Exploring Ulsan's Eagle School: A Unique Winter Experience
Hello, I'm Heo Eun-sun from the Ulsan City Blog Reporter Team.
Ulsan is home to various migratory birds, including winter and summer species, primarily around the Taehwa River and the Sibi Bamboo Forest. The main characters are the herons and the raven flocks.
In addition, Ulsan operates programs related to migratory birds, including an Eagle School, which highlights the seasonal characteristics of the area.
It's exciting to hear that the number of eagles has been gradually increasing over the past few years, and this winter, they have arrived in Ulsan. To ensure that these eagles, which fly over 3,000 kilometers from Mongolia, can spend the winter safely and healthily, the city operates an eagle restaurant.
Moreover, the Eagle School, where participants can observe the eagles' ecology, is running until February 28. Due to high demand, all sessions in February have already been booked.
Today, I would like to share my firsthand experience visiting the Eagle School in 2026.
The Ulsan Eagle School takes place twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The meeting point is at Samho Island by 10 AM.
Here’s the schedule:
09:30 - 10:00: Gathering and registration
10:00 - 10:10: Walk to the eagle restaurant
10:10 - 10:30: Feeding the eagles
10:30 - 11:30: Eagle observation and lecture
11:30 - 12:00: Wrap-up
What to bring: binoculars, writing tools, and appropriate clothing for birdwatching.
For those driving, free parking is available at the Samho Coastal Multipurpose Plaza, making it convenient to travel to the meeting point. You can easily access Samho Island via the path under the Samho Bridge.
There is a banner for the Eagle School next to the plaza, making it easy to find. A walking deck along the Taehwa River leads directly to Samho Island.
Many families were heading to Samho Island with their children for the 10 AM gathering.
Even within the dense bamboo forest of Samho Island, there are clear signs to guide newcomers to the meeting point, and chairs have been provided for participants to comfortably listen to the lectures.
After confirming the reservation list and checking in, participants waited until the event started.
Inside the tent, there was information about the eagles visiting Ulsan, and many families with children could take memorable photos wearing eagle wings and hats.
To keep everyone warm during the chilly winter, free hot drinks like tea and coffee were provided.
The Eagle School attracted a large crowd. As soon as we gathered, we moved directly to the restaurant.
While waiting for the eagles to arrive, we had an engaging session discussing where the eagles came from, misconceptions about them, and more.
As we left Samho Island for the eagle restaurant, we could see a long line of people following the riverside.
Since the path was not paved but rather through bushes, those with young children needed to be particularly cautious.
Excitement filled the air as everyone anticipated seeing the eagles.
After leaving frozen food in the car, we moved on. It’s said that if people are too close, the sensitive eagles won’t come down.
Many other birds were already preparing for their meals at the eagle restaurant, making it a dining spot for all migratory birds in Ulsan.
A sign requested that we refrain from entering to ensure the eagles' safety during feeding time.
Typically, eagles come down to eat around 11:20 AM, but sometimes they may not if they feel uneasy, in which case they might appear closer to 11:40 AM.
On this day, even by 11:20 AM, the eagles were still flying above, so we returned to the gathering point for additional activities.
We learned more about eagles and participated in a word-matching event where prizes were awarded, with families eagerly searching for answers.
Unfortunately, because the eagles did not come down to eat, we wrapped up the event after noon without seeing them feed.
These eagles, aged 1 to 3 years, are still young and sensitive. They may avoid coming down due to attacks from resident crows or other birds.
While we only saw the eagles soaring high, witnessing around 80 eagles flying majestically over Ulsan was still a moving experience.
As the eagles return to their homeland in early March, I hope they can enjoy their stay in Ulsan and leave healthy and well-fed.
The Ulsan Eagle School offers a unique opportunity for both children and adults to learn about the local ecology.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224176980323
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