Ulsan has an extensive public bus network with plans in place to build Light Rapid Transit system in the future.
If staying in the city for any length of time then buying the transportation discount card makes economic sense. It will entitle the holder to a 50 Won discount on fares 200 Won discount on Chwaseok "seated" buses and a free transfer between bus services if made within the hour. Upon exiting the first bus be sure to place the card over the box with an X and O to initiate the free transfer.
The cards can be bought and refilled at the vendor shacks located next to any major bus stop in the city. Depending on design it should cost no more than 5,000won. This does not include any credit which must be paid for in addition. One great feature is that it can be used on other city transport networks across the country.
By Light Rapid Transit
A Light Rapid Transit LRT will be built in the city over the coming years similar to that found in some European cities. The first of the lines will run through Mugeodong, Munsu Stadium, Gonguptap, Samsandong to Ulsan Station then turning north to Hyomun Station. There have been demands from the residents of Buk-Gu for it to extend as far north at Hogye. There are designs to eventually connect the ship yards at Bangeojin to the network.
Construction work has yet to begin and is not to be completed before 2012. The project is to cost at least 1.4 billion dollars.
By taxi
Foreigners use taxis in the city frequently and almost always without problem. Theyâre relatively cheap to use especially if the cost is shared among others. Once the bus stops running at night they are the only way to get from place to place over long distances.
The minimum fare begins at 2,200won for the first two kilometres and increases by 100 won for every 144 metres thereafter. Taking a taxi between 12 midnight and 4 a.m. will mean an increase of 20% on the minimum fare. 2,460 being the new minimum, rising at 120 won thereafter.
After 4 a.m. passes the minimum fare immediately returns to 2,200. If your driver places it on the higher fare question this action or ask them to stop and get straight out. 4 a.m. and beyond means 2,200 won.
Be aware if the driver touches the meter at any point during the journey. There is only a need to touch it twice, once when the journey starts and once when it is over â that is unless your journey starts shortly before midnight and continues past in which case they may press a button to start increasing the fare by 20%.
Calling for a taxi should cost an extra 1,000 won but it is not often noticed on top of the total fare.
Speak clearly and slowly to the driver as many have problems understanding a foreigner speaking Korean, no matter how good your skills are.
Be also aware that if you should be involved as a passenger in a taxi in an accident with another vehicle, you may be held responsible for costs incurred - if the driver was not taking you to where you wanted to go - the accident would not have happened. It has happened in the past, and even the police have been called if there is concern that the cost of damages is so high that it could be considered the passenger may not be able to pay immediately!
By bus
Getting around the city by bus is a lengthy and time consuming process. The white express bus services alleviate this somewhat but are less frequent on the routes. The regular yellow city buses cost a flat 1,150 won 1,150 by cash, 1,100 by prepaid bus card regardless of your journeyâs destination. This makes long distance bus travel economical, but for short trips not so much.
Buses run until about 11:30PM in the evening after this they start again early in the morning. Perhaps around 5AM in some areas. The smaller blue buses only circuit the immediate local area many times a day. These cost 600won or more.
Step onto the bus at the front with exact change if possible. Drivers do give change but nothing more than a few hundred Won. To exit the bus press one of the red buttons for a stop and step off at the back.
By train
If youâre in some of the outlying areas and live close to a station then it becomes a viable form of transport into the city. For example, Hogye and Hyomun have stations in the north. To the south lie Deokha, Onyang and Seosaeng stations.
Tickets will be cheaper than a taxi but slightly more expensive than the bus. However youâll be into the centre within a few minutes making it well worth that extra couple of hundred won. Check your local station ticket office for arrival and departure times as schedules change depending on season of travel.
By Scooter
Scooters are also a viable alternative for foreigners. They’re cheap to buy, cheap to insure and cheap to tax.
A helmet must be worn at all times.
All riders will need a licence and the ease of obtaining it depends on your nationality. Some nationalities just have to file the paperwork while others have to pass a practical test.
Driving a scooter in Ulsan is dangerous and foreigners do get in accidents. Watch for other vehicles changing lanes without giving any indication beforehand. On the other hand having a scooter allows for much greater freedom to roam, especially to the beautiful outer areas of the metropolitan area.