Exploring Ulsan's Migratory Bird Tour Bus
When you think of Ulsan, the image of an industrial city comes to mind, but surprisingly, there are many travel experiences where you can connect with nature and ecology.
One of the programs gaining attention recently is the Ulsan Migratory Bird Tour Bus.
This is not just a bus tour of tourist spots; it's a unique program where you travel to various migratory bird habitats and ecological spaces in Ulsan with birdwatching experts.
Especially since the participation fee is free and they even provide binoculars, beginners who are not familiar with birds can join without any burden.
I also participated in the Thursday course, exploring the birdwatching path in Ulsan Grand Park. Although the weather was disappointing, it turned out to be a much more healing experience than I expected.
What is the Ulsan Migratory Bird Tour Bus?
The Ulsan Migratory Bird Tour Bus is a free ecotourism program that explores migratory bird habitats and ecological spaces throughout Ulsan, centered around the Taehwa River.
The areas around the Taehwa River, Dongcheon, Hoeya River, and Ulsan Bay are designated as international migratory bird routes, highlighting their ecological value. This program is operated to promote birdwatching tourism based on this natural environment.
Currently, the Ulsan Migratory Bird Tour Bus operates from Wednesday to Sunday.
✔ Operating Days: Wednesday - Sunday
✔ Operating Hours: 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM / 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
✔ Departure Location: Taehwa River National Garden Parking Lot 1
✔ Participation Fee: Free
✔ Capacity: 12 people per session
✔ Age Requirement: 5 years and older
Even though it's a free program, the content is quite rich, so there tends to be competition for reservations. If you wish to participate, advance booking is essential as spots fill up quickly.
The Ulsan Migratory Bird Tour Bus changes its course according to the seasons. While the winter course focuses on migratory birds, from April to July, it shifts to an ecology-centered route.
Be sure to check the courses by day and choose the one you prefer.
My experience on the Thursday course involved searching for birds primarily in Ulsan Grand Park.
Initially, the plan was to enter through the East Gate of Ulsan Grand Park and move to the museum, but the weather was not favorable on the day I visited. Therefore, the schedule was adjusted to enter through the main gate and focus on birdwatching along the Metasequoia path.
The atmosphere was calm and serene, thanks to the unique ambiance of the rainy forest path.
As soon as we entered through the main gate, we spotted a White-cheeked Pintail!
Although originally known as a migratory bird, it has become more resident, making it relatively easy to encounter in Ulsan. Thus, it can be seen regardless of the season.
We also saw a Water Rail, which is closer to a winter migratory bird. It was fascinating to observe it during a time when the weather had not fully warmed up yet.
We even spotted a heron.
Birdwatching turned out to be more challenging than I expected. Birds are often small and hidden high in the trees, making them difficult to spot.
However, even when they were not easily visible, the sounds of birds in the forest were delightful. It was a healing experience just to walk and listen to the sounds of nature, which are hard to hear in the city.
Particularly, the guide explained the types of birds based on their sounds, which added a completely different level of enjoyment compared to a simple walk.
Overall, my participation in the Ulsan Migratory Bird Tour Bus was a highly satisfying program. While finding birds was not easy, the sounds of nature and the beautiful scenery alone provided ample healing.
It's impressive that the courses change with the seasons, allowing participants to experience different charms of the same program at various times of the year.
If you're planning a trip to Ulsan and want a unique experience, I recommend the Ulsan Migratory Bird Tour Bus.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224290141614
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