Taewha River ParkBy Martin Rehder |
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A view of the Taewha river park from the new observatory and adjacent hilltops.
In the past few years, the city of Ulsan has made tremendous strides in upgrading its public parks. While many know of Ulsan Grand Park near OkDong, Taewha River park is a quickly becoming a rival, although for far different reasons. The ecological value of the river, floar and fauna is a nature lover's dream.
In the two panoramic images above, the river curls around the "Shibridaedat" or bamboo forest. Among the trees numerous birds make their nests. Along the river, hundreds of egrets gather nesting materials and food. Alongside the bamboo forest, new paths have made it possible to enjoy long bikes rides, walks or runs unimpeded by traffic. On the early spring day when these photos were taken, the flowers had yet to emerge and the grass was still mostly brown tufts. People, however, thronged the walk. Young people, old people, couples, kids, bikes, runners - this has become as popular a place as Ulsan Grand Park. Imagine the crowds that will fill the walkways when flower season arrives.
 The newly opened observatory on the south side of the Taewha River. To get there, take Road 24 from the Taewha Rotary west. To get to the north side of the river and bamboo forest, either park on the south side near the pedestrian bridge or travel up road 24 to the Samgagyo bridges leading from Mugeodong to Daundong. |
 A view of the new pedestrian bridge. The new bridge is a welcome addition for anyone who previously wanted to cross from bamboo forest to the rotary side of the river. |
This makes a perfect picnic spot on a sunny day. |
 The same small pagoda is visible atop the hill in the background, framed by the pedestrian bridge |
 It almost seems as if they ran out of money and left the second arch undone. |
 There's no shortage of pedestrians on the bridge, even in brisk, windy weather. |
 Getting up on the hills overlooking the river is not completely easy. Although trails abound in the area, many originate on the south side near Okdong. To reach the small pagoda for a picnic, the shortest route is not always the easist. Start near the Taewha Rotary where road 24 becomes two divided levels. Walk past the slums on the left to where the small machine shops nestle against the base of the hills, take the path between them up the hill. |
 Just past the machine shops, take the rope hanging on the left and climb up. The path is not as steep after getting past this short obstacle. If you're in decent shape its only 10 minutes of stair-step climbing to reach the pagoda. |
I liked the blending of new and old style architectures, although this small temple-like pagoda structure is also a new addition to the park. Coming soon. Part II of the Taewha River Park - the lily pad gardens.