10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Incheon

Songdo is an international city created on reclaimed land off the coast of Incheon, featuring state-of-the-art buildings and a large seawater park. Admire the panoramic view of the coastal waters of Incheon and an unobstructed skyline from top of Songdo G-Tower Observatory, which has become a new landmark of the area, located near Songdo Central Park Station. Central Park, located in the heart of Songdo and providing a resting place to citizens, is Korea's first seawater park with a 1.8 km-long artificial waterway traversing the park. In the park, you can rent a bicycle from a rental station or take a boat tour around the seawater park. You can also appreciate the nightscape of the park on boat.

Another major tourist attraction of Songdo is Sorae Wetland Ecological Park, which was renovated from a salt farm in 2009. Sorae Wetland Ecological Park is famous for three windmills that create exotic scenery. Visit the tidal flats around the eco park and have an exciting tidal flat experience.

Bupyeong, a basin area surrounded by Gyeyangsan, Cheolmasan, and Manwolsan Mountains, is home to various tourist attractions including Bupyeong Park, one of Incheon's major resting areas; Bupyeong Market, the city's largest traditional market; and Haemultang Street representing the city's rich food culture. Bupyeong Park, located near Bupyeong Station, has been transformed from a military base into a resting area for citizens boasting lush lawns and forest.

Bupyeong Market is the largest traditional market in Incheon where you can shop for a wide selection of goods. The market has a long history of 100 years where even munitions smuggled out from U.S. military bases were traded in the 1950s. The market was formerly called “Dokkaebi (goblin) Market.” On Haemultang Street located in Bupyeong 5-dong, you can relish in haemultang (spicy seafood stew) containing various seafood and vegetables such as shellfish, octopus, and shrimp, as well as steamed seafood and scorched rice soup with seafood.

Incheon's Chinatown, which is a small China in Korea, was formed when the Jemulpo area was established as an extraterritorial area of the Qing Dynasty after the opening of the port toward the end of the Joseon Dynasty. Visiting this place where Chinese immigrants have preserved their own culture and customs for over 120 years will feel like a short trip to China. Chinatown can be reached on foot from Incheon subway station. It once bustled with stores selling goods imported from China, but today, its reputation centres on the various Chinese restaurants in the area.

The Chinese who have lived here as descendants of early immigrants present the authentic tastes of China. Some of these restaurants that serve jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce), white jajangmyeon (noodles in white sauce), and lamb skewers are so popular that you can dine only after waiting in line. The building of Gonghwachun, which was one of most successful restaurants in Chinatown, has been designated as a registered cultural property and currently serves as Jajangmyeon Museum.

Incheon Grand Park, a resting area visited by some 4 million citizens annually, is located in Namdong-gu. Incheon Grand Park, situated near Incheon Grand Park Station, is a recreational park where anyone can have time to heal, breathe fresh air, and commune with nature. The Future Environment Hall in the park stimulates citizens' interest in nature and environmental issues of the planet.

At the Wood Culture Experience Centre in the park, which is a space to learn about wood culture and experience woodcraft, you can make your own artwork. The Healing Forest was formed using the cypress forest and other natural resources of Gwanmosan Mountain to help citizens enhance their immunity and health. You can participate in the healing program to experience the benefits of forest therapy. Incheon Arboretum that provides nature experiential programs is also worth visiting.

Wolmido Island located approximately 1 km away from the coast of Incheon has a total circumference of 4 km. The island first gained public attention as an amusement park in the 1930s, since which it has long been a representative resting place for Incheon citizens. Close to Incheon subway station, the island has become famous also as a street performance spot since the creation of Wolmi Culture Street in 1989. On weekends, the street is crowded with tourists from across the nation who come to taste the delicacies of the west coastal region at cafes and the Raw Fish Centre that boast clear views of the sea. Wolmi Culture Street, consisting of spaces for meeting and communication, culture and arts, and various performances, was created to promote the cultural enjoyment of citizens.

There is also a cruise ship that operates between Wolmido and Yeongjongdo Islands. At Wolmi Theme Park, an amusement park with a long history, you can enjoy thrilling rides such as the Hyper Shot and Drop with a height of 70 metres and the two-storey Pirate Ship. Have a fun-filled day at this amusement park, which also has an indoor playground and water play facilities for children.

Songwol-dong is famous as a fairy tale village created with the theme of fairy tales. The area has attracted attention since its transformation into the present fairy tale village in 2015. After getting off the subway at Incheon Station and taking a short walk, you will soon see sculptures that mark the beginning of the village. The entire village is decorated with murals depicting famous characters from fairy tales including Snow White and Cinderella. Take a look around this colourful, dreamlike village and please your palate with a delectable selection of food. Dolphin-shaped pizza is a delicacy that you can’t taste anywhere else.

The alleys of the village, decorated with different themes, provide various attractions and entertainment. The Traditional Fairy Tale Alley and Dorothy Alley based on the Wonderful Wizard of Oz are some of the alleys that captivate the heart of tourists. In every corner of the village, characters from fairy tales like Pinocchio and Snow White are awaiting you.

Yeongjongdo Island is connected to the mainland by the Yeongjongdaegyo Bridge, so you can easily experience the tidal flats, admire the seascape, and enjoy various seafood. The island is located approximately 3 km northwest of Yeonan Pier in Incheon. You can take the airport railroad (AREX) and get off at Yeongjong Station, or drive across the 4.42 km-long Yeongjongdaegyo Bridge to get to the island. At the fish market, you can buy a variety of seafood and taste it raw on the spot.

Take some time to heal your body and soul with a stroll around Yonggungsa Temple and through the forest with a mystical atmosphere. You can see the 1,000-year-old zelkova tree at Yonggungsa Temple. Sowonbawi Rock near the temple is known as the most auspicious site in Korea according to the practice of feng shui. Climb atop Baegunsan Mountain to get a panoramic view of Incheon International Airport. You can also explore coastal cliffs and sea caves at the Marine Exploration Centre.