We just returned from 3.5 weeks in South Korea that blended quiet family time, rich culture, and little bursts of adventure. Our home base was Ulsan, a city that doesn’t always make the tourist shortlists—but maybe it should. With its riverfront paths, leafy parks, and perfect positioning between Busan and Gyeongju, it gave us the reset we didn’t know we needed.

Landing in Seoul: A Gentle Arrival

We touched down in Seoul feeling that mix of jet lag and excitement that comes with long-haul travel. Though we didn’t stay long, there’s something about arriving in the capital that always sets the tone. We grabbed a warm meal, took in the late-night hum of the city, and made our way south, trading the high-rise chaos for the slower rhythm of the coast.

Staying by the Taehwa River: Calm at the Center

In Ulsan, we stayed near the Taehwa River, which quickly became the backdrop to our days. The riverwalk—lined with trees, public art, and bike paths—was our daily anchor. Morning strolls, sunset scooter rides, and even lazy afternoons watching locals fish or picnic helped us slow down in the best way. It’s rare to stay in a city where nature feels this woven in.

Our spot gave us easy access to local markets, family-owned restaurants, and those neighborhood bakeries you accidentally fall in love with.

Mini Adventures from Ulsan

Busan: Ocean Breeze & City Buzz

Only an hour away, Busan delivered on every expectation. We spent the day exploring Gamcheon Culture Village, taking the scenic coastal route, and stuffing ourselves with fresh seafood. The subway made getting around a breeze, and the kids were wide-eyed at every new street corner—especially when we reached Haeundae Beach.

A trip to Busan always feels like plugging into something electric.

Gyeongju: Timeless and Tranquil

On another day, we drove to Gyeongju, often called Korea’s “museum without walls.” The grassy tombs at Daereungwon, the old-world calm of Bulguksa Temple, and even the quiet café we stumbled into near the palace ruins—it all felt suspended in time. It was one of the more reflective days of the trip, with plenty of spots to sit, look around, and just breathe in the history.

Local Life in Ulsan: Small Moments That Stick

Back in Ulsan, life settled into a rhythm. We cooked simple meals with fresh ingredients from the market, got to know our local convenience store clerk, and even found a nearby spot for espresso and people-watching.

Highlights included:

Wandering the trails of Ulsan Grand Park

Visiting Seuldo Island for wildflowers and sea views

Discovering hidden cafés tucked into alleys near Seongnam-dong

It wasn’t about checking off sites—it was about presence. Family dinners. Laundry drying in the hallway. Kids yelling “Annyeong!” to passing neighbors. Little, good things.

Wrapping Up: What We’re Taking With Us

This wasn’t a whirlwind trip—it was a slow burn, the kind that lingers. Ulsan gave us space to reconnect, both with our surroundings and each other. And those day trips reminded us how layered and diverse Korea really is—from the modern pulse of Seoul and Busan to the soft-spoken wisdom of Gyeongju.

We’re heading home with full hearts, a few new words in our Korean vocabulary, and more than a few GBs of photos and videos. But more than that, we’re carrying a sense of ease we didn’t arrive with.

Have questions about Ulsan or family travel in Korea? Drop them in the comments below or follow along on Instagram @RoamingWeGo.

Would you like me to help turn this into a downloadable PDF or add a digestible trip summary (with accommodations, eats, and excursions) at the end?