Exploring Ulsan's Taehwa Market and Skywalk
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
Hello, I am Byun Jin-seok, a reporter for the Ulsan Nuri Blog, bringing you local news from all around Ulsan.
With Chuseok approaching, I visited Taehwa Market in Taehwa-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan, along with the Taehwa Skywalk located right across from it. This course offers the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional market along with a riverside view, making it a perfect destination for a holiday outing.
What does Taehwa Market look like?
Taehwa Comprehensive Market was originally formed by farmers and fishermen from the surrounding areas of Unyang, Uljin, and Gyeongju, who sold their goods at what used to be the old intercity bus terminal.
After the terminal moved in 1994, the commercial landscape changed. However, the 5-day market, which started in the late 1980s, became more active and shaped the market into what it is today.
Normally, the market operates primarily with commercial buildings and stores, but on the 5th and 10th of each month, it transforms into one of the largest 5-day markets in Ulsan, featuring over 200 stalls and bustling crowds.
Recently, a new arcade was installed, allowing visitors to shop comfortably regardless of the weather.
The market was particularly crowded when I visited, as it was just before Chuseok. There were boxes of luscious apples and pears, a butcher section preparing ribs and meats for the holiday, fresh vegetables, and fish like croaker and octopus for festive dishes.
The entire market was bustling with activity, with elderly shoppers pushing carts and young families selecting holiday gifts, creating a lively atmosphere.
What makes traditional markets special is the human connection. Unlike large supermarkets, vendors in traditional markets are always willing to help without showing any annoyance, often adding a little extra to your purchase, which warms the heart even if it lightens the wallet.
Just browsing through the various items on display made time fly. The aroma of pancakes and fried foods from the street vendors kept drawing me in.
After shopping, I crossed over to the Taehwa Skywalk, located right across from the market. This experiential observation facility, built next to the historical Taehwa Pavilion, opened in December 2025.
Originally, Taehwa River National Garden attracted over 1,000 visitors daily, but the adjacent Taehwa Pavilion had fewer attractions. To address this, the Skywalk was created to connect the national garden, the pavilion, and the market, at a cost of approximately 7.3 billion KRW.
The Skywalk, measuring 20 meters wide and 35 meters long, is designed in the shape of a whale and sits about 15 meters above the river, offering a stunning view of the Taehwa River below.
Access to the Skywalk is completely free, and the two-seater electric swing and net experience facilities are also available at no charge, though reservations are recommended due to their popularity.
It’s closed on Tuesdays and January 1st, as well as on the days of the Lunar New Year and Chuseok, so it’s best to check before visiting.
Standing on the Skywalk, I understood why over 95,000 visitors came within just 100 days of its opening. The flowing Taehwa River beneath and the vibrant greenery of the national garden combined with the cityscape created an incredible sense of openness.
Just standing there, feeling the river breeze, helped relieve the stress and fatigue from holiday preparations. Especially at sunset, the scenic lighting and media facade made it a perfect spot for night views.
This combination of experiencing the warmth of a traditional market and enjoying the open river view made it an ideal outing before the holiday. I highly recommend visiting both Taehwa Market and the Taehwa Skywalk for those looking to shop and unwind.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224403554730
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