The Haeundam Sangryu Ecological Site in Ulsan, a normally restricted area, is opening its gates for a limited period of one month to allow the public to witness the peak blooming season of its iconic wildflowers. This special access, often described as a “secret spot” by locals, offers a unique opportunity to experience a pristine natural environment.
Limited Access to a Prized Ecosystem
The Ulsan Waterworks Office’s Haeundae Purification Plant announced that the “Haeundam Sangryu Ecological Site Tour” event will run from May 21st to June 14th. The site, covering approximately 50,000 square meters of wildflower clusters and 123,000 square meters of reeds and mudflats, is renowned as a picturesque photography location.
Tours will commence from the area along Daebok-dongcheon-ro in Ungcheon-myeon, Ulju-gun. The walking course covers a round trip of about 3 kilometers and takes approximately three hours to complete. During the guided walk, participants will learn about the surrounding forests, the history of the old village, and the principles of water purification through the natural ecosystem. These insights are provided by ecological experts accompanying the tours.
A Year-Long Wait for a Glimpse of Nature
The Haeundam Dam watershed area first began offering limited public access in 2012, making it a pioneer in such conservation efforts nationwide. This rare ecological space, where wildflowers bloom for about a month each year, permits only 100 visitors per day. This strict limit is in place to prevent contamination of the watershed’s water sources.
Access is further restricted to one tour per day, with a maximum of 100 participants. The tours operate exclusively between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Despite these stringent conditions, more than 2,000 people visit each year, eager to experience the untouched beauty of the natural landscape.
Visitors to the Haeundam Sangryu Ecological Site in Ulju-gun walk along paths covered in wildflowers and aquatic plants.
Remarkable Natural Water Purification Capabilities
Ulsan City reports that the aquatic plants within the ecological site possess exceptional natural water purification abilities. Analyses conducted from 2017 to the previous year revealed that the site naturally removes approximately 46.6% of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 43.2% of total nitrogen, and 27.3% of total phosphorus.
Officials from the Haeundae Purification Plant noted that while this year’s wildflower bloom might be slightly affected by winter maintenance work, the natural purification function of the reeds is expected to be significantly enhanced.
How to Visit
Applications for participation can be submitted starting May 13th at 10:00 AM via the Ulsan Waterworks Office website. Interested individuals should navigate to the “Civil Service – Ecological Site Tour Application” menu. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The tour is open to anyone in the fourth grade or higher of elementary school. Residents from outside Ulsan are also welcome to apply. Participation in the tour is free of charge.
A Message to Visitors
A representative from the Haeundae Purification Plant stated, “The Haeundam Dam is a strictly regulated area where the protection of the water source is paramount. However, we have created this tour opportunity to foster trust in Ulsan’s tap water, ‘Gorae Water,’ and to share the value of our ecosystem with citizens more broadly.”
The representative also advised visitors to bring personal water bottles and beverages, as the walking tour takes place during the summer heat. They emphasized the importance of individual preparedness to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
