Ulsan, South Korea ๐ฐ๐ท
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| ๐๏ธ City | Ulsan is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of South Korea, known for its industrial capacity, particularly in shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing. |
| ๐ฅ Population | Approximately 1.2 million residents. |
| ๐ป Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with fiber optic connections widely available. |
| ๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 KRW โ 0.00074 USD. Banks include Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, and Hana Bank. |
| ๐ฐ Tap Water | Drinkable and considered safe. |
| ๐ Power | 220V, 60Hz, ๐ Type C/F sockets. |
| ๐ถ SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus. SIM cards are available at the airport and convenience stores. |
| ๐ณ Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely. Services like TransferWise and Revolut are also usable. |
| ๐ Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Prices average around 400,000 KRW for a one-bedroom apartment. |
| ๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| ๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular choices for short stays. |
| ๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostels in the city center, such as Ulsan Guesthouse, with prices from 20,000 KRW per night. |
Working and Networking
| ๐ข Best Coworking Space | WeWork Ulsan is a popular coworking space offering flexible packages and networking opportunities. |
| โ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Dabang offers free Wi-Fi and a quiet environment conducive for work. |
| ๐ผ Networking Events | Events are often hosted at local cafes; check out 'Ulsan Foreigners Club' on Facebook for updates. |
| ๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups arranged by Ulsan International Center; check the events board for details. |
Transportation
| ๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | KakaoTaxi is the most commonly used ride-hailing app in Ulsan. |
| ๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle sharing services like 'Ulsan Bike' are available for rent throughout the city. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Jinha Beach, around 30 minutes from the city center, is a great spot for relaxation. |
| โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Korea Air operates regional flights from Ulsan Airport. |
| โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Asiana Airlines has several international routes from Ulsan to major Asian cities. |
| ๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Access to the Gyeongbu Expressway, connecting Ulsan to Seoul and Busan. |
| ๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Ulsan Station serves as the primary hub for KTX and local trains. |
| ๐ Public Transport Passes | T-money cards are widely used for buses and subways, easily rechargeable. |
| โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Easy bus and train connections to nearby cities, including Busan and Gyeongju. |
Health and Wellness
| ๐ฅ Best Hospital | Ulsan University Hospital is the leading hospital for healthcare services. |
| ๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Body & Soul Yoga Studio offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| ๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Anytime Fitness and 'The Gym' are available across the city. |
| ๐งบ Laundry Services | Laundry Day offers affordable and convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| ๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok is widely used for food delivery services across the city. |
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Sikhae (fermented fish), a local specialty that reflects Ulsan's maritime culture. |
| ๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-based restaurants like 'Green Tea' offer diverse vegan menus. |
| ๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Cafรฉ Jihwaja serves delicious traditional Korean desserts. |
| ๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Hyundai Department Store and local markets such as Ulsan Jungang Market. |
| ๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Coupang, Gmarket, and 11st are popular online shopping platforms. |
| ๐ Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer online delivery services through apps like Emart24. |
| ๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Dong-gu area is known for its nightlife and bar scene. |
| ๐ป Local Brewery | Ulsan Craft Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| ๐ท Wine Bars | ์ธ์์ ํ ํ์ด์ง (A Page of Life) offers a great selection of wines. |
| ๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Check out the street vendors at Ulsan Dae Cheong Market for local delicacies. |
| ๐ Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurants like La Tavola offer a taste of Italy in South Korea. |
Culture and Attractions
| ๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | Daewangam Park offers scenic views and trails along the coastal area. |
| ๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Ulsan Museum showcases the city's history and culture. |
| ๐ฐ Historical Sites | The Ulsan Petroglyphs are UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth visiting. |
| ๐ Religious Sites | Seonggaksan Temple offers insight into the historical Buddhist practices. |
| ๐ Annual Events | The Ulsan Whale Festival is held annually in April, celebrating the region's maritime heritage. |
| ๐จ Cultural Districts | The Ulsan Modern Literature Museum showcases local literary history. |
| ๐ญ Theater Venues | Ulsan Culture and Arts Center hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| ๐๏ธ Local Markets | Ulsan Jungang Market is famous for its fresh seafood and local produce. |
| ๐ผ Music Scene | The Ulsan International Film Festival features local and international films annually. |
| ๐จ Street Art | Explore street murals in the Nam-gu area. |
| ๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Korean Cooking Class Ulsan offers classes for learning traditional Korean dishes. |
| ๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Ulsan Art Museum features both modern and traditional exhibitions. |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | The Old Ulsan Station is a preserved historical landmark. |
| ๐ด Local Heritage | Ulsan is renowned for its shipbuilding industry, with historical roots dating back to the 19th century. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| ๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Ganjeolgot Cape offers beautiful coastal views and hiking experiences. |
| ๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Seoraksan National Park is a few hours away, featuring stunning mountain landscapes. |
| ๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ulsan waterfront offers beautiful walking and cycling paths. |
| ๐ Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Jinha Beach provides stunning sunrises. |
| ๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands of Ulsan are known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| ๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Jinha Beach allow bonfires, perfect for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| ๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | Korea Post provides efficient parcel delivery services throughout the city. |
| ๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | FnA Electronics offers repairs for various gadgets and devices. |
| ๐ Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities open to the public. |
| ๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Many private language schools offer English and Korean language classes. |
| ๐ Libraries & Study Spots | The Ulsan Library offers study spaces and resources. |
| ๐๏ธ Community Centers | Ulsan International Center facilitates community programs for expatriates. |
| ๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | PC Bangs (internet cafes) are prevalent and accessible for gaming. |
| ๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is located in Busan, about 1 hour by bus. |
Business
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000,000 KRW per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = 80,000,000 KRW) |
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500,000 KRW per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = 60,000,000 KRW) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500,000 KRW per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = 150,000,000 KRW) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,000,000 KRW per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = 120,000,000 KRW) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,800,000 KRW per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = 224,000,000 KRW) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,300,000 KRW per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = 184,000,000 KRW) |
| ๐ผ Corporate Tax | 10% standard corporate tax rate. |
| ๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax applies to dividends. |
| ๐ฆ Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| ๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest bracket reaches up to 42%. |
| ๐งพ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| ๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules on taxation of foreign-owned companies. |
| ๐ Property Tax | Based on the assessed property value. |
| ๐ Property Transaction Tax | Around 4.6% for property transactions. |