Ulsan Tourism Declines Amid Criticism of Facility-Focused Policy

While domestic tourist numbers rose nationwide in South Korea last year, Ulsan stands as the sole exception, experiencing a 2% decrease in visitors during the first five months of the year compared to the same period in 2023. This decline has drawn criticism from local civic groups, who point to the city's "facility-centric tourism policy" as the primary cause.

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This is a result that shows the limitations of the facility-centric tourism policy of the 8th popularly elected administration.

The Ulsan Citizens' Solidarity issued a statement highlighting the limitations of the current administration's tourism strategy. They noted that despite a significant increase in the cultural and tourism budget – rising by 47.8% compared to the city's overall budget increase of 22.6% – the outcome has been a unique drop in tourism. The group specifically cited the 7.3 billion won Taehwaru Skywalk and the 2 billion won Ulsan Bridge World Food Culture Center as examples of projects facing criticism for environmental disruption and questionable economic viability.

Further concerns were raised regarding the planned hydrogen tram project connecting Taehwagang Station to Jangsaengpo, which Mayor Kim Sang-wook has indicated a willingness to re-evaluate. The civic group criticized the project for not extending to the whale-themed tourist area and requiring a transfer to a shuttle bus, despite proceeding without thorough research or feasibility studies. They argued that tourism thrives not just on building more facilities, but on a holistic approach, cautioning against projects that become "money pits."

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Tourism is not an industry that thrives simply by building many facilities.

Preparations for the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo are also under scrutiny. The Ulsan Citizens' Solidarity expressed grave concern over the lack of key personnel, such as an organizing committee secretary-general and general director, and the absence of an advisory committee. They feel that the essential operational framework and substance for the event's success are being neglected. In response to these concerns, a public forum is scheduled to discuss the direction of the Garden Expo, reflecting a growing demand for transparency and re-evaluation of Ulsan's tourism strategies.

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We need to re-evaluate the overall tourism policy and transparently disclose and review the feasibility and economic viability of large-scale tourism projects.