Table of Contents
- Meet the Mega Project that Will Change the Future of Ulsan Tourism, Whale's Cove
- What Will Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex Look Like?
- Beyond a Simple Tourist Destination, To a Stay-Type Complex Cultural Space
- The Massive Ripple Effect on the Local Economy
- Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex, Dreaming of Becoming the Hub of Southeast Tourism
- Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex Development Plan
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Meet the Mega Project that Will Change the Future of Ulsan Tourism, Whale's Cove
Ulsan Metropolitan City starts a large-scale project aimed at innovating the tourism environment of the eastern coastal area. The main feature is the newly established 'Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex' in Sinmyeong-dong, Ulsan Buk-gu.
This project aims not only to develop a simple tourist destination but also to respond to the government's 'Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Mega City' plan and the regional tourism development strategy for the southern area, aiming to develop Ulsan into a representative hub for stay-type tourism. It is expected that this will further invigorate Ulsan's tourism industry.
As the number of tourists increases, Ulsan is in a significantly lacking situation regarding tourism infrastructure compared to surrounding cities. This key project is gaining attention for its potential to resolve such issues and actively attract tourism demand, bringing new vitality to the local economy.
What Will Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex Look Like?
Overwhelming Scale and Diverse Facilities
The 'Whale’s Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex' is a large-scale project that will be developed on a vast area of approximately 1.5 million square meters (about 450,000 pyeong) with a total investment of 744.5 billion won. This project is scheduled to take place from 2023 to 2028. This site will be developed into a complex space where relaxation, leisure, culture, and shopping are all possible, beyond just lodging or viewing facilities.
A total of 398 rooms will be available, including a luxury hotel with 246 rooms and a private condo 'Forestruim' with 152 rooms. In addition, it will include an 18-hole public golf course with a beautiful coastal view, attracting many golf fans.
Moreover, there will be a variety of facilities such as the 'Alive Center,' themed around healing and wellness, 'Discovery Village' offering a unique shopping experience, and 'D-Valley' where mountain sports can be enjoyed. Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex is expected to become a site filled with complex attractions.
Beyond a Simple Tourist Destination, To a Stay-Type Complex Cultural Space
Realizing 'Stay Tourism'
Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex aims to be a space where visitors want to stay, not just a place to pass through. To achieve this, it offers a variety of lodging options including luxury hotels and condos where guests can enjoy a comfortable time in nature.
This site is designed for visitors to relax and enjoy all the facilities available within the complex, boasting the best locations to view the coastal scenery and the tourism complex. These lodging facilities will provide unforgettable experiences for the visitors.
Healing and Leisure for the Whole Family
This location is filled with various content that can be enjoyed by all generations. There will be an art-centered play area called 'Art Playground' for families with children, and a wellness facility named 'Alive Center' designed to enhance physical and mental health.
In particular, 'D-Valley,' where unique mountain sports such as climbing and Tarzan Valley can be enjoyed, is expected to attract great popularity among active travelers. Whale’s Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex perfectly reflects modern tourism trends and is establishing itself as a space that provides both relaxation and fun.
The Massive Ripple Effect on the Local Economy
Effects on Production and Employment
The development project of the 'Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex' is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy. According to the industrial correlation table analysis, the production-inducing effect of this project is estimated to reach approximately 1.171 trillion won, with a value-added effect expected to be around 480 billion won.
Moreover, the employment effects generated during the construction process are expected to reach about 5,034 jobs, which will serve as a significant boost to the depressed local construction economy. These positive changes are expected to greatly assist in the economic recovery of the Ulsan region.
Creation of Sustainable Jobs
Positive impacts are expected to continue even after the development is completed. Once the tourism complex is fully operational, a total of 675 stable jobs will be provided across the hotel, golf course, and various convenience facilities. This is significant as it provides quality employment opportunities in Ulsan City, which is struggling with the youth population outflow, creating an environment where local talents can stably settle down in their hometown.
Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex is expected to be the foundation of a sustainable economy that grows alongside the region, rather than just a simple tourist facility. Such development is anticipated to bring positive changes to the Ulsan economy and provide new opportunities for residents.
Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex, Dreaming of Becoming the Hub of Southeast Tourism
In conclusion, the 'Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex' is a project with significant potential to develop Ulsan's tourism industry and grow as an important tourism center in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Southeast Mega City.
This area, where beautiful nature meets cutting-edge facilities, will provide the best relaxation and enjoyment for visitors, while also creating economic growth and new opportunities for local residents.
After completion in 2028, the future of 'Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex' is highly anticipated as it is expected to become a symbol of the eastern coast of Korea beyond Ulsan.
Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex Development Plan
Chapter 2 Overview of the Project
2.1 Background and Purpose of the Project
a. Need for the establishment of a representative tourism complex in preparedness for the Yeongnam eastern coast and the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Mega City
The government intends to seek the core of local policies through superregional development via interregional cooperation as part of the 1st Comprehensive Plan for the Era of Local Governments (2023-2027).
Thus, the special union of Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam is pursuing plans for superregional development as the second city of the Seoul Capital Area with the goal of creating a Mega City in the Southeast region.
Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is promoting a regional tourism development plan for the southern area with the goal set for 2033. The area of Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam, which includes Ulsan City, has about 624 billion won allocated for the K-tourism and leisure belt project, hence establishing a tourism complex representative of Ulsan city is required to provide substantial solutions to regional growth and the issues of population extinction through interregional cooperation.
b. Need for aggressive tourism demand inflow based on the trends of increasing visitors to Ulsan City
In 2022, Ulsan City witnessed a tourist increase rate of approximately 38.6% compared to the previous year, showing a rapid recovery since COVID-19. In adjacent areas, Busan City saw an increase of 61.7%, Gyeongju City 26.7%, and Gyeongnam Province 21.31%, which is confirmed to be at a similar and average level.
The data shows that Buk-gu had only a 0.6% negligible increase while Ulju-gun, Dong-gu, and Nam-gu showed high growth rates averaging around 62.8% with 38.6%, 68.6%, and 81.6% respectively.
In contrast, regions like Gangdong in Ulsan and coastal local governments in Gyeongnam are currently undertaking various private investment projects along with an increase in tourism demand, necessitating the establishment of a reliable and commercially viable tourism base in Buk-gu and Gangdong.
c. Need for visible tourism ripple effects spread based on the successful attraction of new tourism complexes
According to data from the Tourism Data Lab, Ulsan Metropolitan City is significantly lacking in tourism and hospitality sectors compared to nearby metropolitan cities like Daegu and Busan.
Thus, the development of 'Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex' is actively aimed at enhancing regional tourism stays and promoting consumption to create visible ripple effects, demanding the macro employment creation and economic ripple effects.
2.3 Progress of the Project
* 2023. ~ : Project area examination and site acquisition, etc.
* 2023. 4. : Initiation of strategic environmental impact assessment services for designating Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex
* 2023. 10. : Request for tourism complex designation (Companion Co., Ltd. → Ulsan Metropolitan City Buk-gu)
* 2023. 11. : Application for tourism complex designation (Ulsan Metropolitan City Buk-gu → Ulsan Metropolitan City)
* 2023. 11. 1 ~ 11. 14 : Review by the consultation committee for strategic environmental impact assessment for designation of Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex
* 2023. 11. 23 ~ 12. 07 : Public disclosure of the decision details for strategic environmental impact assessment items for the designation of Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex (including assessment items and scope)
* 2023. 12. 21 ~ 2024. 01. 25 : Public notice for the draft of the strategic environmental impact assessment for designation of Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex and hosting of information sessions
* 2024. 1. 12 : Public information session (Ulsan Metropolitan City Buk-gu Gangdong Cultural Center)
* 2024. 1. : Signing of MOU for the development project of Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex
* 2024. 3. 26 : Public notice for hosting a public hearing for the draft of the strategic environmental impact assessment for designation of Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex
* 2024. 4. 11 : Public hearing held (Ulsan Metropolitan City Buk-gu Gangdong Cultural Center)
* 2024. 4. 12 ~ 04. 26 : Public disclosure of the results of resident participation and reflections for the draft of strategic environmental impact assessment for designation of Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex
* 2024. 10. 08 : Completion of consultation for the strategic environmental impact assessment for designation of Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex (Nakdong River Basin Environmental Agency - Environment Assessment Division - 6666)
* 2025. 5. 09 : Designation of Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex and announcement of topographic plans (Ulsan Metropolitan City Announcement No. 2025-83)
* 2025. 9. : Request for consultation on the strategic environmental impact assessment (draft) is anticipated
2.4 Content of the Project
a. Project Name: Whale's Cove Ulsan Tourism Complex Development Plan
b. Location: Ulsan Metropolitan City Buk-gu Sinmyeong-dong San 42-1
c. Project Implementer: Ulsan Marine Tourism Complex Co., Ltd.
d. Approval Agency: Ulsan Metropolitan City
e. Project Details
Project Duration: 2023 ~ 2028
Project Area: 1,506,816㎡
Project Cost: 744.5 billion won
Land Use Plan: Composed of public benefit facilities, lodging facilities, complex facilities, cultural and leisure facilities, sports and recreational facilities, and other facilities.
1) Land Use Plan
a) Public Benefit Facilities Zone
Placement of infrastructure including roads, parking lots, sewage treatment plants, and management facilities.
b) Lodging Facilities Zone
Placement of various lodging facilities that offer views of coastal scenery and tourist leisure and recreational facilities.
c) Complex Facilities Zone
Creation of wellness complex, outdoor-themed shopping areas, and a complex shopping mall.
d) Tourism, Leisure, and Recreation Facilities Zone
Leisure culture: Herb Terrace Garden, Art Playground, D-Valley, etc.
Sports and recreation: Public golf course (18 holes), golf course, landscaped green spaces, conservation green spaces, Discovery Center, climbing area, Tarzan Valley, etc.
e) Other Facilities Zone
Creation of an environmentally sustainable tourism complex including developed green space and conservation green space.
2) Facility Placement Plan
a) Major Facilities to be Introduced
