Ulsan, Industrial metropolis in southeastern South Korea.
Ulsan lies along Ulsan Bay at the eastern end of the Taebaek Mountains and hosts the world's largest automobile assembly plant and shipyard. The city extends along the coast and further inland, where industrial zones and residential areas meet.
The small fishing harbor transformed into an industrial center after 1962, when the government designated it as a Special Industrial District. The arrival of major corporations in shipbuilding and automobile production changed the city completely within a few decades.
Along the coast, thousands gather at Cape Ganjeolgot on New Year's Day to watch the sunrise together and welcome the coming year. This tradition shows how important the eastward view and morning light are to the local community.
The public bus system covers all neighborhoods and outer districts, and the airport offers domestic connections. The city also connects to the KTX high-speed rail network through its main station, reaching other major cities.
More than half of the hydrogen produced in South Korea comes from here, and the city leads in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. This concentration makes it an important testing ground for new mobility technologies.
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