Incheon, South Korea: Travel Guide
Incheon, South Korea’s third largest city, is often overlooked, seen simply as the location of its namesake airport. It’s the gateway to Seoul where you’ll most likely start your South Korea itinerary. But Incheon is far more than a travel hub. Although you can pop by for a quick day trip from Seoul, the variety of things to do in Incheon is worth dedicating a few days. Its past as a trading port and strategic military location, the cultural influences of foreign concessions, and today’s exciting modern developments are shaping Incheon into a must-see destination among the top places to visit in South Korea. We took the time to uncover the top places to visit in Incheon and found it brimming with historic and stylish neighborhoods, parks, ancient UNESCO sites, and so much more. Here are our favorite Incheon attractions that make Incheon worth visiting.
6 Best Incheon Attractions
Japanese Jogye
Incheon’s port opened in 1883, drawing traders from across the globe, who were assigned to concessions called jogye by nationality. The first to be established was the Japanese jogye, centered in today’s Incheon Open Port area also known as Japanese Street. Walking in this neighborhood felt like being back in Japan, where we had just left for Korea, with traditional wooden houses converted into cafes and shops. Look out for the First Bank of Japan’s original branch, a designated Tangible Cultural Property that now houses the Incheon Open Port Museum. In the area, you’ll also find the Daibutsu Hotel Museum which dates back to 1901. It was Korea’s first Western-style hotel which is preserved to look exactly as it did back in its heyday, replete with artifacts and memorabilia.
Chinatown
Incheon’s Chinatown was the appointed Chinese concession and a commercial and trading hub. Today, it is the most popular of Incheon tourist attractions and also happens to be the only official Chinatown in South Korea. There are four unmissable entrances to the area marked by stunning traditional gates. The streets of Chinatown are a visual feast, with murals depicting ancient Chinese stories along Samgukji and Chohanji Streets. Wander around photographing murals, and admiring traditional architecture, and be sure to venture into Uiseondang temple, one of its kind in Korea.
As with Chinatowns around the world, the area has evolved into Incheon’s foodie destination. The thing to do here is sample Chinese-Korean fare, in particular, jjajangmyeon (black soybean noodles). The dish even has a little museum in Chinatown dedicated to preserving its origins. Set in a former restaurant where the dish was invented, you get to learn about its inception and build your appetite before finally slurping them at eateries throughout Chinatown.
Hot Tip: If you are into quirky, colorful photo ops, head to the adjacent Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village – a former dilapidated concession revived with murals of Western and Korean fairy tales.
Freedom Park
Via a scenic staircase from Chinatown, you can make your way to Freedom Park (Jayu Park) which was South Korea’s first Western-style park, designed in 1888 by a Russian engineer. Not only is it a beautiful retreat above the city with a lookout over the harbor, but the park also commemorates significant events in the history of South Korea. A statue of General Douglas MacArthur, who led the strategic Incheon Landing during the Korean War, honors the event that helped the reclamation of Seoul. There is also a Korea-USA Friendship monument celebrating the 100th anniversary of the treaty with the United States. In April, the park is also Incheon’s prime cherry blossom viewing destination and hosts a festival.
Wolmido Theme Park
Once a battleground during the Korean War and the site of the Incheon Landing, Wolmido has been transformed into a lively, Coney Islandesque amusement park. Join in and delight your inner child by hopping on the Ferris wheel for sweeping views of Incheon Port. Hike the trails in forest-like Wolmi Park, stroll down the Wolmido boardwalk, and soak in signature Incheon sunsets featuring airplanes.
One unique way to explore the area is the Wolmi Sea Train, a monorail that loops around the island. It passes above cherry trees and past some of Incheon’s tourist attractions, like the world’s largest mural that spreads over many grain silos. The loop takes less than an hour, making it an easy addition to your list of things to do in Incheon. But it’s also a convenient way to get around as the monorail’s main station connects with Incheon’s subway system.
Songdo Central Park
To explore Incheon’s modern side, visit Songdo Central Park, located in the eponymous business district. The park artfully blends nature and human creation following the Korean architectural principle and houses some must-visit places in Incheon, two of which are Songdo Hanok Village and Tri Bowl. The former is a modern take on traditional Korean houses filled with eateries. The latter is an arts and culture complex that looks much more impressive than it sounds – three interconnected bowls surrounded by water, symbolizing Incheon’s harmony with its surroundings. Once you’ve toured the sites, hop in a Cinderella-carriage-themed boat and explore the canals, or take a stroll along the waterfront paths, adorned with flower beds and picturesque bridges.
Another unmissable Incheon attraction in Songdo is the National Museum of World Writing Systems. Having newly opened in 2023, the museum showcases 55 writing systems from around the world and their significance in connecting the past, present, and future. The exhibition is truly fascinating and informative, but perhaps what’s even more striking is the building’s design. Created by the famous Korean architecture firm Samoo, the building bends and swirls, intended to resemble “pages”. This stop is a must for architecture and history enthusiasts alike, and a real inspiration for lovers of the written word. Before you go, make sure to explore the labyrinth of “pages” around the museum.
Ganghwa Island
A short drive from Incheon, Ganghwa Island is a top pick among places to visit in Incheon, thanks to its historical sites, mountains, and beaches. And since only a river separates the island from North Korea, the northern tip of the island offers the best views across the border too. The sites are spread out so we recommend renting a car for the day.
Among its historic sites, the island boasts UNESCO-listed dolmen tombs from the Bronze Age. The behemoth royal headstones are found in many parts of the world, but nowhere in such concentration as Korea. There are over 100 dolmens scattered around Mount Goryeo, but one of the best spots to view them is near the Ganghwa History Museum, which is also worth a visit for insights into dolmen rituals and the island’s history. Make time to hike Mount Goryeo, which is especially beautiful in mid-April, when azaleas are in bloom and entire slopes are blanketed in purples and pinks with designated walkways through them.
Other must-see sites on Ganghwa include the Chamseongdan Altar atop the island's tallest mountain Manisan, where Korea’s founder, Dangun, is said to have offered sacrifices over 4,000 years ago. Purportedly, sacrifices are still made at the altar during the annual National Foundation Day celebration in honor of Dangun. Our personal favorite was Jeondeungsa Temple, a beautifully preserved complex surrounded by the Samnang Fortress. Established in 381 by the sons of Dangun, this is one of Korea’s oldest temples, with carvings in the main Buddha hall that memorialize soldiers who defended the island. Those of you interested in Buddhism can organize a temple stay on the premises of the complex.
Another intriguing stop is Joyang Bangjik, Korea’s first locally owned and operated textile factory. Originally established in the 1930s, the factory closed down following the Korean War and was turned into a café and art space in 2017. It retains all of the vintage industrial charm while offering a cozy place to refuel. Finish off your Ganghwa Island road trip with views of North Korea from the Peace Observatory, which is less tense than the Demilitarization Zone.
We only scratched the surface, but it’s clear that Incheon has plenty to rave about. Hopefully, these six Incheon attractions have convinced you to add them to your South Korea itinerary. Let us know what other places to visit in Incheon should be on this list.