The Ma-aebul (摩崖佛) refers to Buddhist statues carved into rock. The central principal Buddha of the Eomuldong sitting Buddha carving is 5 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide, with the left and right attendant Bodhisattvas standing 3.5 meters tall and 1 meter wide, all high-relief carved on a massive natural rock face called 'Bangbawi.' Iconographically, it is a Yaksa Buddha triad with Sunlight Bodhisattva and Moonlight Bodhisattva on each side, dated to the Unified Silla period. The central Buddha is seated cross-legged in the lotus position with a large face and prominently raised ushnisha. Due to severe erosion, detailed sculpture expressions are unclear, but faint smiles show on the full cheeks and lips. The long ears extend to the shoulders, and the three folds on the neck are clearly depicted. The robe is a single-layer garment (通絹), and detailed folds are not well visible. The right hand is raised to the chest, and the left hand rests on the lower abdomen; while the hand shapes are unclear due to wear, it is presumed the Buddha once held a medicine bowl typical of Yaksa Buddha. Yaksa Buddha is the deity believed to heal illnesses and is worshipped in Yaksa faith. Those wishing for rebirth in the Pure Land or protection from disasters are said to be saved by invoking Yaksa Buddha’s name. The attendant Bodhisattvas on either side are standing statues much smaller than the central Buddha, with faces larger in proportion to their bodies. They wear cylindrical crowns symbolizing the sun and moon, identifying them as Sunlight Bodhisattva and Moonlight Bodhisattva. The semicircular rock behind serves as a giant mandorla embracing the triad. The Eomuldong Seated Buddha rock carving in Ulsan is an important work both for its religious significance during the Unified Silla period and in the history of Buddhist sculpture involving rock carvings.
Dangsa Marine Fishing Park, famous as a must-visit spot for fishing enthusiasts, is a great place to walk and heal while enjoying the beautiful and magnificent sea of the East Sea. Walk across the long pier stretching toward the sea, try hanging your wish on the 'Love Shell Ring,' rest on benches while watching the scenery, and feel refreshed by the cool sea breeze as you walk along. Below the bridge made of wire mesh, you can feel the waves directly, adding a thrilling experience. You can also fish in the middle of the sea, and by descending the stairs at the end of the pier to the rocky shore, you can fully admire the beauty of Ulsan's sea. After repairing the aging facilities and adding structures, it was reopened in July 2023 with a stunning new look.
Gangdong Beach, which has a natural coastal landscape and a wide, open beach with a clear view, is considered the best place to watch the sunrise in Ulsan. It features pristine waters, dramatic rock formations, and beautiful coastal scenery with black pebble stones. At the fishery cooperative-operated fresh fish direct sales market, visitors can enjoy fresh sashimi. The coastal drive course along National Road 31 extending to Gyeongju and Gampo is excellent, making it a popular tourist spot especially during the summer season.
Located about a 30-minute drive from Ulsan City Hall, Dangsa Harbor is included in Gangdong Sarang-gil sections 5 and 6 as well as Gangdong Nuri-gil. South of Dangsa Harbor are Dangsa Hyundai Ocean Camp and Dangsa Fishing Park. Dangsa Fishing Park is a place enjoyed by both anglers and visitors, featuring a long pier extending into the sea, known for its beautiful sea views and sunrise and sunset spots, making it popular for walking and photography. Some parts of the deck path are made of tempered glass, creating an illusion of walking on the sea. At the park entrance, there is a dynamic 'dragon' sculpture on the observatory and the Dragon Rock, where according to legend a snake punished by the Jade Emperor and exiled to Dangsa village ascended to dragonhood after long training, splitting the rock and opening the previously blocked waterway. Dangsa Harbor houses a direct seafood market, and Dangsa village surrounding the harbor offers attractions such as a 500-year-old zelkova tree and mural-decorated village walls, making the area rich in sights.
Bongsu was a military communication system in an era when communication means were not well developed. It was installed on mountain peaks with good views to signal safety of borders and coasts to the central government using torchlight at night and smoke during the day. The system was established in 1149, defining four levels of bongsu signal fires (炬火數) and providing welfare measures for bongsu soldiers. The system was organized under King Sejong of Joseon, preparing regulations such as the 5-count signal fire system, constructing watchtowers along provincial borders, and defining signal routes. Each bongsu had an officer and soldiers who alternated duty, signaling one fire for normal, two for enemy presence, three for enemy approaching the border, four for enemy crossing the border, and five for battle engagement. With telegraph communication introduced in 1894, the system was abolished the next year by dismantling signal towers and soldiers everywhere. Bongsu are divided into Gyeongbongsu (central, located on Mt. Mokmyeok in Seoul), Naejibongsu (inland intermediate posts), and Yeonbyeonbongsu (border posts located on the front line of sea and land borders). Ugasan Yupobongsudae is one of the Yeonbyeonbongsu located at the summit of Ugasan Mountain, receiving signals from Namnokcheon (currently Jujeon) and transmitting to Gyeongju Haseoji. Distances to nearby posts are 5.17km to the south Namnokbongsu (Jujeonbongsu) and 10.85km to the north Haseojibongsu. It was also called Yudeungpo Bonghwa in the early Joseon period. The surrounding defense wall of about 216m long is stone-built in nearly a rectangular shape, with remaining heights of 1 to 2 meters. According to the 2003 survey, the bongsu site is biased eastward inside the wall, with wide spaces to the west and south. Many roof tile fragments and some porcelain shards were recovered, presumed to indicate the location of the soldiers’ dwellings and warehouses needed for operation.
