ULSAN, South Korea, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ulsan Nam-gu District, South Korea’s industrial powerhouse and historic center of whaling heritage, will host the 30th Ulsan Whale Festival from October 15 to 18, throughout the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Zone.
Under the theme “A Whale’s Invitation: The 30th Birthday Party,“ this milestone event showcases Jangsaengpo’s evolution into an immersive, multi-day stayover destination, highlighting new adventure karts, skywalks, and nightscape media art.
From Historic Whaling Port to Eco-Cultural Destination
Ulsan shares a centuries-old connection with whales, famously depicted in the prehistoric Bangudae Petroglyphs. Once South Korea’s whaling center, Jangsaengpo pivoted toward marine ecology and cultural preservation following the 1986 global ban on commercial whaling. Designated as the nation’s only Whale Culture Zone in 2008, the area now attracts global visitors with landmarks such as the Jangsaengpo Whale Museum and Whale Culture Village.
Citizen-Led 30th Anniversary Celebrations
To mark three decades of success, the festival features community-driven programming. Highlights include the “300-Voice Grand Chorus” whale lantern crafting, family adventure tours, and AR interactive zones. A grand street parade combining local citizens and performance troupes will highlight the final day, while whale-themed fireworks illuminate the oceanfront sky on opening and closing nights.
New Infrastructure: Extreme Karts, Skywalks, and Nightlife Attractions
Festival visitors will be the first to experience Jangsaengpo’s newly unveiled tourism infrastructure:
- Whales Kart: South Korea’s first self-propelled extreme kart track, spanning 1.05 kilometers with speeds up to 40 km/h, offering thrill-seekers panoramic views of seasonal landscapes, including hydrangea gardens and lavender fields.
- Goraedeung-gil (Whale Spine Skywalk): A 135-meter elevated pedestrian bridge, connecting Whale Square to Whales Fantasium, offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding parks, seamlessly integrating cultural landmarks into a walkable route.
- Immersive Day-to-Night Stay Content: Upgraded stayover amenities include “Goraejam” (a boutique lodge repurposed from naval quarters), “The Wave” cultural facility, and “Jangsaengpo Light,” projecting dynamic media art onto massive industrial oil tanks.
To boost transport accessibility, complimentary shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes between Taehwagang Station and the venue throughout the four-day event.
“Marking its 30th edition, the Ulsan Whale Festival is an interactive celebration co-created by citizens and visitors, offering a unique window into Jangsaengpo’s remarkable evolution,” said Lim Hyeon-cheol, Mayor of Ulsan Nam-gu District. “We warmly invite international travelers to experience South Korea’s unique whale culture and vibrant oceanfront charm.”
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SOURCE Nam-gu Office, Ulsan Metropolitan City
