The word "Ulgi" literally translates as "outskirts of Ulsan ": the park is located in the vicinity of this major industrial city in Korea. The rocky seashore is teeming with a variety of trees, especially pines, some of which are very old. The shore is dotted with cliffs and many unusual rocks, offering beautiful views. There are quite a few local fishermen with spinning rods.

About six hundred meters from the entrance stands the oldest lighthouse in Korea, also named "Ulgi." From the parking lot and park entrance to the lighthouse, visitors walk along a wide avenue through a pine forest. This forest is considered one of the largest pine forests in Korea. Besides the pines, cherry trees and magnolias delight the eye with their blossoms in the spring.

If you go even further, you'll come to a bridge leading to a very famous cliff in this area (Dae Wang Am). Its name is sometimes translated into Russian as "Tewanam" or simply "Tewanam." Incidentally, the park itself is sometimes called by the cliff's name: "Tewanam" or "Dewangam." Unfortunately, it's very easy to get confused by the names, or rather, by their Russian translations and transcriptions, which is precisely what many people do. After crossing the bridge, you can continue forward and reach an observation deck. Stand and admire the seascape.

What is this rock famous for? According to legend, the ashes of the famous Korean king (king) Munmu were scattered here. He was the one who united the entire Korean Peninsula into a single kingdom, Silla. After his death, Munmu transformed into a dragon that guards the East Sea. Some time later, Munmu's wife also died and, following her husband, became a dragon. These protectors of the sea saved local fishermen from an evil dragon living in a cave near the rock by blocking the entrance with a large stone. After this, to the delight of the fishermen, their shores were once again filled with fish, and they have been there ever since. Such a beautiful legend.

Perhaps the most striking thing about walking in Ulgi Park is the surprisingly harmonious combination of the sea's color with the yellow-red cliff. The cliff is shaped like a dragon fallen into the sea, unable to rise into the sky. Therefore, to further confuse tourists, this cliff is sometimes called Yeonchuam—the cliff of the fallen dragon. Yes, it's quite difficult for visitors to understand the Korean names :)

Below you can see more photos from Ulgi Park. To enlarge a photo, click on the thumbnail. The page with the larger photo will open in a separate window.