Discovering Ulsan Bridge: A Culinary Journey Above the River
As the chilly spring weather retreats, blossoms shyly begin to bloom, marking the arrival of 'spring'.
With the thrilling start of spring, I would like to introduce a unique space in Ulsan that is as delightful as the news of spring flowers.
???? The first gourmet space on a bridge in the country!
In Ulsan, for the first time nationwide, a hot spot has opened where you can enjoy a cool beer while feeling the river breeze and tasting dishes from six different countries on a bridge during spring, summer, and autumn.
On March 10, a food culture space was inaugurated on the pedestrian-only Ulsan Bridge, offering a taste of global cuisine from six countries.
Ulsan Bridge
Managed by: Ulsan Namgu Office Construction Division
Opened in 1935, Ulsan Bridge was a crucial structure connecting the north and south of Ulsan, measuring 356 meters in length and 8.9 meters in width.
Since vehicle traffic was prohibited in 1994, it has remained a 'path for people' and is now used exclusively by pedestrians.
As time passed and the city evolved with wider and faster roads, this bridge has endured.
From my home in Dal-dong, Namgu, I walked for about 30 minutes to reach Ulsan Bridge.
At the entrance of Ulsan Bridge, a large Jangsaeng-i greets visitors with a wave as I enter through the 'NAMGU' entrance.
Let’s embark on a short culinary journey around the world.
World Food Culture Center
???? Operating Period and Hours
- Operating Period: March 10, 2026 - December 31, 2028
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
(Hours may vary by restaurant)
- Regular Closure: Every Monday
Building 1: Haewool Cafe (Desserts and Beverages)
Restaurants (6): Italy, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Uzbekistan
Throughout the bridge, intricately designed cushion art pieces beckon passersby with "Have a seat".
The World Food Culture Center consists of four buildings, each measuring 20 meters wide and 2.6 meters long.
Three of these buildings house restaurants from Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Italy, and Japan, along with shared dining spaces.
The remaining building contains an administrative office and the Ulsan city mascot 'Haewool Cafe', serving as a relaxation area for citizens.
As I enter from Namgu towards Junggu, the first place to welcome me is Haewool Cafe.
They offer a variety of drinks including Americano, iced tea, traditional tea, ADE, and smoothies, along with snacks like salt bread, ice cream, and croissant desserts.
Haewool Cafe is operated by the 'Junggu Senior Club' to create job opportunities for local seniors.
During my time at the cafe, the refreshing view of the Taehwa River and the breeze passing through the bridge made it a perfect space to relieve daily stress.
Continuing my journey along the bridge, the first restaurant I encountered was the Uzbekistan restaurant.
Two restaurants are connected within one building, facing each other.
Operating hours vary slightly by restaurant.
???? 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Closed every Monday) Uzbekistan
Connected to the Uzbekistan restaurant is the Mexico restaurant.
Many items on the menu were unfamiliar to me, but I was pleased to see 'Nachos' and 'Mojito' on the list.
As I moved to the middle of the Ulsan Bridge, I was drawn to a cute character!
The beloved character 'Jangsaeng-i Trio', representing Namgu, has created a charming photo zone.
It's hard to pass by without taking a picture.
Right next to the Jangsaeng-i photo zone are the Thai and Vietnam restaurants, which are connected in one space.
The second Vietnamese noodle shop opens at 11:30 AM and closes at 8:00 PM, closed every Monday.
The last restaurants heading towards Junggu are Japan and Italy.
The Japanese restaurant offers Asahi draft beer, which is likely to be popular as the weather warms up.
The interiors of the Japanese and Italian restaurants face the Taehwa Bridge, promising a stunning view at sunset.
The Italian restaurant was bustling with customers, likely due to the familiar menu item 'pizza'.
Restaurants from Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Vietnam are operated by locals from those countries.
The Uzbekistan restaurant is run by someone from the Ferghana region, which has a friendly exchange with Ulsan, while the Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants are managed by operators with experience in running restaurants in Ulsan.
Before I knew it, I had reached the end of the bridge.
This view from Ulsan Bridge towards Junggu features an eye-catching 'ULSAN' sculpture at the entrance.
Here, another friendly face awaits.
Jangsaeng-i smiles brightly, welcoming visitors crossing from Junggu to Namgu.
While walking through the area, I asked a restaurant operator about the most inconvenient aspect for visitors, and they mentioned 'restroom access'.
To use the restroom located near the public parking lot at the end of the bridge towards Junggu, one has to walk quite a distance.
After leisurely walking the length of the bridge, I settled down at an outdoor table at the Thai restaurant with a friend.
The dish we ordered was Thai fried rice, 'Khao Pad Goong'.
As this was my first experience with Thai cuisine, I was curious, but it turned out to be quite similar to Chinese fried rice.
With a satisfying portion and familiar taste, I was pleased.
On the day of the opening ceremony, I was given a dessert from the Thai restaurant.
This traditional Thai snack, Khao Tom Mat, has the fragrance of banana leaves and includes various items like Luk Chup and Thong Yot.
There are also shelves along the bridge railing for placing plates, which could make for a special experience.
The city of Ulsan explained that this space was created to help foreign residents ease their homesickness through familiar foods while allowing citizens to experience global cuisine.
As of January this year, there are 20,283 registered foreigners in Ulsan, making up 2.8% of the total population.
Ulsan City stated that a structural review confirmed that safety would not be an issue even with large crowds.
Ulsan Bridge at night
This space is not just a place to eat.
For some, it is a comforting space that evokes memories of home, while for others, it is a small travel destination filled with excitement as they encounter a new culture.
After visiting during the day, I was drawn back to the beautiful sunset view towards Taehwa Bridge and returned to Ulsan Bridge in the evening.
The soft lighting and the river breeze passing over the bridge did not disappoint.
???? Ulsan Bridge at Night
As time passes and the sun sets, lights begin to flicker on the bridge, revealing a different side of this space.
People sharing the flavors of the world, along with the breeze that sweeps over!
All these moments come together to enrich the city of Ulsan.
???? A Bridge that Connects Time and People!
Once a means of transportation, this bridge has been reborn as a space that connects people, culture, and hearts beyond mere transit.
Ulsan Bridge World Food Culture Center
There, we hope you encounter a broader Ulsan and create small, precious memories.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224226250312
No comments yet.
