The Ulsan Whale Festival is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary from 15 to 18 October, transforming Jangsaengpo in Ulsan, South Korea, into a premier eco-tourism destination. The festival, themed “A Whale’s Invitation: The 30th Birthday Party,” will showcase Jangsaengpo’s evolution from a historic whaling port to a vibrant cultural and ecological hub.
Jangsaengpo, once the centre of South Korea’s whaling industry, has pivoted towards marine ecology and cultural preservation since the 1986 global ban on commercial whaling. Now designated as the nation’s only Whale Culture Zone, it attracts visitors worldwide with attractions like the Jangsaengpo Whale Museum and Whale Culture Village.
The festival will feature community-driven events, including a 300-voice grand chorus, whale lantern crafting, family adventure tours, and augmented reality interactive zones. A grand street parade and whale-themed fireworks will bookend the festival, highlighting the local community’s involvement.
Visitors will also experience new infrastructure, such as South Korea’s first self-propelled extreme kart track, “Whales Kart,” and the Goraedeunggil Whale Spine Skywalk, offering panoramic views of the sea. Upgraded amenities include Goraejam, a boutique lodge, and The Wave cultural facility, enhancing the day-to-night stay experience.
To improve accessibility, complimentary shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes between Taehwagang Station and the festival venue. Lim Hyeoncheol, Mayor of Ulsan Namgu District, invites international travellers to explore South Korea’s unique whale culture and oceanfront charm, marking the festival as a significant milestone in Jangsaengpo’s transformation.
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