Whale’s Invitation, Thirtieth Birthday Party! Ulsan Whale Festival, a deep call inviting you
Would you believe that a fishing village that once prospered from whaling has now been reborn as a center of eco-culture where whales and humans coexist peacefully? Ulsan Jangsaengpo is precisely the scene of that astonishing transformation and the heart of the Ulsan Whale Festival that captivates countless people every year.
Especially in the fall of 2026, Jangsaengpo is preparing a special party. This is because the Ulsan Whale Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary, under the theme of ‘Whale’s Invitation, Thirtieth Birthday Party!’ is waiting for everyone with the slogan ‘Whales to be with’. Aren’t you curious what stories and experiences this festival will bring us, beyond being just an event?
We will delve into the footsteps of how Jangsaengpo, once a whaling hub, chose coexistence with whales, and grew into a representative festival that promotes the value of whale culture not only domestically but globally, along with special moments not to be missed this year.
Beyond the Past, Dreaming with Whales in the Present: Jangsaengpo’s Transformation
Today’s Jangsaengpo has completely transformed into an ecological city that protects whales and commemorates their culture. However, just a few decades ago, this place was at the forefront of the whaling industry. The will to cast off these shadows of the past and envision a future coexisting with whales is the very background against which the Ulsan Whale Festival began.
This festival, hosted by Ulsan Metropolitan City Nam-gu Office and organized by the (Foundation) Whale Culture Foundation, has been a cultural turning point that heals the pains of the past and fosters a new awareness of whales. Through the festival, we once again realize that whales are not merely marine animals, but precious living beings that must be preserved together.
Why Jangsaengpo?
- Historical Significance The place itself, transformed from a whaling industry hub into a symbol of whale protection, carries an important message of the festival.
- Cultural Symbolism Well-equipped whale-related infrastructure such as the Whale Museum and Whale Ecological Experience Center enhances the festival’s immersion.
- Accessibility A transfer-type welcome gate is operated in the area around Taehwagang Station Square, allowing visitors to conveniently move to the festival venue.
Thirty Years Old, Whale’s Invitation: A Glimpse at the Festival’s Highlights
For four days from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, the 30th Ulsan Whale Festival, to be held in the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Special Zone, will truly come with an unprecedented scale and diverse programs. Like its theme, ‘Whale’s Invitation, Thirtieth Birthday Party!’, visitors will have a fantastic experience at the festival venue, as if invited into the world of whales.
Must-See Signature Programs
- Opening Ceremony & Opening Theme Performance A grand performance and message that spectacularly announce the start of the festival.
- 300-Citizen Grand Chorus A moving harmony created by the united voices of Ulsan citizens (‘Ulsan, Beautiful River and Mountains’).
- Special Fireworks Show A magnificent spectacle where colorful fireworks adorn the night sky, intertwined with stories of whales.
- Whale Parade A special parade symbolizing the 30th anniversary, filling the entire street with festive energy.
- Closing Ceremony & Awards Ceremony A time where regret and anticipation for the next are intertwined, concluding the four-day journey.
Diverse Joys, Performances, and Experiences
Performances for a Special Night
- Night Party Performance ‘Hello 30, Sparkle Tonight!’ A special night performance commemorating the 30th anniversary, where exciting music and performances come together.
- Orchestral Collaboration ‘WAVE CONCERT’ A dignified concert where beautiful melodies flow like the swimming of whales.
- Musical Play (Gala Concert) A gala concert featuring popular musical numbers all in one place.
- World Folk Performance Diverse cultural and artistic performances from various countries around the world, found at the Whale Festival.
Programs for the Whole Family to Enjoy
- Whale Country Kids’ Festa A morning-focused stage for children, filled with enjoyable content tailored to children’s eyes.
- Challenge! Whale Rider Challenge An experiential program to enjoy while completing missions related to whales.
- Wish Whale Project You can have a meaningful time by making a wish to a whale.
- AR and Responsive Media Experience ‘Whale’s Dream’ An immersive experience to encounter whales more vividly with advanced technology.
Main Festival Areas
| Area Name | Main Features |
|---|---|
| Whale Theater | Main stage, where opening/closing ceremonies and main performances take place |
| Shrimp Square | Auxiliary stage where various performances and events unfold |
| Whale Experience Square | Operation of whale-related learning and experiential programs |
| Busking Zone | Street performances held in a free atmosphere |
| Flea Market Zone for Small Business Owners | Sales of local specialties and handicrafts, contributing to local economic revitalization |
Reasons to Visit the Ulsan Whale Festival Now
Among countless festivals, the Ulsan Whale Festival is special because it is celebrating its ’30th anniversary’, a monumental year. This festival, which has continuously spoken of the coexistence of whales and humans for 30 years, offers deep meaning beyond simple attractions.
- Monumental 30th Anniversary Under the special theme and slogan of ‘Whale’s Invitation, Thirtieth Birthday Party!’, more abundant and meaningful programs than ever before are prepared. You can experience the essence of the festival, combining 30 years of accumulated know-how with new attempts.
- Delivery of Ecological Value Through the story of Jangsaengpo, which has been reborn from a history of whaling into a leader of ecological preservation, it is a rare opportunity to gain deep insights into the environment and life.
- Whole Family Happiness From ‘Whale Country Kids’ Festa’ for children to ‘Night Party Performances’ and ‘Orchestral Collaborations’ for adults, it is full of customized programs that all generations can enjoy together.
- Enjoying the Autumn Ambiance In mid-October, with the cool autumn breeze, the festival unfolding against the backdrop of the blue sea will itself create beautiful memories.
From Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, please come to the Ulsan Whale Festival, operating from 10 AM to 9 PM at the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Special Zone, and personally experience the emotion and joy of the thirtieth birthday party delivered by the whales. It’s time to answer the whale’s invitation, that special call!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When and where is the Ulsan Whale Festival held?
It will be held for four days from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, in the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Special Zone, Nam-gu, Ulsan Metropolitan City. Operating hours are from 10 AM to 9 PM daily.
Q2. What are the main theme and slogan of the festival?
The Ulsan Whale Festival, celebrating its 30th edition in 2026, under the theme ‘Whale’s Invitation, Thirtieth Birthday Party!’ and the slogan ‘Whales to be with’, celebrates and commemorates the coexistence of whales and humans.
Q3. How do I get to the festival venue?
For the convenience of visitors, a transfer-type welcome gate is operated in the area around Taehwagang Station Square. From here, you can conveniently access the festival venue by using the connecting transportation.
Q4. What kinds of performances and experiential programs are available?
In addition to signature programs like the opening ceremony, fireworks show, and whale parade, a variety of performances and experiential programs are prepared for various age groups to enjoy, including night party performances, orchestral collaborations, kids’ festa, and AR media experiences.
Q5. Who hosts and organizes the festival?
Ulsan Metropolitan City Nam-gu Office hosts the festival, and the (Foundation) Whale Culture Foundation organizes the event to strive for a successful festival.
