Discover Winter Birdlife and Samho Bamboo Forest in Ulsan's Nam-gu

From tens of thousands of rooks in flight to walks along the Taehwagang River, experience nature in the heart of the city this winter

ULSAN, South Korea, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Known for its automotive, shipbuilding and petrochemical industries, Ulsan offers a different view each winter. At dusk, tens of thousands of rooks gather at Samho Bamboo Forest in Nam-gu, forming dark waves against the sunset.

After feeding in nearby fields, the rooks return to the forest to roost. Their aerial displays are one of the "Ulnam Nine Scenic Views," the district’s signature sights. In warmer months, herons and egrets nest and raise their young here, making the forest a seasonal home for different migratory birds.

The Taehwagang River also tells the story of Ulsan’s ecological recovery. Through restoration and conservation, the once-polluted river has become a place where people and wildlife coexist. In 2019, Taehwagang National Garden was designated South Korea’s second national garden. Restoring the river and forest has brought nature closer to everyday life in this industrial city.

At the nearby Migratory Bird Center, visitors can learn about the birds’ behavior and habitats through exhibits and guided talks, and take in views from the observation deck. They can then enjoy a riverside walk amid rustling bamboo leaves and bird calls before watching the flocks at sunset.

Alexa, a Romanian exchange student who was 21 when she joined a familiarization tour in 2025, said, "I had never seen bamboo in person before. I had only seen the very small plants you can grow in an apartment, so this was an even more wonderful experience." She added, "Everyone was really kind."

Local residents help protect this landscape as birdwatching guides and nature interpreters, sharing stories about the birds and their community. They also participate in cleanups and work to address the challenges of living alongside wildlife while protecting its habitat. Their efforts show how people and wildlife can coexist in cities.

The best viewing season runs from December through February, with peak viewing within about 30 minutes of sunset. Timing and flock size vary with weather and bird movements. International visitors can arrive via Gimhae International Airport in Busan or take a KTX high-speed train from Seoul or other cities to Ulsan Station, then continue by local transport. Visitors should check the Migratory Bird Center’s opening hours in advance.