Ulsan Whale Festival

The 30th Ulsan Whale Festival is a leading culture and tourism festival hosted by Ulsan's Nam-gu district and organized by the Whale Culture Foundation. It's set against the history of Jangsaengpo, once the center of Korea's whaling industry, which has transformed into an eco-city where whales and people coexist. Marking the festival's 30th anniversary in 2026, this year's theme is "The Whale's Invitation: A Thirtieth Birthday Party!" under the slogan "Whales We'll Share." It runs for four days, from October 15 (Thu) to October 18 (Sun), 2026, throughout the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Special Zone. Main venues include the Whale Theater main stage, Shrimp Plaza, the Whale Experience Ground, a busking zone, and a flea market zone reserved for small business owners. For visitor convenience, a transfer-friendly welcome gate operates around the Taehwagang Station plaza. Signature programs during the festival include the opening and closing ceremonies, a special fireworks show, a themed performance, a 300-person citizens' choir, and a whale parade. There are also diverse cultural experiences and contests for all ages, such as Whale Kingdom Kids Festa, the Whale Rider Challenge, the Wishing Whale Project, an AR/interactive media experience (Whale Dream AI Zone), and a whale family dancing star contest and family singing competition. In addition, visitors can enjoy the 30th anniversary archive exhibition "Time of the Whale," a food zone (Whale Table), a whale flea market, and connected tourist attractions such as the whale-watching cruise, Whale Life Science Museum, and Jangsaengpo Culture Warehouse, offering plenty to see and enjoy.