A view of the sea in front of Mangyangjeong pavilion. [Uljin-gun]
A view of the sea in front of Mangyangjeong pavilion. [Uljin-gun]

As autumn deepens, the blue waters of Uljin in North Gyeongsang Province are drawing attention as a standout travel destination.

Sections 24 through 27 of the Haeparang Trail, which passes through Uljin, offer walkers a scenic route combining stunning coastal views, pine forests and charming fishing villages, Uljin-gun said Wednesday.

The trail winds through Hupo Port, Jiksan Port, Wolsongjeong pavilion, Mangyangjeong pavilion, Euneodarri bridge and Jukbyeon Port, each stop showcasing a different facet of Uljin's appeal.

Hupo Port, the starting point of Section 24, draws visitors with its lively fishing village atmosphere and fresh seafood.

Nearby Deunggisan Park and the Deunggisan Skywalk offer sweeping views of the East Sea.

Heading north, Jiksan Port greets travelers with a modest harbor set against a scenic coastal path. The quiet Jiksan Beach is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll to the sound of breaking waves.

Wolsongjeong, one of the eight scenic wonders of Gwandong, is a celebrated landmark where dense pine forests meet the blue sea.

Autumn sunlight filters through the pines, and the East Sea stretches beyond the pavilion, creating a setting of quiet repose.

At Mangyangjeong, another of the Gwandong eight wonders, visitors can take in sweeping views of the winding coastline and the open sea at a glance.

Euneodarri bridge is a popular walking spot where the river meets the sea, adorned with sculptures shaped after sweetfish.

The shimmering waters make for a picturesque scene throughout the day, and at dusk the setting sun adds a touch of romance to the view.

A scene from the 2025 Jukbyeon Port Seafood Festival. [Uljin-gun]
A scene from the 2025 Jukbyeon Port Seafood Festival. [Uljin-gun]

The pleasures of an autumn trip grow even richer at Jukbyeon Port.

The 2026 Jukbyeon Port Seafood Festival, scheduled for three days from Nov. 6 to Nov. 8, will showcase fresh seafood from the waters off Uljin and the vibrant culture of its fishing communities.

Popular singers Park Ju-hee, Park Hyun-bin, Park Seo-jin and Na Tae-ju are set to perform at the festival, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Alongside the festival, visitors can explore the Jukbyeon Lighthouse and the Dragon's Dream Path, a trail that follows the dramatic coastal scenery, for an even closer encounter with the beauty of the East Sea.

Travelers need not complete the entire Haeparang Trail through Uljin to enjoy it — simply picking out favorite landmarks and walking at one's own pace is rewarding enough.

With the sea as a constant companion, pine forests to rest in along the way and fresh seafood to savor, the trail makes for an ideal autumn getaway.

"If you want to trade autumn foliage for the blue sea this fall, Uljin is our strongest recommendation," an Uljin-gun official said. "We hope visitors will soak in the special autumn atmosphere of the East Coast as they walk the Haeparang Trail with the sound of the waves as their companion."


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