Incheon isn't a very visited city in South Korea. You will arrive at Incheon International Airport and then take the train to Seoul. But… Does Incheon have something interesting? This was our question, on our second trip to South Korea, when we were still dancing for two days off. Before taking the flight back, we decided to stay one night in Incheon to discover its streets.
Incheon is an industrial port city on the Yellow Sea located in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and even shares the same subway network. Getting there with the Seoul subway is very easy.
After the port was founded in 1884, Incheon became home to the only official Chinatown in South Korea and is one of the must-do things to see and do in Incheon.
Incheon is the starting point to visit some of its 168 islands, some linked to the city by bridges such as the Incheon Bridge and others are perfect for a vacation getaway.
In this post I tell you about the top 10 things to do in Incheon and where to stay.
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA
1. Stroll through Songdo Central Park
In the Songdo International Business District you will find many green spaces, including the Songdo Central Park with just over 100 acres, surrounded by skyscrapers and beautiful garden areas.
The park is divided in two by a seawater channel that is replenished every 24 hours. You will be able to navigate the canal and see the city from another perspective. On the west side you'll find the Tri-Bowl loop, a cultural center for exhibitions and live performances. In addition, you can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle surf on the canal.
2. Tour the Sinpo International Market, one of the best things to do in Incheon
The history of this market dates back to the late 19th century, when vendors began selling vegetables to newly arrived Westerners, Chinese, and Japanese.
The market was officially established in the year 1970 and has become Incheon's flagship market, especially with the influx of tourists arriving by ferry and cruise ships in recent decades.
In the market there are small shops that sell everything from imitation clothes to cosmetics, shoes, bags, fresh produce and kitchen utensils, handicrafts, all kinds of souvenirs…
In addition, you can try the street food that is prepared and sold in many of the stalls; squid omelette, meat skewers, all kinds of noodle soups, marinated fish, sweets…
3. The G-Tower
Located at the northwest end of Incheon's Central Park, the G-Tower building is 150 meters tall and houses offices of international organizations, including the United Nations.
There is an open-air observatory at the top and a majestic Sky Garden on the 29th floor, with indoor greenery and a panoramic view through the window that arches over Central Park and towards the giant Incheon Bridge.
4. Visit Chinatown, one of the best things to do in Incheon
The only official Chinatown in South Korea is located in front of Incheon Station in Jung-gu, and dates back to 1884. Today, most of Incheon's Chinatown residents are second or third generation, but there is still a sizable Chinese expatriate population in the city, numbering around 50,000. Chinatown has many architectural details that make you move to China, such as its doors, some buildings...
You can walk its streets, see the Chinese pharmacies (they are very original), buy old ceramics and traditional Chinese tea.
The food in the neighborhood is a kind of Korean-Chinese fusion, and you can taste it in one of its street food stalls or sit in one of its restaurants.
5. Have fun at Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, one of the most original things to do in Incheon
Very close to Chinatown, you will find the Songwol Song Fairy Tale Village, a residential area that was settled at the end of the 19th century by recently arrived foreigners.
After a period of decline, Songwol-dong opted for an original renovation, which made the neighborhood once again more populous, especially young people.
All around the neighborhood there are animated decorative murals, colorful and patterned zebra walks, animated frog statues, the Wizard of Oz, Snow White... It's incredible and walking its streets is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Incheon.
6. Go to Ganghwado, the fifth largest island in South Korea
Through the Choji or Grandhwa bridge you can reach Ganghwado Island, the fifth largest island in South Korea. It was often on the front lines during invasions and here you will find fortifications and important battlefields.
If you have time and want to see the whole island, it is advisable to stay one night. Although you can go spend the day and visit its most essential places such as the Ganghwa Ginseng Center, Haeden Museum of Art, Ganghwa Anglican Church of Korea & Youngheunggung Palace…
7. Visit Jeondeungsa Temple
Also situated on Ganghwado Island and surrounded by lush, ancient forests you will find the oldest Buddhist temple in South Korea, established in the 4th century AD. C. under the rule of Sosurim from Goguryeo.
In the Daeungbojeon (the main hall of the temple), there is a National Treasure of Korea, you can read the names of the soldiers on the walls and columns of people who fought against the French and wrote their names here to pray to Buddha for good luck.
8. Baengnyeongdo
Although the ferry ride is a bit long (four hours), the landscapes are incredible and if you have time, it's worth it. Baengnyeongdo is among the five northwestern border islands and close to the disputed northern boundary line.
The island has a population of just over 4,300, and on clear days North Korea's Cape Changsan can be seen.
What attracts a lot of people is enjoying the strange sedimentary stacks, incredible cliffs and outcroppings of Dumujin on the northeast coast, with names like Candlestick Rock and Elephant Rock. The island also has beautiful beaches.
9. Memorial Hall for the Incheon Landing Operation
This monument reminds us of the Battle of Incheon. It was inaugurated in the year 1984 to commemorate the centenary of the opening of the Incheon port. In the exhibition you can learn about the ins and outs of the landing operation, a decisive event in the Korean War, browsing artifacts, information panels...
You'll also find a small collection of tanks, missiles, and aircraft (Cessna O-1 and F-86 Sabre) along with commemorative statues.
10. Jayu Park, a perfect place to walk around Incheon
It was the first western-style park to be built in South Korea. Jayu Park sprawls on Mount Eungbong, just east of Chinatown. The name was given to the park in 1957 when a statue of General MacArthur was erected here, and it comes to say "Freedom Park".
It is one of the most beautiful parks in the city and walking among the thousands of cherry trees (if you come in spring you can enjoy the blooming) is one of the best things to do in Incheon.
WHERE TO STAY IN INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA
The city is quite large, but the best or most recommended areas are those around Songdo Central Park. The area is beautiful and very quiet and from here you can move around the city without difficulty.
Some great options where to stay in Incheon:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!