On a bright September morning in Ulsan, a city known for its vibrant community spirit and industrial might, a series of events unfolded that underscored both civic progress and a renewed commitment to public welfare. From the opening of new communal spaces to the celebration of traditional Korean archery on a world stage, Ulsan is making headlines for all the right reasons.
September 18, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the city’s residents, particularly those whose work keeps them constantly on the move. According to Financial Economy News, Ulsan City inaugurated its third official rest area for mobile workers in Nam-gu, Mugung-dong. The ceremony, held at 10 a.m. at the new facility on the fourth floor of a local building, brought together about 30 participants, including Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom and representatives from major labor unions. The event featured a progress report, congratulatory remarks, and a guided tour of the new space, all designed to highlight the city’s efforts to improve working conditions for a growing segment of its workforce.
This new rest area, known locally as the 'Mugung-dong Resident Network,' follows the successful openings of similar facilities in Dal-dong in 2022 and Jinjang-dong in 2023. The decision to establish the latest hub in Nam-gu, Mugung-dong, was driven by high demand from the area’s mobile workers—delivery drivers, quick-service couriers, substitute drivers, freelance teachers, meter readers, and others whose jobs lack a fixed workplace. The city secured funding through a Ministry of Employment and Labor initiative, investing a total of 210 million won to transform 178 square meters into a haven for workers who often face grueling schedules and unpredictable conditions.
Inside, visitors find a communal lounge, a women-only rest area, fitness equipment for body composition analysis, computers, and ample phone charging stations. The space is open daily from 1 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning, except on Sundays and public holidays, ensuring that even those on the night shift have a place to recharge. Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom emphasized the project’s broader significance, stating, "The Mugung-dong Resident Network is not just a space for rest and enjoyment, but a place to develop resident capabilities and promote community activities." He added that the city plans to expand its services to include labor counseling, health support programs, and safety workshops, making the facility a true multipurpose hub for the community.
The city’s commitment to public health was further highlighted later that same day at 3 p.m., when Ulsan City Hall hosted a ceremony in its main office to celebrate the ongoing success of the 'Doctor-Car' program. As reported by Asia Economy, this innovative emergency medical system is a collaborative effort between Ulsan City, S-Oil, and Ulsan University Hospital. Unlike standard ambulances, the Doctor-Car is staffed by emergency medicine specialists and nurses, who provide critical care at the scene and during transport for severely injured patients.
The Doctor-Car program began as a pilot at Ulsan University Hospital in September 2017. Despite a temporary suspension due to funding shortages, it was revived in 2019 with annual support from S-Oil and supplementary funding from the city. Over the past eight years, the Doctor-Car has responded to 172 emergencies, operating 24/7, 365 days a year—an impressive feat that has undoubtedly saved lives. Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom expressed deep gratitude to the program’s partners, noting, "Doctor-Car plays a crucial role in saving the lives of trauma patients during the golden hour. We are thankful to S-Oil and Ulsan University Hospital for their ongoing support, and we hope to further strengthen our emergency medical safety net through continued public-private cooperation."
Health and well-being weren’t the only themes on the city’s agenda this week. On September 17, Ulsan City Hall’s Gyeongdo Hongbo Office became the stage for a different kind of celebration, as Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom officially appointed actor Song Il-gook as the city’s ambassador for traditional Korean archery, or gungdo. According to Yonhap News and Ulsan Ilbo, the appointment ceremony was attended by around ten officials and marked the start of a three-year campaign to promote the 'Korea Ulsan World Archery Festival.'
Song Il-gook, renowned for his portrayal of the legendary archer Jumong in the 2006-2007 historical drama of the same name, brings both star power and a genuine passion for Korean heritage to the role. As ambassador, he will participate in the festival’s opening ceremony next month, appear in promotional videos, and help raise the profile of Korean archery both at home and abroad. The upcoming festival, themed "From the Origin of Archery in Ulsan, Shoot for the World!" will run from October 31 to November 4, 2025, drawing over 600 participants from 35 countries. Events will range from 145-meter long-distance competitions to cultural exhibitions and international conferences. The festival’s backdrop includes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bangudae Petroglyphs, Korea’s earliest known sports record, depicting ancient archers in action.
Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom spoke enthusiastically about the appointment, saying, "Song Il-gook’s ambassadorship will not only ensure effective promotion of the 2025 Korea Ulsan World Archery Festival but also help Ulsan emerge as a global center for archery." The city hopes that Song’s involvement, combined with the festival’s international scope, will foster deeper cultural ties and showcase Ulsan’s unique heritage to the world.
Meanwhile, the spirit of community development continues to thrive in Ulsan. City Council member Kim Doo-gwon has been actively involved in promoting resident participation through the expansion of local networks. As reported in both Financial Economy News and Ulsan Ilbo, Kim highlighted the Songjeong-dong resident network—first developed during 2006-2007—as a model for fostering community ties and empowering citizens. The city’s ongoing efforts to expand these networks, including the recently opened Mugung-dong facility, are seen as pivotal in strengthening local engagement and providing much-needed resources to those who lack a fixed workspace.
Kim Doo-gwon remarked, "The Songjeong-dong Resident Network serves as a useful example for Ulsan’s community development and will help promote local resident activities." A special event is planned from October 31 to November 4, coinciding with the archery festival, to further promote these networks and encourage citizen participation.
From innovative healthcare solutions and expanded support for mobile workers to the celebration of Korea’s archery heritage, Ulsan is demonstrating that progress is best achieved when the needs of all citizens are placed at the forefront. The city’s recent initiatives not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and vibrant future—one where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
