10 Places Must-Visit in Incheon, South Korea

If you are planning to take a trip to South Korea then one thing you would not want to miss for sure is the many beautiful places in Incheon. Located in the northwestern region of South Korea, Incheon borders Seoul and Gyeonggi to the east. It is the third most populated city of South Korea. Incheon, a Korean word means the ‘kind river’ in English. The hosts for the last Asian games are also one of the major tourist hubs in Korea. It is well connected both internally and externally with an extensive network of air, road, rail and water transport. As an international city, Incheon has hosted numerous international events apart from Asian games over the years. Once in Korea, one can’t afford to miss the major attractions that one of the most beautiful cities of Korea has to offer. There are numerous places that are worth visiting in Incheon; however, here we try to present a list of 10 of the most worthwhile places which you must not miss at any cost. Although, this list provides a comprehensive picture of Incheon, there are many more beautiful places in Incheon that you can visit.

1. WOLMI-DO ISLAND

Wolmi Traditional Park Water Dance Fountain Incheon, South Korea

The first and one of the must visit places is Wolmi-do. Wolmi-do famously know as an island is not one anymore. After being connected to the mainland of Incheon, it has now become a part of a peninsular region. It serves as not only an exciting getaway zone for people living nearby, but is also an attractive spot for foreign visitors. It offers many recreational facilities for its tourists such as a small amusement park, Korean sushi restaurants, and nice Wolmi traditional park. This spot also has beautiful beaches and hence is a beloved site for beach lovers. It is also the home to the culture, street which is responsible for bringing thousands of visitors to Incheon every day.

2. INCHEON LANDING MEMORIAL HALL

Incheon Landing Memorial Hall, South Korea

Located near Songdo Resort, Incheon Landing Memorial Hall is situated on Inchon’s southern edge. It comprises of an overlook, a monument and a museum. All of these buildings are dedicated to the martyrs who died during the Incheon invasion of the Korean War. This monument serves as a memorial and has the flags of all the 16 nations who fought in the war under the UN. This memorial provides the tourists the opportunity of seeing the photos of the city during war time. With all that this spot has to offer, it is a spot of high historic importance.

3. MONUMENTS IN JAYU/FREEDOM PARK (GENERAL MACARTHUR MONUMENT)

Monuments in Jayu Park Incheon, South Korea

Situated high above the port of Incheon there is another important tourist attraction or places in Incheon. General MacArthur monument dedicated to the US General Douglas MacArthur. This monument lies as an evidence of all the admiration general MacArthur received for his daring act of the amphibious invasion at Incheon in 1950. It lies as a demarcation of the liberation of South Korea from the communists. This 16 foot tall monument is located in Jayu Park in Incheon. The monument was founded by the citizens of. The names of people who built the statue have been engraved at the bottom of the monument. There is also a memorial plaque which says “this is a man to hold eternally in honored memory.” This monument is of high historical significance and also became a popular protest spot during various agitations in South Korea. Jayu Park not only withholds in itself the General MacArthur Monument, but is also the home for a monument dedicated to Korean American cooperation. This monument has striking aesthetics with its traditional pavilions and small aviary. It provides a view of various destinations in the city, including Wolmi-do, the beaches in the north and a huge part. This monument is known by the name Centennial Monument, which was constructed in 1982. It stands a symbol of commemoration of US-Korea Amity and Trade Treaty. This park has been one of the most striking features of Incheon since 1882.

4. TEMPLES IN INCHEON

Jeondeungsa Temple Incheon, South Korea

If you have a spiritual nature, Jeondeungsa Temple is a must visit for you. This exquisite Buddhist temple is only a 2 hour drive from Seoul and is very close from the city of Incheon. The temple is an ancient piece of architecture and has been in existence for around 1300 years. It offers a quiet and serene atmosphere with a unique architecture to marvel upon. If you want to leave all your worries behind and enjoy the peace and calm you should visit the temple on your trip to South Korea. Another place of spiritual importance that attracts huge crowds without fail is the Bomunsa Temple. Since it is located right next to the sea it is exceptionally beautiful. It remains one of the favorite locations where tourists can learn about Korea. He beautiful scenery and the peaceful environment make the learning experience much more enjoyable. The temple is located at Seokmodo Island and is alleged to have been constructed by Queen Seondeok. Right on entering the temple there is a 600 year old Chinese tree. Behind this tree is the temple.

5. INCHEON BRIDGE

Incheon Bridge, South Korea

Often termed to be the pride of Incheon, it is a recently constructed concrete bridge. This bridge is an amazing piece of architecture, which has come into existence in 2009. This bridge is about 21 km or & miles in length and is spread over the sea. The beautiful piece of architecture is decorated with soaring arches and has the blue sea water shimmering underneath. The bridge, although exquisite throughout the day, becomes particularly beautiful at night. The actual purpose of the bridge was to provide a direct access between Songdo and Incheon International Airport but it has eventually evolved to become a major tourist attraction.

6.  INCHEON CHINA TOWN

Incheon China Town, South Korea

An exclusive china town right in the heart of Korea is another tourist attraction of Incheon. Since it is present within the port, the slopes here are particularly deepened and the roads are extremely narrow. Most of the items here are quite cheap. However, instead of shopping, the real attraction is the history hidden in this place. Amaze yourself by visiting Jjaiangmyeon and Incheon Open Port Museum. While the Jjajangmyeon Museum throws light on the evolution of a popular Koreanized Chinese noodles. It also throws light on the evolution of the 19th century lifestyle and eating habits of Chinese people residing in this area. Similarly the Incheon Open Port Museum explains the development of Incheon as a port in the 19th century.  While in China town you may also be able to catch the sight of specialty sweets being handmade in various shops

7. CHAMSEONGDAN ALTAR

Chamseongdan Incheon, South Korea

Located on the top of Manisan Mountain, Chamseongdan is an altar where Dangun (Founder of Korean   Kingdom) dedicated religious service to heaven in the spring and autumn, twice a year. His sacrifice over 4,000 years ago is the result of the people’s prosperity and glorious future of Korea. It is said that the kings of Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and Joseon Kingdoms all offered sacrifices to the heavens here. Until now, a memorial service is performed every year on the National Foundation Day of Korea (Oct 3rd). Chamseongdan was appointed as a historical site No. 136 because this is the only historical treasure related to Dangun in South Korea. The altar is composed of natural stones and resemble a fortress atop of cliff reflecting the Korean ancestor's awesome toward the heaven. Another thing you should not miss is the Korean Hornbeam, a pine tree representing Korea. The interesting fact about the Korean Hornbeam is that the tree grows alone on the top stones, making the mountain views to be breathtaking. Manisan Mountain is the highest mountain in Ganghwa which is 495m above sea level. Because it is in between of Baekdusan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, you can behold the panorama of both the islands and the inland scenery. The path up to Chamseongdan Altar provides a fantastic view of mountain and sea, which is popular among climbers. This place is highly recommended if you are interested in Korean history as well as a hiking holic!

8. SONGDO CENTRAL PARK

Sangdo Central Park Incheon, South Korea

If you are taking your family for a trip to Incheon, one of the most recommended spots for you is Songdo Central Park. Any weekend trip to the park will give you the sight of many families camping in the park. An enhancement to your recreation is given by the cycling and boating facilities that are available here. It also has running platforms surrounding the central lake. The park has many sculptures and places to sit and relax. The park is also surrounded by many pieces of modern architecture, which, when reflect on the lake give spectacular reflections.

9. BUPYEONG UNDERGROUND SHOPPING CENTER

Bupyeong Undergroud Shopping Center Incheon, South Korea

The shopping center is famous for selling a variety of products ranging from clothes to books. The major attraction here is the lowest price at which all these products can be purchased at this shopping center. The many restaurants, malls and the fashion street present here, play a major role in attracting both domestic and international tourists. It is one of the must-visit places in Incheon!

10. SORAE FISH MARKET

Sorae Fish Market Incheon, South Korea

It is a traditional salted fish market that is located on the southwest inlet of Incheon. During weekdays, this market attracts about 3000 visitors. There is a range of salted food and marine products available in this market. It includes salted shrimps, salted octopus, salted crabs etc. There are many raw fish restaurants around this market.This market sees its peak sales in the months of June, August and November.

These 10 places described here form just the tip of the iceberg. A search through the web will give you at least 190 places that are worth visiting in Incheon. All these places are not only enlisted on the web but have also been rated by the many tourists who have visited them in the past. All these places together will give you a trip which takes your through pages of history while giving you a treat for your eyes. Come to Incheon, look for yourself and be amazed, but do not forget to stop over these must visit places.

If you decided to visit Incheon, these are my personal recommendations where to stay in Incheon :)

Polo Tourist Hotel, Crown Guesthouse, Central Plaza Hotel (Incheon Cityhall)

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