Unplanned Land and Sea Destination: Pitstop in Uljin

I never planned to take a pitstop in Uljin on our way to Gangneung. But skipping it didn’t feel right once we got close. The area’s natural beauty practically called out to us, and driving by, we felt like we’d be missing something special. We needed a break anyway, so we pulled off, eager to stretch our legs and soak in the scenery. What we found was the perfect mix of land and sea—lush green hills meeting the deep blue ocean. It was a moment of pure calm, where everything just felt right like we had stumbled upon something we weren’t even looking for. And honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to take a breather.

Table of Contents

• Pitstop in Uljin, South Korea
• Where is Uljin?
• Expo Park: A Natural Retreat
• Jukbyeon Coast Skyrail: Sky-High Adventures
• Mangsajeong Pavilion
• Deunggisan Skywalk: A Perfect Ending
• Final Thoughts
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Where is Uljin?

Uljin is a coastal town in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, located along the East Sea. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and ecological parks. It’s a popular destination for locals and seafood lovers.

• From Pohang: The drive to Uljin is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• From Daegu: Uljin is about 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Daegu, and the drive typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Both routes offer scenic views along the way, making the journey enjoyable.

Uljin Wangpicheon Park

Our pitstop in Uljin began at Expo Park, where nature’s tranquility immediately enveloped us. The park, sprawling with artfully landscaped gardens and serene walking paths, offered a peaceful retreat. With every step, the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Expo Park truly shone as a lush, green oasis, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. It’s a large park with interactive exhibits and many opportunities for selfies, making it a fun and peaceful stop for visitors of all ages.

We went to see the pink muhly and pampas grass, and there was plenty of both. The best time to visit Uljin is from late September to early November to see the pink muhly and pampas grass in Uljin. Pink muhly typically blooms in autumn, reaching its peak color in October, while pampas grass also reaches full bloom during this time, creating stunning landscapes perfect for photos and peaceful walks.

Address: 25 Chinhwangyeong Expo-ro, Geunnam-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Website: Expo Park
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, daily

Jukbyeon Coast Skyrail: Sky-High Adventures

I love the skytrain in Busan, so I was excited to ride the Jukbyeon Coast Skyrail, a panoramic ride that offered breathtaking aerial views of Uljin’s rugged coastline. The skyrail elevated us above the landscape, where the expansive sea stretched out beneath us. The fresh breeze and the panoramic vistas provided a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the area. The 2.8-kilometer round trip takes about 40 minutes, with tickets priced at ₩21,000 for 1-2 people, ₩28,000 for 3 people, and ₩35,000 for 4 people. It operates from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM on weekends, offering an affordable way to see Uljin’s stunning coastal scenery from above. For more information, go to the Jukbyeon Coast Skyrail website.

Address: 3-26 Jukbyeon-ri, Jukbyeon-myeon, Uljin
Price: ₩10,000 (approx. $8 USD)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, daily

Mangsajeong Pavilion

We also visited Mangsajeong, a traditional pavilion overlooking the East Sea in northern Uljin. After a short but satisfying climb, we enjoyed one of the most beautiful views in the area. The park at the top was perfect for a quiet stroll. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular spot for sunrise watchers that most foreigners no nothing about. The pavilion is surrounded by pine trees and the sound of crashing waves. The horizon stretched out endlessly, inviting quiet reflection. With hardly anyone around, we had the space to soak it all in, capturing not only photos but memories. It was the kind of peaceful moment that made our pitstop in Uljin feel even more special.

Address: 240 Hupo-ro, Hupo-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Website: Mangsajeong

Deunggisan Skywalk: A Perfect Ending

After a relaxing lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant, we ended our pitstop at the Deunggisan Skywalk. It was the perfect opportunity to stretch our legs and capture some beautiful photos of the pink muhly fields swaying gently in the breeze. The vibrant colors contrasted beautifully with the blue sky and the sweeping views of the ocean. We also grabbed a quick snack from a nearby stand before stepping onto the glass-floored walkway (they provide free shoe covers so you don’t scratch the glass) that juts out over the cliffs. The panoramic views were a fitting end to a refreshing stop in Uljin on our way to the beautiful beaches in Gangneung.

Address: 141-1 San, Hupori, Hupomyeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongbuk
Website: Deunggisan Skywalk
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, daily

Final Thoughts

Every moment of our stop in Uljin, from peaceful strolls through Expo Park to the exhilarating ride on the Jukbyeon Coast Skyrail and Skywalk, showed just how beautiful and tranquil this off-the-beaten-path destination can be. What started as a spontaneous detour quickly became one of the highlights of our trip, offering breathtaking views, quiet moments, and some delicious snacks. With a little research, you might discover even more to explore, making it hard to leave. Plus, it’s an ideal spot to try some fresh seafood—another reason to slow down and savor the experience.

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