The Distant Barriers Fall... Uljin Becomes the "Closest Season"

Uljin in Winter: Evolving into a Year-Round Stay-Type Tourist City
Donghae Line and Expressway Perfect Accessibility... Gourmet Cuisine and Hot Springs

Located at the northernmost tip of North Gyeongsang Province and embracing the blue waves of the East Sea, Uljin has long been known as a place that is difficult to visit. Now, it is welcoming its "closest season" yet.

As the winter sea reaches its peak flavor, Uljin is currently in a season that captivates travelers.

What once required a long and arduous journey can now be reached easily by train or expressway. The opening of the Donghae Line railway and the Pohang-Yeongdeok Expressway has dramatically shortened the distance to Uljin, making it an increasingly popular winter healing destination.

In winter, hot springs and the sea await, and with gourmet trips featuring snow crab and gomchiguk (spotted cod soup) to stimulate the winter appetite, there has never been a better season to visit Uljin.

▲Donghae Line Railway + Expressway: Rediscovering Uljin

On January 1, 2025, the first train arrived at Uljin Station. Although this is a much-delayed start in the 125-year history of Korean railways, it is all the more meaningful. With the opening of the Donghae Line, Uljin now boasts a metropolitan railway network directly connecting it to Gangneung, Daegu, and Busan, and preparations are underway to introduce KTX service by the end of December.

That's not all. The opening of the Pohang-Yeongdeok Expressway has significantly reduced travel time to Uljin. The completion of the realignment project for National Road No. 88 (Pyeonghae-Yeongyang) and other infrastructure improvements have created a dense network connecting east-west and north-south routes.

Today, Uljin is no longer a "distant and inconvenient place." With a comprehensive transportation infrastructure-including railways, expressways, completely free rural bus services, and subsidized tourist taxi fares-Uljin has established itself as a destination that anyone can visit easily and affordably.

▲Winter Trekking, Warming Up at Hot Springs

Deokgu Hot Springs. Provided by Uljin County

The signature winter scenery of Uljin is undoubtedly its forests and valleys. Bulyeong Valley, often called the "Grand Canyon of Korea," the lush Geumgang Pine Forest Trail, and the Botdoranggil Trail, which preserves the purity of nature, are all healing destinations simply to walk through.

It’s not uncommon to see social media posts claiming, "Uljin has the best winter atmosphere."

And after a walk, Uljin becomes even more special. Deokgu Hot Springs, a natural spring, and Baegam Hot Springs, famous for their water quality, attract countless travelers with their warmth that penetrates deep into the body. Especially enchanting is the experience of soaking in an outdoor hot spring bath while snow falls in the mountains-a reason for the trip in itself.

▲Winter Sea Delicacies: Snow Crab and Gomchiguk

Uljin Snow Crab.

No matter how much transportation has improved, the decisive reason travelers visit Uljin is the power of its winter cuisine.

From December to March, Uljin snow crab and gomchiguk are in season. Plump snow crab, spicy gomchiguk, and hearty, flavorful gaegukji (crab stew) are all at their best. The seafood markets at Hupo Port and Jukbyeon Port are bustling with people seeking fresh seafood.

In particular, the snow crab gourmet street at Hupo Port and the seafood restaurants near Jukbyeon Port are key highlights that complete the "Uljin-style gourmet journey."

With improved transportation, demand for train trips to "eat snow crab and see the sea" has surged.

▲Uljin County Evolving into a Year-Round Stay-Type Tourist Destination

Uljin Wangpicheon Cable Car.

With the opening of the railway and expressway, Uljin County is accelerating its transformation into a year-round stay-type tourist destination.

Policies include the Uljin Tourist Taxi, which offers a 60% fare subsidy for 8 hours of use per day, free rides on all rural bus routes, the Wangpicheon Cable Car with a 50% fare refund in local currency, seasonal themed tourism products in partnership with Korail, support for hot spring and marine leisure activities, and sunrise yacht tours-all aimed at enhancing the value of rail travel in various ways.

In addition, Uljin is continuously expanding region-specific tourism content, such as railway-linked events and ecological and healing experiences.

▲Uljin, Once Distant, Now the Closest and Most Delicious Season

Uljin is no longer a "faraway place." The railway has made Uljin accessible to everyone, and the expressway has expanded travel routes.

With the addition of natural beauty, hot springs, gourmet food, and hands-on experiences, Uljin is being reborn as the "complete travel destination."

Experience the flavors of the winter sea and end the day in a warm hot spring. With just one train ride or a drive on the expressway, you can reach Uljin-now at the peak of its season.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.