Tourists to South Korea are most likely to visit Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, but there are so many cities in the country that are sorely overlooked. One of those is Ulsan, which is a hotspot for ecotourism (it’s got several beautiful ecological parks) and whale tourism from April to October. One of its main attractions is the Samho Migratory Bird Park, which needs to be on your to-visit list if you’re in the area this winter.
What makes Samho Migratory Bird Park special?
The Taehwagang River, which runs through the city of Ulsan, is home to Taehwagang National Garden, which is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Samho Migratory Bird Park is part of the National Garden and is unique for how its environment is ideal for migratory birds, with its mild climate, abundant food, and lack of predators. The Bird Park isn’t just a habitat but an educational and recreational site that offers activities to help visitors interact sustainably with nature. It’s also a local hub for habitat research and conservation, aiding in turning Ulsan into an ecotourism hotspot.
Where is it, and how do I get there?
The Samho Migratory Bird Park is in Taehwagang National Garden in Ulsan, South Korea, about two hours northeast from Busan by public transport. The exact address is 85-2 Samho-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan, South Korea – there are bus stops nearby and a parking lot as well, if you choose to drive.
When is the best time to visit?
The rook migration typically takes place from early October to early March, making this the best time to visit the park. You can visit the park 24 hours a day, but birdwatching is best done in the early morning and the murmurations usually take place at sunset.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what activities you take part in and whether you choose to stay in the guesthouse, but entry to the Taehwagang National Garden itself is completely free.
What can I do there?
The Migratory Bird Park is full of activities for visitors. One of its main activities is the ‘Sound Walking’ program in the Samho Bamboo Forest, which gives participants directional microphones and headsets to search for peace in nature while guided by ecological interpreters.
You can also visit the Migratory Bird Center, which is an experiential facility that teaches you about the ecology of the river and the movements of migratory birds. There’s an exhibition hall, a 5D theater and VR experience zone, an observatory, and even a bird cafe. You can also choose to stay at the Samho Migratory Bird Guesthouse nearby, which lets you watch murmurations from a rooftop observatory and conveniently enjoy early morning birdwatching.
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