This Ulsan tour blends nature and culture across five key sites.At Amethyst Park, explore the underground beauty of amethysts. Taehwagang Bamboo Forest offers a peaceful stroll through bamboo groves.Jangsaengpo Whale Village transports you to Korea’s 1960s to 1980s, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Daewangam Park showcases stunning ocean views.Finally, Oegosan Onggi Village immerses you in traditional Korean pottery. This tour perfectly combines history, culture, and natural beauty.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Busan
- Hotel: Hotel 1st Floor Busan Train Station: Busan Station Platform (please provide train information) Cruise Terminal: Cruise Terminal Gate (after clearing customs)
Amethyst Cavern Park
Amethyst Cavern World is a unique tourist attraction located in Ulsan's Ulju County. This man-made cave was created in an area rich with amethyst and opened to the public in 1997. It’s especially popular as a cool retreat in the summer and a warm refuge in the winter.
The cave stretches over 2.5 km and maintains a consistent annual temperature of around 12-16°C, providing a comfortable environment year-round. Inside the cave, there is an exhibition hall decorated with amethyst, and visitors can even experience mining amethyst themselves. Parts of the cave are adorned with artistic displays, adding to the unique atmosphere.
One of the highlights of Amethyst Cavern World is the opportunity to take a boat ride through the cave’s interior. As you glide along the artificial waterway, you can admire the stunning scenery created by amethyst and other minerals within the cave. This boat tour is particularly popular among children and is a fun activity for visitors of all ages.
Taehwagang Bamboo Forest
Taehwagang Simnidaesup is a beautiful bamboo grove located along the Taehwa River in Ulsan. Stretching over 4.3 kilometers, this serene forest offers a tranquil escape within the city. The name "Simnidaesup" means "Ten-ri Bamboo Forest," with "ri" being an old Korean measure roughly equivalent to 4 kilometers.
This bamboo forest is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a peaceful environment for walking or cycling along the river. The sound of the wind through the bamboo and the presence of various wildlife enhance the natural experience. The forest's beauty changes with the seasons, making it a favorite among photographers. In spring and summer, the bamboo is lush and green, while in autumn, the vibrant foliage creates a stunning contrast.
This is a must-visit destination in Ulsan, offering a rare chance to enjoy nature’s tranquility in an urban setting. Whether you're looking for a scenic walk or a peaceful place to relax, this bamboo grove is sure to delight.
Lunch
You are free to choose any lunch menu item.
Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural Village
Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural Village, located in Nam-gu, Ulsan, is a unique attraction that recreates the 1960s to 1980s, when Jangsaengpo was Korea's primary whaling hub. This village allows visitors to step back in time and experience the rich history and culture of the whaling era.
This village is more than just a museum; it is a living history exhibit with streets and buildings designed to authentically recreate the daily life of Jangsaengpo during its whaling days. Walking through the village feels like stepping into the past, offering a fully immersive experience.
In this village, May brings a breathtaking bloom of lavender, turning the entire area into a sea of purple, filling the air with its enchanting fragrance. Come June, the hydrangeas take over, bursting into a vibrant display of colors that create a stunning, almost dreamlike landscape. Visiting during these months will immerse you in nature's beauty, making it feel as if you've stepped into a scene from a fairytale.
The village also includes shops selling whale-related souvenirs and various amenities, making it easy to spend a full day exploring. Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural Village provides a unique opportunity to learn about Korea's whaling history while offering a memorable and educational experience for all who visit Ulsan.
Daewangam Park
Daewangam Park, located in Dong-gu, Ulsan, is a stunning coastal destination where historical legends meet natural beauty. According to local folklore, Queen Jaui, the wife of Silla's King Munmu, wished to become a dragon to protect the nation even after her death, and she is said to be buried beneath the rocky island here.
The park features Ulgi Lighthouse, Daewangam, and other unique rock formations, all surrounded by over 15,000 pine trees that are more than 100 years old. A metal bridge connects Daewangam to the mainland, offering visitors a chance to walk above the sea and enjoy the breathtaking views of the East Sea. Visitors can also explore other notable rock formations such as Yonggul (Dragon Cave), Tanggeonam, and Cheonyeobong, making it a popular spot for tourists.
Daewangam Park seamlessly blends natural scenery with mystical legends, making it one of Ulsan’s top tourist attractions.
Oegosan Onggi Village
Oegosan Onggi Village, located in Ulsan's Ulju County, is Korea's largest traditional pottery village with over 400 years of history. The village is like a living museum, where you can watch master potters craft traditional onggi (earthenware) using ancient techniques. Visitors can also try their hand at making their own onggi, providing a hands-on experience of Korea's rich cultural heritage. The village features various artistic pottery displays, a pottery museum, and scenic walking paths, making it an ideal destination for those interested in traditional Korean culture and craftsmanship.
Ending Point
Busan
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Air-conditioned vehicle (Hyundai Starex 11-seater minivan(1 -7 Guests) / Hyundai County 22-seater minibus(8-15 Guests)
- Parking Fees
- Toll Fees
- Pick up and Drop off
- A professionally qualified tour guide
- Fuel surcharge
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Admission
*Amethyst Cavern Park admission + boat experience: $10 USD per person.
*Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural Village admission: $2 USD per person
* This tour involves approximately 10,000 steps of walking, so please wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back or knee problems.
* This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
No tours on Mondays due to many attractions being closed.
I am the managing director and a guide at one of Busan's leading tour operators. Our company prides itself on a team of exceptional guides, all of whom hold national certifications as licensed tour guides. This expertise allows us to offer an in-depth exploration of Korea's rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
Our unwavering commitment to quality has established us as a frontrunner in Busan's tourism industry, providing top-tier private tours. This dedication was recognized when our tours were honored with the 2024 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award on a major travel site—an achievement that speaks to the passion and excellence we bring to every experience.
We go beyond ordinary sightseeing, striving to create deep and lasting memories for our clients. I invite you to join us in exploring Busan's hidden gems and crafting unforgettable moments together. Would that spark your interest?
Alberto R.
“The drive to it really whorts it”
The drive takes about 75 minutes from Busan. Once you get to the first, visiting is when we realize why we booked. Our guide was the best. We shared many stories, and late in the day, she took us to a traditional Korean local restaurant where we had a feast. That place is a must-visit.
Dylan K.
Thank you very much, Alberto, for your kind words. We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour with our guide Kim and had such a wonderful experience, especially with the local feast. We hope to welcome you back to Korea again for more special memories.
Jack H.
“We spent a great day in Busan with Jake.”
We found Jake to be a very knowledgeable and friendly guide who gave us an in depth look into Budaism and the history and highlights of Busan and Korea. We will be recommending him to our friends when they are looking for a guide.
Dylan K.
Thank you so much, Jack, for your thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great day in Busan with our guide Jake and enjoyed learning more about Buddhism and the history of Korea. Your recommendation truly means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you or your friends on future visits.
Deborah B.
“Fabulous Private Tour of Busan”
We came into Busan via the Diamond Princess today and had a wonderful private tour. Dylan was very responsive before our tour, and customized our 8-hour tour to meet our needs. Our guide, Jino, was early to meet us at the cruise terminal and we were quickly off to explore. The van was very comfortable, roomy and cool, and we learned so much about Busan during our ride to the first stop. Our guide was a safe, efficient driver and a personable, bright and engaging person. Jino was very sensitive to our ship’s schedule and we were safely back to the cruise terminal well in advance of the all aboard. Highly recommend this tour and guide.
Dylan K.
Dear Deborah, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a kind review. I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your day in Busan with Jino. He will be very glad to know that his effort and warm personality made your experience special. It was my pleasure to arrange the tour for you, and I’m grateful that everything went smoothly with your schedule and return to the ship. I hope the memories you made in Busan will stay with you for a long time, and I would be delighted to welcome you back to Korea again in the future. Wishing you safe travels and many more wonderful journeys ahead. Warm regards, Dylan
$480/ per group