Gateway Monuments to Showcase Ulsan’s Industrial Identity

Seven Major Entry Roads to Feature “Industrial Tower”-Inspired Sculptures Enhancing Civic Pride and City Branding

Jung So-young, Reporter Posted 2025/11/03 [10:16] Article No. 45306

Ulsan City has announced plans to install symbolic gateway sculptures along seven major entry roads to represent its identity as the industrial capital of Korea.

The project aims to enhance the city’s first impression for visitors and strengthen Ulsan’s brand value as a leading industrial hub. The design motif takes inspiration from the Industrial Tower, an emblematic symbol of Ulsan’s industrial heritage and progress.

[The Korean Today] Daytime Rendering of Ulsan’s Gateway Monument © So-young Jeong

The installations will be located at seven key gateways: Iye-ro (Yangsan boundary), Bangu-daero (Yangsan boundary), Haemaji-ro (Busan boundary), Namchang-ro (Busan boundary), Bangu-daero (Gyeongju boundary), Maegok-ro (Gyeongju boundary), and Ulmil-ro (Miryang boundary).

[The Korean Today] Nighttime Rendering of Ulsan’s Gateway Monument © So-Young Jeong

Drawing on the operational experience from a pilot monument on National Road No. 31 in Buk-gu’s Sinmyeong-dong last year, the upgraded sculptures will offer improved visibility, readability, and refined aesthetics.

Each sculpture harmonizes three vertical pillars—symbolizing industry, culture, and ecology—with the Industrial Tower form, visually expressing Ulsan’s vision and city brand. The slogan “Yes! It’s Ulsan” is incorporated to inspire civic pride among residents and convey a positive, dynamic image of the city to visitors.

The monument at Iye-ro, the city’s busiest entry route, will stand 7 meters high and 3 meters wide, while standard models (5.4 meters high and 2.1 meters wide) will be installed at the remaining six locations. Construction will begin in November and is expected to be completed by February next year.

A city official stated, “These gateway sculptures will become symbolic landmarks that define Ulsan’s first impression. Through the slogan ‘Yes! It’s Ulsan,’ we aim to instill a sense of belonging and pride among citizens and highlight Ulsan’s vibrant image as Korea’s industrial capital to all visitors.”

BY SO-YOUNG JEONG : ulsangangbuk@thekoreantoday.com