Four candidates are competing for the mayor of Ulsan, South Korea, as campaigning intensifies ahead of local elections [1, 2].

The race for the industrial hub is characterized by a clash of party loyalties and policy proposals aimed at urban infrastructure. The outcome will determine the leadership of a key economic center, influencing how the city manages its public services and industrial growth.

Among the frontrunners are Kim Sang-wook of the Democratic Party and Kim Du-gyeom of the People Power Party [1, 2]. Kim Sang-wook entered the race after switching parties from the People Power Party to the Democratic Party [1].

Campaign activities recently focused on religious outreach as candidates visited various Buddhist temples throughout the city to meet voters during Buddha’s Birthday [1, 2]. This strategy allows candidates to engage with a broad cross-section of the electorate in a traditional setting.

Policy proposals have become a central point of contention. Some candidates are pledging significant changes to the city's infrastructure, including the implementation of a fully public city-bus system [1, 2]. Such a move would shift the management of transit from private operators to municipal control.

These efforts took place on the first holiday following the start of the local election cycle on June 3, 2024 [1, 2]. Candidates have also held events in front of Ulsan City Hall to increase visibility and appeal directly to the public [1, 2].

Reporter Oh Tae-in said all candidates have been visiting temples in Ulsan to meet voters in observance of Buddha’s Birthday [1].

“Four candidates are competing for the mayor of Ulsan, South Korea”

The Ulsan mayoral race reflects broader South Korean political trends, specifically the movement of political figures between major parties to secure viable paths to office. The focus on public transit and religious community outreach indicates that candidates are attempting to balance high-level administrative reform with traditional grassroots campaigning to capture a diverse voter base in a critical industrial region.