A trip to Incheon with a suitcase, a neighborhood where the sea and time coexist
I walked through Incheon, a place full of stories lived by 2.9 million people, which is far too precious to just pass by on the way to the airport.
Incheon, Our Sea Close Yet Unfamiliar
Though reachable with just a single subway ride from Seoul, stepping off with intent reveals an entirely different world in Incheon. This massive port city, where about 2.94 million people snugly gather, coexists with red brick buildings layered with the traces of time and the open West Sea. It's the most comforting travel destination that comes to mind when you want to lightly catch some fresh air on the weekend or need a calm refreshment in your daily life.
Modern Alleys as Quiet as if Time Stood Still
Incheon is a neighborhood that preserves the history of the port-opening era when Korea widely opened its doors to the world. Climbing the hill of Freedom Park gives you a panoramic view of the peculiar landscape where the Joseon Dynasty, the Japanese consulate, and the Qing Dynasty concession area used to mingle. In every alley, Japanese-style houses and red brick warehouses over 100 years old have transformed into cafes and exhibition halls. Stepping on creaking wooden floors makes you feel like you've gone on a time travel to the past, making the careful exploration of the alleys quite delightful.
New Scenery Wherever Your Steps Lead, Must-Visit Places
The charm of Incheon is that the sea and the city center are located very close to each other. From the sophisticated night view of the new town to the old port feeling the weight of time, there are enough sights to make a day's schedule pass by in the blink of an eye. Especially, Incheon's scenery encountered around sunset is so emotional that you can't help but press the camera shutter.
Created by remodeling a building that was a bank in the late 19th century. You can glimpse the vivid atmosphere of the Open Port Area at the time while touring the grand interior of the old building.
A massive artificial lake park built among a forest of buildings. Riding a moon boat at twilight allows you to meet a splendid night view that rivals New York.
A cozy place where raw fish restaurants line the sea and music flows from amusement rides. You also can't miss the fun of feeding shrimp crackers to the seagulls.
The moment you pass through the colorful Paeru (traditional Chinese gate), you feel like you've come on a trip to China. You can taste authentic Chinese dumplings under brilliant red lanterns.
A place overflowing with the vivid vitality of the West Sea. You can smell the salty sea, look at fresh seafood, and taste it on the spot.
Korea's first Western-style park, it's a great place to take a walk while looking down at fluttering cherry blossoms in spring and the scenery of the port in autumn.
A premium healing space where you can enjoy complete relaxation with warm spa and water play amidst an exotic atmosphere.
Comfort Offered by Islands and the Sea, Incheon's Nature
What refreshingly clears the stuffiness of the inland is naturally Incheon's sea and islands. With just a little bit of footwork, you can meet the wide fields and sunset of Ganghwado Island, and taking a short boat ride will take you to beautiful islands where mudflats breathe. Especially, the uniquely reddish-dyed evening glow of the West Sea softly melts away the fatigue of the day.
Gyeyangsan Mountain (๊ณ์์ฐ)
As the highest mountain in Incheon, it has great accessibility as it is directly connected to the subway station. Climbing to the summit gives a cool panoramic view of Incheon city and Gimpo Airport.
Wolmisan Mountain (์๋ฏธ์ฐ)
A compact mountain embracing the sea. Walking along the lush forest path allows you to comfortably appreciate the scenery of Incheon Port and the West Sea spreading in all directions.
Songdo Central Park Seawater Park (์ก๋ ์ผํธ๋ดํํฌ ํด์๊ณต์)
Korea's first seawater park created by drawing in seawater. You can spend a leisurely time riding canoes and water taxis floating on the calm water surface.
Memories Contained in a Bowl of Jajangmyeon, Delicious Incheon
Incheon is like the birthplace of Korea's modern food culture. As Chinese merchants settled down, Chinatown where the sweet Jajangmyeon we know was first born was established, and various cultures introduced through Incheon Port mixed with local food culture. Visiting during the Sorae Pogu Festival held every autumn or the Open Port Culture Night allows you to enjoy night street walks, performances by local artists, and delicious food all at once.
Real Restaurants Loved by Neighborhood Locals
Rather than places where only tourists wait in line, long-standing old shops (nopo) or market restaurants frequented by locals are the true gems. A meal containing generous hospitality and long-standing expertise doubles the satisfaction of your trip.
Dakgangjeong (crispy sweet and sour chicken) fried to a crisp in a sweet and spicy sauce. You have to wait in line even on weekdays, but the addictive taste generously sprinkled with peanuts makes the wait worthwhile.
A summer delicacy where the nutty flavor of peanut sauce and refreshing broth blend together. It's hearty as a meal with chewy noodles and abundant seafood.
An enormous amount of cold noodles comes out in a large bowl really the size of a washbasin. Generosity overflows with refreshing broth floating with slushy ice and a complimentary boiled egg.
Hand-cut noodles made by richly simmering anchovy broth. Slurping it down with a piece of kimchi makes it a soul food that warms even your heart.
Useful Incheon Travel Tips to Know
Incheon is connected like a spiderweb by Seoul Subway Line 1, the Suin-Bundang Line, and Incheon Subway Lines 1 and 2, making a walking tour fully possible with just public transportation. Especially, the Open Port area and Chinatown have some hills, so comfortable shoes are essential. The sea breeze might be chillier than expected, so exercise the sense to pack a light outer jacket!
Essential for using Incheon subway and city buses
When planning a train trip to Incheon Station
Check bus routes using Incheon Terminal
Check latest festival and tourism information
City administration news and public facility guide