Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Incheon, South Korea

This industrial harbor city, situated on the Yellow Sea, is part of the Seoul Metropolitan Area and shares its metro network.

Since the establishment of the port in 1884, Incheon has transformed into a cultural melting pot, home to Korea’s only official Chinatown and a lively international market.

Additionally, Incheon serves as the gateway to an array of 168 islands, some connected to the city via infrastructure such as the monumental Incheon Bridge, while others remain undiscovered retreats reachable within four hours by boat.

The city is undergoing rapid transformation, as exemplified by the innovative Songdo International Business District, a modern and environmentally sustainable cityscape constructed on reclaimed land south of the harbor.

Let us delve into the premier attractions in Incheon:

1. Songdo Central Park

At the heart of the Songdo International Business District lies this expansive 100-acre park, bordered by skyscrapers and encompassing nearly one-tenth of the district’s area.

The park is intersected by a seawater canal that refreshes every 24 hours; prominently featured on the west side is the curvilinear design of the Tri-Bowl, which serves as a cultural center for exhibitions and live performances.

Visitors can take a water taxi or rent pedal boats or canoes for a leisurely trip along the canal, where there is also a small display of traditional Korean hanoks (wooden houses) situated by the water.

The park includes a deer park, an island for rabbits on the waterway, an array of public art installations, diverse gardens, and plenty of areas designed for relaxation, offering picturesque views of the contemporary skyline.

Notably, music video segments for Psy’s iconic 2012 hit, Gangnam Style, were filmed at Songdo Park.

2. G-Tower

To grasp the vastness of Songdo International City, visit Zaha Hadid’s G-Tower (2013), located at the northwest end of Central Park. This structure rises to 150 meters and hosts offices for numerous international organizations, including the United Nations.

An outdoor observatory is situated at the top, along with an impressive Sky Garden on the 29th floor that features indoor greenery and panoramic views through large windows overlooking Central Park and the expansive Incheon Bridge.

Interactive information panels detail the Songdo International Business District, while coffee stands and photo machines that send amusing pictures directly to your phone further enhance the visit.

G-Tower is accessible free of charge and is regarded as one of the finest spots in Incheon to witness a sunset.

3. Incheon Grand Park

Spanning 727 acres and nestled at the base of two mountainous peaks, Incheon Grand Park provides a venue for relaxation amidst its gardens, ecological areas, an arboretum, and a children’s zoo.

The zoo, opened in 2001, is home to over 200 animals, including Japanese macaques, Pungsan dogs, sheep, and ostriches.

The rose garden blooms magnificently in summer, boasting approximately 7,800 bushes from 66 species, while educational signage throughout the natural forest informs visitors about the local wildlife and ecosystem.

Bicycle rentals are available, including tandem and four-wheel bikes for group outings, and the park offers a range of facilities including a campsite, a small environmental museum, an ice rink in winter, an outdoor amphitheater, picnic areas, a sledding hill, and sports fields.

Visiting in late April grants the opportunity to witness the beautiful Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival.

4. Sinpo International Market

This market, located slightly north of the port in Jung-gu, originated in the late 19th century when vendors began selling vegetables to Westerners, Chinese, and Japanese settlers.

Formally established in 1970, it has come to represent Incheon’s market scene, particularly with the surge of tourists arriving via ferry and cruise ships over recent decades.

Numerous small shops offer a variety of products ranging from imitation clothing to cosmetics, bags, fresh produce, and cookware, all arranged along a spacious central hallway that features a glass roof.

The primary attraction is the enticing street food, which includes mandu (fried dumplings), jjolmyeon (spicy, chewy noodles), and dakgangjeong (fried chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze).

5. Chinatown

The sole official Chinatown in Korea is located opposite Incheon Station in Jung-gu, established in 1884. Most current residents are second or third generation descendants, with a notable population of approximately 50,000 Chinese expatriates still present in the city. The area features numerous architectural details, most prominently represented by three paifangs, or traditional gateways.

Chinatown hosts a school for expatriates, along with a cultural center aimed at fostering exchanges between the two nations. Visitors can explore shops selling antique ceramics and traditional Chinese tea.

The culinary offerings represent a fusion of Korean and Chinese flavors, with a diverse array of dishes available, whether dining in a restaurant or grabbing a bite on-the-go.

Menu highlights include kung pao chicken, sweet and sour pork, jjajangmyun (noodles with black bean sauce), pineapple tarts, candied strawberries, and mooncakes filled with sweet bean paste.

6. Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

Situated close to the port and Chinatown, this residential area was settled in the late 19th century by incoming foreigners.

After experiencing a decline, Songwol-dong faced a diminishing population, prompting the exodus of even more young inhabitants.

However, revitalization efforts transformed the neighborhood, adorning it with intricate, vividly colored sculptures and murals inspired by Korean folklore, global fairy tales, and cherished children’s characters.

Every corner of Songwol-dong presents photo opportunities featuring imagery from the Wizard of Oz as well as characters such as Pinocchio, Doraemon, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White, Bambi, the Chinese Seven Fairies, and the Japanese Sea Dragon Palace.

7. Ganghwado

Korea’s fifth-largest island, located in the Han River estuary, can be reached via the Choji or Grandhwa bridges and is often referred to as a “roofless museum.” Throughout the Joseon Dynasty, Ganghwado was frequently on the front lines during invasions and is dotted with fortifications and significant battlefields.

Venture to three notable sites: Gapgot Fortification, which played a role during the 13th-century Mongol invasions of Korea; Gwangseongbo Fortress, the site of intense conflict during the United States’ expedition to Korea in 1871; and Chojijin Fortress, where French naval forces were thwarted in 1866 and where the unfavorable Japan-Korea treaty was agreed upon in 1876. Notably, at Chojijin, visit the Yeonmijeong Pavilion for stunning views of North Korea’s Gapung County.

8. Wolmido

Land reclamation and the introduction of a new highway transformed what was once an island situated on the northern side of the harbor into a connected neighborhood within Incheon.

A U.S. Army base was operational on Wolmido from the 1950s until the 1990s; since then, the island has evolved into a weekend getaway for residents of Incheon.

The Wolmido Cultural Street, established in 1989, features a lively promenade lined with cafes and restaurants, thriving with activity on weekends, where outdoor shows and street performances are commonplace.

The culinary scene specializes in seafood, providing diners with picturesque views of the water, extending to Yeongjongdo.

Attractions include an observatory for coastal views, a museum dedicated to Korean immigration, a small amusement park, and a serene expanse of parkland on the island’s elevated eastern side, culminating in a scenic lookout that offers romantic sunsets.

9. Jeondeungsa Temple

Located on Ganghwado and nestled amidst ancient woodlands, Jeondeungsa Temple is believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in South Korea, founded in the 4th century CE during the reign of Sosurim of Goguryeo.

Its strategic location was advantageous for defense; in 1866, a group of 50 Buddhist priests participated in the successful defense against the French navy, securing the temple’s revered status in the nation’s history.

Within the Daeungbojeon (Main Hall), designated a Korean National Treasure, visitors can observe the names inscribed on the walls and columns of soldiers who fought against the French, having included their names here as a prayer to Buddha for protection.

The craftsmanship evident in the canopy above the Buddha statue showcases exquisite artistry, while the Yaksajeon (Medicine Buddha Hall) and the Beomjong Bell, cast in the 11th century, stand as remarkable highlights of the temple.

Visitors to Jeondeungsa Temple can participate in a temple stay program, offering a retreat for deeper understanding of Korean Buddhism and traditional culture.

10. Baengnyeongdo

Though the ferry journey to this captivating island requires four hours, numerous passengers eagerly undertake the trip.

Baengnyeongdo is one of the five northwestern border islands and is situated near the contested Northern Limit Line.

With a population exceeding 4,300, the island offers clear days with visibility extending to North Korea’s Changsan Cape.

What attracts visitors are the unique sedimentary formations and cliffs of Dumujin on the northeastern shoreline, with distinctive names such as Candlestick Rock and Elephant Rock.

Baengnyeongdo also boasts breathtaking beaches, some with unusual properties. Notably, Sagot Beach features diatomaceous earth, which remains soft to the touch but hardens under pressure, allowing vehicles to drive upon its sandy surface.

Moreover, this island is known as the cradle of Korean Christianity, as it was the first landing place of the Lutheran missionary Karl Gützlaff in 1832, who founded the Junghwadong Church, still in existence and serving as an essential pilgrimage site for Korean Christians.

11. Gyeongin Waterway (Ara Canal)

Linking the West Sea (Yellow Sea) with the Han River, the Gyeongin Waterway is an 18-kilometer shipping canal extending from Incheon’s Seo-gu district to Gangseo-gu, part of Seoul.

This project was completed in 2012, marking Korea’s first inland waterway and featuring several points of interest.

Cruise boats can be taken from the Gyeongin Port terminal, while a bicycle path runs alongside the waterway, totaling more than 41 kilometers and featuring several rental shops for bicycles along the way.

At the eastern end, near the Han River, lies Gimpo’s massive Hyundai Premium Outlet mall, which provides access to international luxury brands at reduced prices.

While navigating the waterway, keep an eye out for the impressive man-made Ara Waterfall and the AraMaru Skywalk, a circular bridge extending over the cliffs on the north bank.

12. Jayu Park

Recognized as the first western-style park established in South Korea, Jayu Park extends over Mount Eungbong, located just east of Chinatown.

The park was renamed in 1957 following the erection of a statue of General MacArthur, translating to “Park of Freedom.”

MacArthur, the leader of the United Nations Command, orchestrated the successful amphibious landing at Incheon in September 1950, involving 75,000 troops and 261 vessels.

At the summit of Mount Eungbong, visitors can find his statue, accompanied by breathtaking views of the port, the West Sea, downtown Incheon, and the surrounding mountains.

The park is particularly enchanting in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

13. Sudoguksan Museum of Housing & Living

Situated in the hilly Songhyun Park of Dong-gu, the Sudoguksan Museum of Housing & Living offers insights into a challenging chapter in Incheon’s relatively recent history.

The museum focuses on the daldongne (moon village), referring to temporary settlements established by the government for impoverished residents atop Incheon’s hills during the 1960s and 70s.

The term “moon villages” reflects the clear views of the nighttime sky available from these locations.

The galleries recreate the atmosphere of these modest yet tightly-knit communities, featuring reconstructed alleyways and amenities like barber shops, grocery stores, water supply areas, toilets, and coal briquette shops.

Engaging hands-on activities are offered for families, including dice games and opportunities to dress in traditional costumes.

14. Incheon Bridge

As the longest bridge in Korea and the tenth-longest cable-stayed bridge globally, the 21.38-kilometer Incheon Bridge connects Yeongjeong Island and Incheon International Airport to the mainland at Songdo.

Completed in 2009 at a total cost of ₩2.45 trillion, Incheon Bridge significantly reduced travel time to the airport by up to an hour, facilitating Incheon’s development as an international business hub.

This crossing spans essential shipping routes in and out of the port, boasting a clearance height of 74 meters and a center span of 800 meters.

The main tower of the cable-stayed portion rises to over 230 meters.

15. Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation

The Memorial Hall commemorates the Battle of Incheon and presents a powerful silhouette at the base of a mountain in Yeonsu-gu.

Established in 1984 to commemorate the centennial of Incheon Port’s opening, it is crowned by an 18-meter memorial tower and features flags representing the 16 nations that comprised the United Nations Command.

Inside the hall, visitors can explore the details surrounding the landing operation, a pivotal moment in the Korean War, through artifacts, informative displays, and an intricate scale model depicting the attack.

In the outdoor area, a small collection of tanks, missiles, and aircraft (including a Cessna O-1 and F-86 Sabre) is displayed alongside commemorative statues.

If time permits, consider visiting the Incheon Metropolitan City Museum located next door.