near the river at dusk, a well-known natural sight in Ulsan. If you visit roughly November to March, ask locally about viewing spots.

How long to spend

One to two hours is plenty for the bamboo forest and a walk along the river. Admission is free. There are toilets, and you will find cafes and convenience stores in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Daewangam Park

Daewangam Park sits on a rocky headland on the east coast, with old pine forest leading down to the sea. Its name means "Great King Rock." A local legend says the queen of King Munmu of Silla wished to protect the country as a sea dragon after her death and was laid to rest under the rocks here. The legend is part of the charm, but the park is also simply beautiful: twisted pines, jagged rocks, and a small iron bridge out to the main rock islet.

What to see

  • The pine forest walk: a long, shaded avenue of old pines leads from the entrance toward the sea. It is a pleasant walk in any season.
  • Daewangam rock and bridge: the rock formation is reached by a short bridge. The view of waves breaking around the reddish rocks is the classic photo.
  • Ulgi Lighthouse: a historic lighthouse inside the park with views over the coast.
  • The suspension bridge: Daewangam's suspension bridge crosses a small cove on the park's coastal path. It sways a little, which is part of the fun. It may close in strong wind or for maintenance, so check the official notice if it is a priority.
  • Ilsan Beach: a small, calm beach next to the park, nice for a short rest.

Practical notes

The park is open around the clock and free to enter, with parking available. Allow two to three hours if you want to walk the coastal path, cross the bridge and visit the lighthouse. Paths include stairs and uneven rock steps, so wear proper shoes and take care near the edge, especially in rain or wind.

Getting between the two

The quickest way from Taehwagang to Daewangam is a taxi, usually around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. By city bus it takes longer and may involve a transfer; search "Daewangam Park" in Naver Map or Kakao Map for live directions. Coming back, buses and taxis from the Ilsan Beach area can take you to central Ulsan or Taehwagang Station.

A simple one-day plan

  1. Morning: arrive in Ulsan and head to Taehwagang National Garden; walk the bamboo forest before it gets busy.
  2. Lunch: eat in central Ulsan or near the garden.
  3. Afternoon: taxi to Daewangam Park; walk the pine forest, the rock bridge, the lighthouse and the suspension bridge.
  4. Late afternoon: rest at Ilsan Beach, then head back. If you came from Busan, the Donghae Line from Taehwagang Station is an easy return.

Some visitors reverse the order to catch the bamboo forest lighting in the evening. Either works.

"Go slow in the bamboo. Stand still for a minute and just listen; it is the quietest minute you will get in the city." — Dova, POPORO CITY candle shop owner

Quick tips

  • Ulsan KTX Station is far from the sights; budget extra time for the bus or taxi into town.
  • From Busan, the Donghae Line to Taehwagang Station is the simplest public transport option.
  • Use a taxi between the bamboo forest and Daewangam to save an hour or more.
  • Bring a light jacket to Daewangam; the coast is windy even on warm days.
  • Both sites are free, but check official notices for closures of the suspension bridge or night lighting.
  • Weekday mornings are the calmest time for photos in the bamboo forest.

Love bamboo groves? Compare this with our guide to Damyang Juknokwon bamboo forest in South Jeolla. Ulsan also pairs well with Gyeongju; see Busan to Gyeongju by train and bus.

FAQ

Is the Taehwagang bamboo forest free?

Yes. The bamboo forest and Taehwagang National Garden are free to enter. Special events or seasonal festivals may have their own rules, so check the official Ulsan tourism site.

Can I visit Ulsan as a day trip from Busan?

Yes. The Donghae Line or an intercity bus gets you there in about an hour or a little more, and both sights fit easily into one day.

How far is Daewangam Park from the bamboo forest?

They are on opposite sides of the city, about 30–40 minutes by taxi. By bus it takes longer, possibly with a transfer.

Is the Daewangam suspension bridge always open?

No. It can close in strong wind, bad weather or for maintenance, and it may have set operating hours. Check the official notice before you go.

When is the best season to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking. Summer is green but hot; winter is quiet, and it brings the famous crow flocks to the Taehwa River at dusk.