Enchanted by Red Autumn Foliage and Mesmerized by Silver Grass

By late October, the wave of autumn foliage reaches Gajisan Mountain in the "Yeongnam Alps." Seongnamsa Temple, nestled in Gajisan Mountain, is draped in a red carpet, while silver grass waves across the mountain passes. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are also famous for their autumn foliage. Late autumn leaves brilliantly adorn the path leading to the petroglyphs. It is an ideal spot for a light trek along lush, tree-lined trails.

Along the way

1. 1

   Seongnamsa Temple (Ulsan)

   석남사(울산)

   Legend has it that Seongnamsa Temple (石南寺) was named so because it was situated on the south side of Gajisan Mountain (迦智山), also known as Seogansan Mountain (石眼山). Founded about 1,200 years ago in 824 (the 16th year of King Heondeok of Silla) by Master Doui, it underwent several reconstructions and renovations before being destroyed by fire during the Imjin War. Later, in 1674 (the 15th year of King Hyeonjong of Joseon), it was rebuilt by Master Tangnyeong and Master Seoncheol, and renovated again in 1803 (the 3rd year of King Sunjo) by Master Chimheo, Master Suil, and others.MoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri, Ulju

   울주 대곡리 반구대 암각화

   Petroglyphs are drawings carved into rock faces depicting various events and everyday scenes from prehistoric life. They were mostly carved in sacred communal places, such as large boulders, where people are believed to have gathered to hold various rituals. The Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri, Ulju are carved on what is known as 'Geonneo Gakdan' along Daegokcheon Stream, a tributary of the Taehwagang River, and the main rock surface where the carvings are concentrated measures 10 meters wide and 3 meters high. However, quite a few figures have also been identified on the left and right, bringing the total number of carved rock faces to around ten.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Deungeok Hot Spring Complex

   등억온천단지

   Deungeok Hot Spring is a large-scale hot spring complex covering a vast site of 72,727.6㎡ (approx. 220,000 pyeong) at the foot of Sinbulsan Mountain in the Yeongnam Alps, located in Deungeok-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Operating on such a large scale, the complex has seen a steady increase in visitors and has become increasingly vibrant. The spring water is bicarbonate alkaline baking soda water containing calcium, effective for various skin conditions, neuralgia, digestive disorders, bronchitis, hypertension, and skin care, and it also serves as mineral water suitable for drinking.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Jangsaengpo Whale Museum

   장생포 고래박물관

   Opened on May 31, 2005, in Jangsaengpo, a former whaling outpost, this is Korea's only whale museum. Since the ban on whaling in 1986, it has collected, preserved, and exhibited around 250 fading whaling relics. It offers a variety of attractions including children's experiential zones like the 'Whale Belly Walk' and 'Undersea Journey,' skeletons of Bryde's whales and killer whales, a dedicated gray whale hall, and a restored whaling ship.MoreLess

   

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5. 5
   Jangsaengpo Whale Watching Cruise

   장생포 고래바다여행선

   Since the Jangsaengpo Whale Watching Cruise made its maiden voyage in July 2009 as Korea's first whale-watching ship, it was replaced in April 2013 with a new cruise-class vessel weighing 550 tons with a capacity of 399 passengers, opening an upgraded era of whale tourism cruises. Operating as a whale exploration vessel during the day, sightings began with one minke whale on May 13, 2013, followed by successive sightings of around 4,500 common dolphins on May 15, 3,000 on May 16, 4,000 on May 23, and 3,500 on May 30. At night, passengers can enjoy the dazzling night view of the Ulsan Industrial Complex, and various programs such as performances and buffets are held on board.MoreLess

   

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6. 6
   Daewangam Park

   대왕암공원

   Daewangam Park is home to Daewangam Rock, which, along with Ganjeolgot Cape in Ulju-gun, is one of the places where the sun rises earliest in Korea. The walking trails blend forest shade with cherry blossoms, camellias, forsythias, and magnolias. Spanning a fresh 280,000 pyeong, the park lies adjacent to the sandy shores of Ilsan Beach. Located at the southeasternmost tip of Korea projecting into the East Sea, Daewangam Park is also famous for the Ulgi Aids to Navigation Office (Ulgi Lighthouse), which guides ships across the East Sea. Built in 1906 as the third of its kind in Korea, this navigation office features Songjukwon, offering free room stays to help visitors create beautiful memories. The 600-meter path from the park entrance to the lighthouse passes through a dense pine forest, where the cool shade of hundred-year-old tall pine trees provides a refreshing and cozy ambiance.MoreLess

   

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