Bask in Ulsan’s autumn scenery

From film festival in mountains to silver grass fields, southeastern city offers seasonal delights

Published : Oct 3, 2016 - 17:15 Updated : Oct 3, 2016 - 17:15

Tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Korea’s autumn may want to visit the city of Ulsan in the upcoming months.

Nestled in the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula, the city is famous for its wide range of scenery that includes vast fields, mountains, quaint villages and a booming maritime commercial district.

Traditional dancers perform at the 50th Cheoyong Culture Festival, which ran from Sept. 29-Oct. 3. (Ulsan Metropolitan City)

One noteworthy event is the Ulju Mountain Film Festival, Korea’s first film fest devoted entirely to the theme of mountains, which runs from Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Ulju County, western Ulsan. Among the 78 films from 21 countries screened this year are “Jurek,” which spotlights Polish mountaineer Jerzy Kukuczka during the country’s socialist regime, and “Story of Annapurna,” a Korean submission on the marvels of mountains.

Films are also available for viewing at the UMFF outdoors theater, set against the backdrop of the area’s Yeongnam Alps, a mountain range spanning over an area of 255 square kilometers and with peaks towering over 1,000 meters tall. The alps are known for lush fields of tall silver grass that cover its ridges. The Haneul Eoksae-gil Course, the range’s most popular trekking course, stretches for 4.5 kilometers and takes approximately three hours to complete.

On the mountain range’s Mount Sinbulsan is the Sinbulpyeongwon Plain, an expansive field covered in silver grass. Each year, festivals and art events take place in the area. Musical performances and movie screenings will be held there from Oct. 24-Nov. 6.

The Taehwa River Sipridae Forest in Ulsan (Ulsan Metropolitan City)

A host of cultural events are planned for the month of October inside the city, including a festival devoted to Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, on Oct. 7-9, and the Ulsan Maduhee Festival on Oct. 14-16, which celebrates Maduhee, a traditional tug-of-war game.

Those searching for a tranquil promenade in the crisp weather will want to head to Taehwagang Grand Park, located adjacent to the Taehwa River and which cuts across the heart of Ulsan. A chrysanthemum festival will take place Oct. 20-22 at the park, which is in full bloom with the yellow fall flowers.

For more information, visit english.visitkorea.or.kr or www.ulsan.go.kr.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)