Ulsan Station (Tongdosa)
Ulsan Station, officially known as Ulsan (Tongdosa), serves as a vital transportation artery in South Korea. Located in Samnam-eup, Ulju-gun, this high-speed rail facility is a primary stop on the Gyeongbu High Speed Railway, connecting the industrial powerhouse of Ulsan with major metropolitan centers across the country.
To avoid confusion with previous infrastructure, it is important to note that the facility formerly known as Ulsan Station in Samsan-Dong, Nam-gu, was renamed to Taehwagang station on October 31, 2010, coinciding with the opening of the current high-speed hub.
Key Facts
- Official Name: Ulsan (Tongdosa) Station.
- Opening Date: November 1, 2010.
- Operator: Korail Busan-Gyeongnam Regional HQ.
- Railway Line: Gyeongbu High Speed Railway.
- Location: 177, Ulsanyeok-ro, Samnam-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
- Daily Traffic: Recorded at 12,732 passengers per day as of April 2013.
History and Development
Despite Ulsan's status as a metropolitan city, the station was not originally included in the second phase of the Gyeongbu High Speed Railway (HSR) plan. However, following persistent civil petitions and an appeal for a positive reaction from President Roh Moo-hyun, the station was officially added to the development plan on November 14, 2003.
This inclusion proved to be a strategic success, and the station is now regarded as one of the most successful implementations of the Gyeongbu HSR's second phase.
The Tongdosa Subname Dispute
The station carries the subname Tongdosa, referring to the famous Buddhist temple of the same name. Interestingly, Tongdosa is located in Yangsan, which is geographically closer to the station than downtown Ulsan is.
The naming process was not without controversy. Some Christian groups opposed the subname, citing religious concerns. To resolve the issue, Korail conducted a vote; the committee decided in favor of the name with a 7 to 9 majority agreement. Despite the official decision, the subname was not physically displayed at the station until 2012.
Station Layout and Services
Ulsan Station is designed for efficiency, utilizing two primary platforms to manage KTX (Korea Train Express) services. The layout ensures a streamlined flow for passengers traveling between the south and north of the peninsula.
| Platform | Line | Train Type | Primary Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gyeongbu HSR | KTX | Busan (Terminus) |
| 2 | Gyeongbu HSR | KTX | Dongdaegu, Osong, Daejeon, Seoul, Haengsin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ulsan Station located?
The station is located at 177, Ulsanyeok-ro, Samnam-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
Why is the station called Ulsan (Tongdosa)?
It is named after Tongdosa, a temple located in Yangsan, because the temple is closer to the station's physical location than the center of Ulsan city.
What is the difference between Ulsan Station and Taehwagang Station?
Ulsan Station (Tongdosa) is the high-speed rail hub opened in 2010. Taehwagang station is the former Ulsan Station located in Samsan-Dong, Nam-gu.
Which cities can I reach from Ulsan Station?
Passengers can travel south to Busan or north toward Dongdaegu, Osong, Daejeon, Seoul, and Haengsin via the KTX.
When did Ulsan Station begin operations?
The station officially opened for service on November 1, 2010.