Ulsan elementary students explore marine heritage at Jangsaengpo

All students at Sampyeong Elementary School in Ulju-gun spent Thursday exploring the Jangsaengpo waterfront and Ulsan Port as part of a field trip program called "Ocean Kids + Together with the Sea," nurturing their dreams of careers connected to the sea.

The program integrates marine ecology, environmental awareness, arts and culture under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework, offering hands-on, site-specific learning for children from kindergarten through elementary school and giving them an early opportunity to explore ocean-related careers.

Students moved through a series of venues — starting at the Jangsaengpo Culture Warehouse, then continuing to the Ulsan Whale Museum, the Whale Ecology Experience Center and the Whale Research Institute before finishing at the Ulsan Port Authority — participating in tailored education programs prepared by each institution.

Activities at each stop covered a range of topics: observing whale behavior and other marine life, taking part in hands-on ocean conservation activities, and learning about Ulsan's advanced marine industries and the functions of its port.

By seeing the region's marine culture and industrial sites firsthand, students gained an appreciation for the ocean's vast value and came to understand the importance of protecting marine life and preserving healthy ocean ecosystems. In addition, kindergartners and elementary students worked side by side throughout the day, building a sense of community through cooperation and consideration for one another.

Principal Hwang Bok-han said the trip "was a meaningful opportunity for students to experience the region's precious marine resources directly, learn the value of environmental conservation, and think about their futures."