Hyundai Arts Center
(052) 235-2100
Located just up from our branch of the Hyundai Department Store, the Arts Center features a movie theatre/concert hall, a bowling alley (ph 235-2413), and an art gallery with a variety of rotating exhibitions. There are also squash courts, an indoor climbing facility and an ice-skating rink (ph 230-6300) or you can relax at the Amadeus Coffee Shop, open 10.30am to 8.30pm. Opening hours for the center are from 9am to 7pm or later, depending on the finishing time of shows or concerts.

Hanmaum Hall
(052) 236-5111~3
Walk up from the Diamond Hotel and past the hospital to find this multi-use facility. Included are a movie theatre, a swimming pool, ping-pong tables, tennis and basketball courts and a health center. Tennis courts may be booked in person between 6am to 6pm and the center is open from 6am to 11pm. For less physical relaxation there’s a small library and reading room and 3 restaurants, one Western style, Dong Gu Rang, (ph 236-5115), one Korean (ph 236-5114), and one Chinese (ph 236-5116 or 233-2284).

Ilsan Beach and Ulgi Park
About a 10-minute drive up from the Foreigners Compound, heading towards Mipo Shipyard lies this lovely white sand beach. Just turn left at the traffic lights with the Crazy Submarine Restaurant on the left corner. Sights include a lighthouse and bridge, and endless sea views. There are also sideshows at the entrance to Ulgi Park. There are no entrance fees, but you may have to pay for parking. This very pretty park is also a popular fishing spot and is best visited during the week when it’s less crowded. The beach and park are open 9am to 5pm from November to February, and 9am to 6pm between March and October.

The Library
(052) 236-0467
Located up on the hill overlooking the Foreigners Compound, the library has a small selection of English books. If you are interested in volunteering as an English teacher, it may be worth a visit, as they provide free English classes, and may be looking for teachers.

The Dam
Walk up past the Diamond Hotel and past Hanmaum Center. Before crossing the road you’ll find a walking track around the dam. Continue up Yom Po Mountain to get a great view.

Dong Chuksa Temple
This historically important temple is located in the next little suburb, Nam Mok, which is about a 5-minute drive back towards Ulsan. To get there turn right at the traffic lights, just after the Kyungnam Bank and the ‘Beer Pub’ on the second floor of a building on the right-hand side, then turn left at the next traffic lights and follow the road until you reach the end. A 20 to 25 minute walk up the hill, which includes 324 steps (gasp!), will take you right to the temple. The temple complex is small but features a traditional drum, bell and gong and a great view. There’s also a little playground for children at the foot of the hill.

Chu Jon Fishing Village
Drive to Nam Mok, and take the first road to the right, and then follow the road to the left and then right, around the mountain until you come upon this charming coastal village. There are many seafood restaurants and plenty of places to walk, either by the sea or inland. It’s very pretty and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Hwang Tae Gol Dried Fish Restaurant
(052) 232-1142
This is about a 5-minute drive up the main road on the way to Mipo Shipyard, on the right-hand side near the Kyungnam Bank. The spicy fish is dried near Sorak Mountain in a special way. For those who can’t manage Korean, there’s a menu with pictures and prices.