Autumn Escape in Ulsan's Nature
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
The morning and evening winds have turned noticeably cooler.
The scorching season that seemed endless has retreated, and the essence of autumn has quietly settled on the roads.
Even without traveling far, I’d like to introduce you to a place nearby where you can pause and feel the season!
This time, I am presenting the autumn scenery hidden in Du-wang-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan.
It features the Jisan Reservoir, the long Metasequoia Road, and the healing path Forest Clay Path in Galhyeon Village.
As you head towards Ulsan Grand Park along the Southern Circular Road, you will turn towards the Techno Industrial Complex.
On the left side of the photo is the entrance to the Forest Clay Path in Galhyeon Village, while the entrance to the Jisan Reservoir is on the right.
Despite being so close to the city, a surprisingly serene landscape unfolds before your eyes.
The walking paths are all conveniently located nearby.
I walked in the order of Jisan Reservoir → Du-wang Metasequoia Road → Galhyeon Village Forest Clay Path (Healing Path).
Du-wang Metasequoia Road
✅️ Location: 327, Shindu-wang-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan
✅️ Opening Hours: Open year-round
✅️ Free parking / No admission fee
The Du-wang Metasequoia Road stretches from Galhyeon Village to Migol Park, offering a healing walking trail where you can fully experience nature close to the city.
According to some sources, Metasequoia is nicknamed the 'living fossil tree from the dinosaur era,' which reflects its grandeur.
This tree, once thought to exist only as fossils, was discovered alive in China in the 1940s, earning it the title of 'living fossil.'
The Du-wang Metasequoia Road was completed in 2022, featuring 179 trees lined along its 1.8 km stretch.
As you gaze up at the towering Metasequoia trees, your complicated thoughts seem to clear in an instant.
This place attracts not only those who enjoy walking but also many who come for a refreshing drive along the Metasequoia Road.
Walking between the long rows of Metasequoia trees, listening to the rustling leaves, you might feel as if you've stepped into a fairy tale forest.
Surrounding the Metasequoia Road, you can stroll to the Jisan Reservoir and the recently established Forest Clay Path in Galhyeon Village, allowing for a leisurely break.
After a slow walk along the Metasequoia Road, I returned to the parking area and took a look around the Jisan Reservoir.
Jisan Reservoir
✅️ Location: 673-1, Du-wang-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan
✅️ Opening Hours: Open year-round
✅️ Free parking / No admission fee
The old name for Jisan Reservoir was Naegok-ji.
Also known as Jisan So-ryuji, it was completed in 1945 to supply agricultural water to areas near Du-wang-dong.
Currently, most agricultural land has been absorbed by the Techno Industrial Complex, leading to a low usage rate of agricultural water. However, the creation of a waterfront space through a resident support project in 2019 has provided a relaxing area for local residents and visitors.
The quaint reservoir, embraced by deep green, is enough to enjoy simply by walking slowly.
Even a single tree standing by the reservoir exudes a certain charm, and the exercise equipment placed for visitors feels pleasantly simple.
The reservoir is modest in size.
A small bridge, known as Jisan Bridge, leads across the water to a resting pavilion.
Walking slowly across the stone-railed bridge to the pavilion, you can take a moment to rest or snap a photo with the reservoir as your backdrop.
The stone bridge leading to the pavilion features Ulsan Nam-gu's mascot, 'Jangsaeng-i,' welcoming visitors.
After enjoying the calm waters of the Jisan Reservoir, I moved on to the Forest Clay Path in Galhyeon Village.
Forest Clay Path
✅️ Location: 673-1, Du-wang-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan
✅️ Opening Hours: Open year-round
✅️ Free parking / No admission fee
The Forest Clay Path was completed on November 20, 2025.
Personally, I have visited the Du-wang Metasequoia Road and Jisan Reservoir several times, but only recently discovered this new walking path right across from them.
The entrance to the Forest Clay Path in Galhyeon Village has a well-constructed parking area.
Since the clay path is meant for barefoot walking, there is a foot washing station available for users.
This station is equipped with an air gun and water gun for convenience.
The healing path project in Galhyeon Village was selected as part of a resident support project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2025.
The Forest Clay Path is a nature-friendly trail of approximately 420 meters where you can feel the earth closely.
As you walk slowly towards the midpoint, you will find a bench shaped like a leaf and a resting area.
Taking a moment to feel the texture of the clay is refreshing.
Though it’s a short course, walking barefoot awakens sensations you might not usually notice.
As you continue along the clay path, you can see a hill with a CCTV camera installed.
Climbing that hill means you're nearly at the end of the Forest Clay Path.
While the path is only 420 meters long, the slow stroll leaves a lasting impression.
This was a moment to experience 'earthing' in the tranquil green forest, which has become a trend for health and healing.
The end of the Forest Clay Path connects to the Southern Circular Road.
Since being designated as a development-restricted area in 1973, Du-wang-dong has lacked sufficient relaxation and leisure spaces for residents due to various regulations.
Now, a space for nature and rest has been created near the city, providing a refuge for both local residents and visitors.
Though the distance is short, my steps feel light as I return to the starting point.
The brief moment spent feeling the earth beneath my feet feels all too fleeting.
As autumn deepens, I’ve marked this path to revisit again.
While I wanted to take the feeling of clay home with me, I washed my feet clean at the foot washing station.
There were brooms neatly placed next to the shoe rack at the Forest Clay Path.
I noticed visitors cleaning the path after walking on it.
Seeing someone start, I couldn’t help but pick up a broom and sweep the clay path once.
Capturing the essence of autumn in the reservoir, walking beneath the Metasequoia trees, and experiencing the earth on the Forest Clay Path was a delightful day.
As autumn begins, stepping away from the busy city life for a moment can lead to a refreshing pause.
Before the cold winds arrive, why not fully enjoy this season?
Whether alone or with others, I hope you experience the comfort that nature offers along the Du-wang Metasequoia Road, Jisan Reservoir, and Forest Clay Path, which will be even more beautifully colored in autumn.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224424543492
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