Culture & Tourism
The 9 Flavors in Ulsan Jung-gu
1st Flavor: Taehwagang National Garden Food District
- Address1-241 Taehwagang National Garden-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
Formed in 1983, the Taehwagang National Garden Food District spans 2 km along Taehwagang National Garden-gil, with over 150 restaurants in operation. It’s a popular food destination in Ulsan, filled with places to see and eat. Each restaurant has a numbered signboard, making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors. In spring, the area becomes a sea of cherry blossoms, attracting many visitors. Adjacent to the food district is Taehwagang National Garden, Korea's second national garden. The garden is filled with seasonal flowers and the soothing scent of bamboo, making it a perfect spot for a stroll.
2nd Flavor: Jungang Traditional Market Grilled Eel & Chicken Street
- Address325 Beonyeong-ro to 108-3 Jeolmeumui-geori, Jung-gu, Ulsan
In the 1990s, grilled eel cooked on charcoal became one of the most popular dishes in this area. Frozen eel bodies were brought in from the Busan Fish Market and Ulsan’s Jungang Grilled Eel Street. It was a cheap and popular dish, with the current eel alley forming as restaurants opened between the Geoyeokjeon Market, railroad-side shops, and street stalls. As grilled eel became known as a healthy dish, it regained popularity, although many people still come back for the nostalgic taste of charcoal-grilled eel. The Chicken Street began in the 1980s when stores started opening within the market. It has been a beloved part of the old town ever since, filled with memories for many people. Unlike franchise chicken shops, these market vendors fry whole fresh chickens using traditional methods, offering generous portions at affordable prices, allowing visitors to feel the warmth of the market.
3rd Flavor: Dalbitnuri-gil Café Street
- Address101-139 Seongan 1-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
As Seongan-dong’s night view along Hamwol-ro became famous, cafes began thriving along the Dalbitnuri-gil area. Most cafes, offering panoramic views of Ulsan city, are designed with large glass windows and rooftop spaces, enhancing the experience. Visitors of all ages enjoy the atmosphere, leading to frequent return visits. Each cafe offers signature desserts and drinks, making Dalbitnuri-gil Café Street a delightful experience for both taste and sight. It's also a great place for a romantic evening stroll after dinner, as you can enjoy the night view while walking.
4th Flavor: Byeongyeong Grilled Makchang Specialty Street
- Address24 Gwagnam 1-gil to 4 Gwagnam 17-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
Since the first makchang restaurant opened in 1995, this 120-meter alley now hosts 10 restaurants specializing in grilled makchang. The grilled makchang, prepared with a sauce made from over 10 vegetables, is rich and savory without any off-flavors, attracting both locals and tourists visiting Ulsan. The unique sauce, made with peanuts, is especially popular, and customers are treated to complimentary kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) for dessert, making this a must-visit street in Ulsan.
5th Flavor: Coffee Alley in Munhwa Street
- Address44 Munhwaui-geori to 118 Jangchun-ro, Jung-gu, Ulsan
Along Munhwa Street, large cafes and independent coffee shops are in operation, offering a nostalgic experience as this area used to be home to traditional teahouses. With a variety of cafe styles, the street is a place where people of all ages can enjoy themselves. On weekends, the area comes alive with busking performances and other cultural events, making it a delightful experience for watching, hearing, and tasting.
6th Flavor: Ulsan Lady Youth Night Market
- Address23 Sigyetap Sageori to 101 Jeolmeumui-geori, Jung-gu, Ulsan
Located in the arcade of Jungang Traditional Market in Okgyo-dong, Ulsan Lady Youth Night Market offers a variety of fusion foods, showcasing the unique creativity of young entrepreneurs. A comfortable rest area is available on the third floor of Okgyo Public Parking Lot, where visitors can enjoy their purchased food with family, friends, or partners.
7th Flavor: Janghyeon-dong Food Street
- Address1 Jongga 26-gil to 24 Jongga 25-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
As large apartment complexes have been built around Janghyeon-dong, many restaurants and cafes have sprung up in the area. The clean streets and tidy buildings feature numerous restaurants and cozy cafes on the first floor. Particularly popular dishes include chueotang (loach soup), kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), and daegu-tang (codfish stew). These spots are so well-loved that people often line up during lunchtime.
8th Flavor: Premium Food Street in Hyukshin City
- Address51 Jongga 8-gil to 26 Jongga 6-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
The 200-meter section of Jongga 8-gil in Innovation City is undergoing development to establish a premium food street, featuring specialty restaurants and premium cafes that represent Jung-gu, Ulsan. Although it hasn’t yet become fully active due to the economic downturn, it’s the go-to food street when you want to treat special guests.
9th Flavor: Wonyugok Food Street
- AddressJongga 1-gil to 5-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan
As Hyukshin City developed and more than ten public institutions and large apartment complexes moved in, restaurants began appearing along Jongga 1-gil to 5-gil in Wonyugok. Today, about 100 establishments are thriving. From jokbal (pig’s trotters), grilled pork neck, and spicy seafood stews to pasta, fish stew, and sushi, the street is full of delicious options for both meals and snacks. It's a food street that people initially visit out of curiosity but return to for the taste. With such a variety of restaurants, it's the perfect spot for scheduling meal plans.