Ulsan Overseas Delegation

Makes a Site Visit to the Opéra Bastille
and Canoe Slalom Stadium in France

Modeling After Global Culture and Sports Foundations
to Transform Ulsan Into a Fun City

Ulsan Metropolitan Government has started its modeling activities to establish global-scale culture, arts, and sports infrastructure.

The city announced that the overseas delegation led by Kim Doo-kyeom, Mayor of Ulsan, made site visits on the 11th to Paris”s key performance hall Opéra Bastille and Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, which was the canoe slalom venue during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The site visits were made to directly observe Europe’s advanced examples and materialize the direction for design and operation before establishing the global-scale complex performance hall and Korea’s first international standard canoe slalom stadium.

The delegation’s first destination in the morning was the Opéra Bastille. Opéra Bastille is one of France’s key cultural facilities that is world-renowned for its modern architectural beauty, advanced stage technology, and a citizen-centric operation system.

Along with the direction of the performance hall design, the city expects it to be an important reference for securing practical operational strategies such as citizen accessibility and program diversification in the future.

The plan is to accelerate the construction of a performance hall that captures global attention and reflects Ulsan’s unique identity after visiting the Opéra Bastille, a venue that transcends its role as a theater and serves as both a landmark and a cultural brand of Paris.

During the afternoon, the delegation moved on to the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium to examine the operation of canoe slalom stadiums. This stadium is Europe’s largest artificial whitewater facility, acting as a general sports complex that offers rowing and sprint kayak courses as well as training, accommodation, and sports medicine infrastructure.

The city is exploring ways to incorporate European operational expertise into the planned slalom stadium within the sports park while also expanding the use of experiential water leisure activities as a tourism resource.

Kim Doo-gyeom, Mayor of Ulsan, commented, “This site visit is a strategic move for Ulsan to leap as a global culture and sports city”, and “We will make sure concert halls and sports stadiums can become a core platform that vitalizes the local economy and raises the value of the city’s brand.”

Ulsan Provides Additional Air Conditioning Support to Senior Centers

Operating Hours Extended by 3 Hours Until 9:00 PM

Enhanced Protection for Heat-Vulnerable Elderly Residents

Responding to the early heatwave, Ulsan Metropolitan Government announced that it will extend the operation times of the heat shelter senior centers and provide additional support for air conditioning costs.

This measure was created as a preemptive response for the health and safety of seniors who are vulnerable to extreme heat.

According to the city, there are a total of 718 senior centers designated as a heat shelter, which has been operating from the morning to 6PM.

However, due to the heat wave threatening the health of seniors starting earlier this month, the city advised the extension of operation times by 3 hours until 9PM and will provide additional support for air conditioning costs.

Air conditioning costs will be covered by the disaster relief fund, with KRW 165,000 allocated per senior center, totaling KRW 118 million.

Ulsan is also operating the “Protecting Vulnerable Seniors From Heatwaves” since last May. If a heat warning is issued, care assistants for personalized elderly support services (care assistants) will call or directly visit to check on 9,027 seniors target for care, while establishing an emergency contact system with their guardians to swiftly respond to emergency situations.

Additionally, 6,542 elderly households are being monitored in real-time through the ICT-based “Emergency Safety Assurance Service”. Operating the emergency call automatically reports to 119, providing a strengthened response system where immediate check-up is performed even if there is no movement for a period of time through the activity detector.

A city official advised “We will try our best to allow seniors vulnerable to the heat spend a cool summer”, and “Please refrain from leaving or outdoor activities during a heat wraning, and take care of your health through sufficient hydration and rest.”

Steps Up Support for Glocal University Designation of Ulsan College–Yeonam Institute of Technology

“Glocal University Administrative Support Task Force” Meeting Held on the 14th

Ulsan Metropolitan Government will provide an opportunity for the overall review and support for Ulsan College-Yeonam Institute of Technology cooperating together towards designation as a 2025 Glocal University.

The “Glocal University Administrative Support Task Force” meeting is scheduled to take place at 3:00 PM on the 14th in the 7F situation room of the city hall main building, to support the designation of Ulsan College-Yeonam Institute of Technology as a Glocal University.

The conference was participated by 20 officials from the city, Ulsan Development Institute, Ulsan Technopark, Ulsan ICT Promotion Agency, and Ulsan Center for Creative Economy & Education, as well as An Hyo-dae, Vice Mayor for economic affairs to solidify the will to promote the designation of the university union.

Key topics included the vision speech by President Jo Hong-rae of Ulsan college, director of planning Son Seong-min’s action plan (draft) report, and local government support method discussions, etc.

The action plan (draft) reported that day materializes tasks included in the innovation plan submitted last May during the 2025 Glocal University designation application by the Ulsan College-Yeonam Institute of Technology university union, where last year’s plans were restructured, strengthened and developed for the second challenge this year.

Key changes include establishing a manufacturing Ai-based SimFactory*, special participation of the Korea Polytechnic VII which has its campus located in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region, establishing a single governance through establishing an NPO, and training global production technology personnel through connection with parent companies HD·LG, etc.

* SimFactory: Integrated virtual and physical practice-based production factory

The union will aim towards 2025 Glocal University designation by training production technology personnel of the southeast-area manufacturing belt and establishing a engineering technology education innovation model.

An Hyo-dae economic vice-mayor commented “Achieving designation this year is a crucial chance to train manufacturing personnel in the Ulsan and southeast region and regional coexistence”, and “We will try our best to provide administrative support as it can be the last opportunity towards Glocal University designation.”

On the other hand, Glocal University is a project by the Ministry of Education to select 30 university from 2023 to this year with the goal of mutual growth between the community and university, with Ulsan University being selected in 2023.

The Ulsan College-Yeonam Institute of Technology university union is planning to submit an execution plan by Aug. 11, where successful designation in September after deliberation by the Ministry of Education will allow receiving KRW 100 billion in support over 5 years. End.

“Discover UNESCO World Heritage Bangucheon Stream via Ulsan City Tour”

Themed Tour Courses Revamped Starting July 19

Expecting Effective Promotion of Historical and Cultural Resources in the Bangucheon Stream Area

Ulsan Metropolitan Government announced that the revamped operation of themed city tour courses from the 19th following the designation of “Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream” as a UNESCO World Heritage.

The restructuring will be carried out to preemptively respond to increasing tourism demands due to the World Heritage designation, and effectively promote the historical and cultural resources in the Bangucheon area.

The revamp aims to add a new “Time Tour” during the day to Saturday’s “Beautiful Moonlight Tour”, and transition the Sunday “Family Tour” to the “World Heritage Tour”.

The two courses are both composed of programs that emphasize experiencing and understanding cultural heritages including the Bangucheon petroglyphs and the Petroglyphs Museum.

A city official stated “The revamp of the city tour aims to widely promote the Bangucheon petroglyphs to Ulsan citizens and tourists alike commemorating its designation as a World Heritage”, and “We will keep on developing specialized tourism content so citizens and tourists can all engage with Ulsan’s heritage.”

On the other hand, the revised city tour can be used by reserving through Ulsan’s Ai-based integrated online tourism platform “What a Ulsan’ website (https://whataulsan.com) or by using the app.

Ulsan Holds First Hydrogen Industry Council with Guangzhou and Hyundai Motor

Korea-China Cooperation on Hydrogen Industry Gains Momentum with Focus on Sustainable Hydrogen Ecosystem

Ulsan Metropolitan Government announced that it will participate in the 1st Hydrogen Industry Council Meeting through video call on 5:00 PM, Jul. 14.

This meeting is the first official council that is being held after Ulsan, Guangzhou, and Hyundai Motors signed the “MOU for Joint Promotion of Hydrogen Ecosystem Cooperation” last November, discussing the direction of cooperation between the 3 parties, business materialization, and facilitating exchange, etc.

The meeting will be held in the Hyundai Motors HTWO office situated in Guangzhou, and will be participated by director Jeong Ho-dong of economic and industrial affairs from Ulsan, deputy director of the Qianxi development and reform committee, and vice president Lee Hyeok-jun from Hyundai Motors. Also, a total of 15 persons including external experts from K-Petro (Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority) Hydrogen Distribution Management Center, Ulsan Technopark Energy Technology Support Division, and KAIST, etc. will also be participating.

The meeting will be held in the order of deliberation and approval of the hydrogen industry consultative body operational plan, (Ulsan Technopark) presentation of Ulsan’s clean energy transition strategy and implementation plan, (Guangzhou) sharing of Guangzhou’s hydrogen industry development experience and future plans, (Hyundai Motors) introduction to collaborative efforts between the city and Hyundai Motors to build a hydrogen ecosystem, etc. Also, specific cooperation methods for the development of the hydrogen industry are planned to be discussed through the announcements and discussions by each institution.

Starting with the initial meeting this day, the secondary meeting is planned to be held in Ulsan in November, with plans to contribute to stimulating the Northeast Asian hydrogen market through regular discussions and joint project execution.

A city official commented “This council meeting will become a trigger for creating a mutual growth basis for Korea and China’s hydrogen industry, and Ulsan to leap as a central hub of the global hydrogen industry”, and “We will actively cooperate to create a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem and the development of the future energy industry.”

The hydrogen industry consultative body is a committee that establishes cooperation models across all phases from hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and usage between Korea and China’s key hydrogen cities of Guangzhou and Ulsan, with cooperation from Hyundai Motors as a global mobility company, along with facilitating technical, policy, and talent exchange. End.

Ulsan Art Museum

Operation of “Crack! Broken piece, glittering imagination”

Developed an educational program linked to the “Code in Narratives” exhibition

First come, first serve application for elementary school students across 8 sessions from Jul. 19–27

The Ulsan Art Museum announced it will operate its “Crack! Broken piece, glittering imagination”, an education program linked to the exhibit, from Jul. 19 to 27.

This program was planned with the “Code in Narratives” exhibition is currently being held in the B2 2 exhibition hall.

Using Lee Su-kyung’s “Translated Vase” as its topic, it was organized as an experience activity where elementary school students can rearrange already drawn pieces into flat or 3D shapes to create a brand new form.

It will be held in the B1 education room across 8 sessions including 2 times daily during the 4 days of Jul. 19 (Sat), 20 (Sun), 26 (Sat), 27 (Sun) (10:30-12:00, 12:30-14:00).

Up to 15 people per session can apply at a first come, first serve basis through the Ulsan public facility reservation service website (https://yes.ulsan.go.kr) from Jul. 14 10:00 AM to Jul. 18 5:00 PM.

For more information, visit the Ulsan Art Museum website (http://www.ulsan.go.kr/s/uam).

A museum official commented “We wish this program which trains the creativity by reinterpreting existing materials can become a meaningful experience for children in developing their own thoughts and ideas.” End.

Ulsan Bukbu Fire Station Urges Fire Safety When Using Air Conditioners This Summer

Dust in Outdoor Units and Excessive Use of Extenders Are the Main Causes of Fire

Following the rapid increase of air conditioning devices due to the start of the heatwave, the Ulsan Bukbu Fire Station requested extra caution towards increasing fire risk from electrical elements.

Most electrical fires were related to air conditioning devices such as outdoor units, overheating of electrical lines, and overload of electrical devices, etc.

Especially, accumulation of dust and foreign substances in the outdoor unit and damage to wire insulation are being pointed out as key causes of fire.

The rules to preventing fire caused by air conditioners are the following;

Inspect air conditioning equipment such as air conditioners and fans before use, and consider replacing old products. Refrain from excessively using power bars and never do octopus wiring. Install outdoor units in a well-ventilated space, and perform regular cleaning such as dust removal.

Cut off the power when leaving the house and unplug it when it is not used. Finally, regularly inspect the operation of circuit breakers, etc.

A Bukbu Fire Station official emphasized “Carelessness can lead to large-scale fires during the summer”, and “Following basic electricity safety rules is the most efficient fire prevention method.”

Ulsan Cultural and economic Delegation

“Achieves Both World Heritage Recognition and Industrial Diplomacy Success”

Confirmed designation of the Bangucheon Petroglyphs as a UNESCO World Heritage... Kick-starting the globalization strategy of industry and culture

Cultural diplomacy and economic cooperation achievements through visiting Uzbekistan, Türkiye, and France

Ulsan Metropolitan Government raised the city’s global status through the 10-night 12-day cultural and economic delegation connecting Uzbekistan, Türkiye, and France from Jul. 3 to 14.

The biggest achievement of the visit was certainly the confirmed designation of the Bangucheon Petroglyphs as a UNESCO World Heritage. Kim Doo-gyeom, Mayor of Ulsan, and the delegation directly participated in the 47th UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris to be part of a historic moment of the “Bangucheon Petroglyphs” being registered as Korea’s 17th World Heritage.

Taking the reason of “Over 6,000 years of tradition in petroglyphs, artistry of prehistoric people, and globally unprecedented topic expression such as whaling”, UNESCO recognized its “Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)”. Accordingly, the “Bangucheon Petroglyphs” were registered as Korea’s 17th World Heritage in Jul. 12, 2025.

The scope of registration is the Bangucheon area stretching about 3 km including the “Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri” and “Inscriptions of Cheonjeon-ri”.

Uzbekistan, the first destination, held the “Korea-Uzbekistan Economic Cooperation Forum” in Tashkent on Jul. 5 to sign the “K-energy Expansion Cooperation MOU” with key Korean companies such as Korea East-West Power, LG Energy Solution, and Doosan Energbility, etc. and the Uzbekistan Department of Energy. This agreement focuses on technical cooperation in the clean energy sector and carrying out joint projects.

They also participated in the shipbuilding technical personnel ceremony in the Fergana Global Human Resource Development Center on Jul. 7. The 97 graduates that received international-level technical education for three months are planned to be employed with priority to mid to small shipbuilding companies in the Ulsan region. The city plans to expand this model to countries across Asia such as Vietnam and Thailand in order to establish a system for securing skilled labor.

On July 9, they also visited Türkiye and the city hall of the sister city Kocaeli to discuss methods for expanding industrial and cultural exchange. During the afternoon of the same day, the “Türkiye Expansion Strategy Information Session” was held. The session was participated by the Türkiye corporate, Assan Hanil, and KOTRA Istanbul Trade Office, along with Ulsan companies including Luxco Co., Ltd, Hanguk Mold Co., Ltd, Han-Il Electric Power Co., Ltd, and Samjong Industry Co., Ltd to exchange practical information exchange for expanding to Türkiye.

To support the development of a global-level performance hall and Korea’s first international standard canoe slalom stadium, site tours to advanced facilities were conducted in France on July 11.

The delegation first visited the Opéra Bastille to thoroughly inspect the operation system of France’s key performance facility equipped with advanced theater technology and citizen accessibility.

Afterwards, they headed towards the “Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium” which hosted the canoe matches during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The facility equipped with Europe’s largest artificial whitewater course along with a training center and medical support system will be directly reflected in the design planned for Ulsan Sports Park.

Kim Doo-gyeom, Mayor of Ulsan, pointed out “We maximized diplomatic performance by raising Ulsan’s international status through cooperation with sister cities and cooperation with international organizations, and achieving World Heritage designation of the Bangucheon Petroglyphs”, and “We will actively introduce various excellent examples that were experienced by touring 3 countries to take a step towards transforming Ulsan into a fun city.”