Incheon travel blog — The fullest Incheon travel guide for first-timers

Just 27 kilometers (17 miles) west of the capital city of Seoul, Incheon city is the gateway to centrally-run cities with Incheon port, the most famous and modern Incheon International Airport in Northeast Asia. Not only that, Incheon is also an attractive destination, well-known for number of tourist attractions, coming to Incheon, visitors can visit its stunning, fresh large and small islands, the land of high and low tides, beautiful parks and ancient ruins. So, is is Incheon worth visiting, what to do in Incheon and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Incheon for the first-time? Let’s check out our Incheon travel blog (Incheon blog) with the fullest Incheon travel guide (Incheon guide) from how to get to Incheon, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Incheon to find out the answer!

Incheon travel blog: Overview of Incheon

Incheon is a beautiful port and coastal city located in the northwest region of Korea. Incheon is located adjacent to the capital Seoul and Gyeonggi Province to the east and the Yellow Sea to the west. Incheon’s area is about 1,066 square kilometers with a population of about 2.9 million people. Incheon has the 3rd largest population in the country, just behind Seoul and Busan. Incheon Port is an extremely busy seaport and connects to 187 countries worldwide. Incheon thus plays an important role for Korea in political, diplomatic and economic development, transportation of goods.

Incheon is increasingly developing as a bustling modern urban city of nearly 3 million people with beautiful beaches on Yeongjong Island, a place to store prehistoric artifacts of Ganghwa Island and bearing a long history from 5,000 years ago. Incheon borders Seoul to the east, becoming an important maritime city of the “land of kimchi”. You’ll find historic attractions alongside bustling shopping centers, dining and entertainment venues.

Known as a port city with the largest and most important airport in Korea, Incheon also offers many worth visit attractions, great sights, and rich history for you to explore when traveling to Korea.

This place attracts tourists from all over the world because of its beautiful scenery, fresh air and delectable cuisine, rich history, due to its favorable geographical location, it is also famous for fresh, cheap seafood products.

Incheon travel blog: Why should you visit Incheon?

Rich history

As an important place in the nation’s history, you’ll find many impressive museums and monuments to explore such as the Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation, which marks an important event in the Korean War, the Modern Architecture Museum and much more.

There are also many scenic spots, along with national cultural monuments that are world-class in terms of its popularity, there are also royal palaces with hundreds of years of history and ancient villages still well-preserved to this day.

Shopping paradise

From the vast Bupyeong underground market with over 1,000 stores to trendy boutiques and bustling shopping malls, you’ll find everything in Incheon. A paradise for shopaholics with a wide variety of products from cosmetics, appliances, and electronics from modern large commercial centers to famous bustling night markets with affordable prices. When you buy goods here, rest assured about their quality, the products here are of top quality in the world.

Ganghwa Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a prehistoric burial ground and one of the island’s many important archaeological historic sites, separated from the mainland by a small canal.

Coastal living

Incheon Airport is built between the two islands of Yeongjong and Yongyu, a romantic scene of beaches, restaurants and bars. An ideal place to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Delectable cuisine (Incheon travel blog)

There is an amazing culinary here: Fresh seafood, calm ocean views along the Wolmido cultural street waterfront area, local cuisine with a hint of spicy and aromatic flavors and some mouthwatering Chinese dishes in Chinatown. Incheon’s culinary scene will never let you down.

Incheon travel guide: When to come?

Incheon is influenced by a humid continental climate. The weather in Incheon is divided into 4 distinct seasons. There is a large difference in temperature between seasons. However, the temperature rarely rises too high. Winter weather (December – February) can drop below freezing, and the monsoon months in summer (June – August) are very hot and humid. In general, you can visit Incheon in any season of the year.

However, the two best times to come here are in spring or autumn. In spring (March – June) and autumn (September – November), the weather is very cool, pleasant, and the landscape is beautiful, which is very convenient for visitors to sightseeing, bathing, take part in outdoor activities.

Incheon travel guide: How to get to Incheon?

Plane

Incheon International Airport (ICN) located on Yeongjong Island is considered one of the largest and best airports in the world. Therefore, most international visitors coming to Incheon in particular and South Korea in general will travel by plane. From the two airports of Noi Bai (in Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (in Ho Chi Minh City) there are daily direct flights to Incheon for you to choose from. If you depart from Seoul and want to make a day trip to Incheon, you can go by bus. It only takes about 1 hour by car to get there.

Incheon International Airport with an area of ​​54 hectares, more than 14 miles to the city center, and 70km west of Seoul. This is an important gateway for tourists to reach East Asia. It is one of the largest and busiest air hubs in the world.

To find best routes as well as cheap airfare based on your location you can go to Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak to hunt.

From the airport you can get to Incheon city by AREX train for about 4,150 won.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or bus to city center

Boat

Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal has routes to a number of cities in China such as Qingdao, Tianjin, Dandong, etc. However, the waterway is often used to transport of goods, quite a few tourists choose this means of transport.

Train

The city of Incheon connects to Seoul and other areas further afield via subways and regional trains.

Car

Traveling by car on the highway is easy to reach Incheon from Seoul and most major hubs across Korea.

Bus

Incheon links with intercity bus routes in the region. Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju all have bus routes to Incheon.

Transportation in Incheon

To getting around Incheon, visitors can use buses, subways or taxis. But the first thing to do when you upon arrive Incheon Airport is to buy a very convenient transport card called T-Money. The card is used to travel on all almost means of transport from AREX train, subway, bus… You only top-up some amount and swipe when get on vehicles. You also withdraw if you want with a fee of 500 won/time. The card is easy to find at stations, convenience stores… You can buy in advance HERE and receive at the airport.

Klook T-money Card Pick Up and Delivery (TH)

Subway

This is the most popular means of public transport. There are 5 subway lines running through Incheon, stopping at all districts in the city. From Incheon International Airport, visitors will easily catch the train to the central city. Train fare is around 1,250 won and will increase with distance traveled. See details here.

Bus

For attractions in Incheon that are not very convenient to take the subway, visitors can go by bus. Fares vary for each type of bus, from 800 won – 2,500 won. You can also use a public transport card to ride the bus such as T-Money Card above. Some bus routes you should note in mind.

• Green bus: Go around local neighborhoods
• Blue bus: Going from district area to Incheon city center
• Red and white bus: Going from Incheon to Seoul and Bucheon

In additionn, you can take a Hop-On/Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour with day tickets, refer here.

Taxi

Take visitors anywhere in Incheon. The starting price is around 2,600 won and will increase with distance. However, the drivers often do not speak English, so tourists need to be fully understand about where they are going, preferably with an address written in Korean to give them.

Incheon guide: Where to go and what to do in Incheon?

Eurwangni Beach

Located on the far tip of Yongyudo Island, not far from Incheon’s international airport, Eurwangni Beach is one of Korea’s most beautiful seaside spots. Everything this place has to offer will make anyone who visits unforgettable, from the idyllic scenery to the lakes no more than 1.5 meters, the pure white sand and easy access to the city center. Eurewangni Beach always attracts a large number of tourists to visit, so the atmosphere is always fun without being too noisy as well as hustle and bustle.

A clear blue beach and white sand located near Incheon International Airport. Eurwangni Beach is considered the most beautiful sunset spot in Incheon as well as observing astronomical phenomena.

Incheon Jayu Park (Freedom Park)

Address: 25 Jayugongwonnam-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

As Incheon’s most famous park, Jahyou (or Jayu) means “freedom” in Korean. The most special feature is the statue of General MacArthur, the hero who liberated Korea from Japan. Inside the park, there is a zoo, many hillside trekking paths and breathtaking views of the harbor. If you want to take the most artistic photos in Incheon, no place can beat Jahyou Park.

Chinatown

One of the famous destinations in Incheon that you should not miss is Chinatown. This neighborhood is located in Seonlin-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon city and is also the only Chinatown in Korea today. Here you will see the architectural works imbued with Chinese culture. Chinatown in Incheon is also considered a culinary paradise with countless delicious and attractive dishes.

Arts Center Incheon

Address: 222 Art center-daero, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea

Korea is a thriving powerhouse in the creative industry, from K-Pop to Samsung smartphones, and it’s all shown through the Arts Center Incheon. Located in the center of the city, Arts Center Incheon is a complex of galleries, studios, stages and spaces dedicated to nurturing Korean talent and bringing local and international artists to Incheon. All form a network of buildings from the 1930s and 1940s, whose creativity has always spread to other continents, transcending space and time, bringing the names of talented artists, creativity to the world, bringing great pride to Korea.

Songdo Central park

Address: 160 Convensia-daero, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea

Another great park of Incheon is Songdo Central Park, located on Songdo Island, about 8 miles from the city center. Songdo is a prominent landmark that attracts many tourists, spreading over 1,500 acres of land reclaimed from the sea and aspires to become New York’s Central Park. The park is designed according to many different themes that visitors can visit by water taxi. There is a garden of sculptures, boat rentals on the lake and especially the new futuristic metal structure Tri-Bowl – a brilliant futuristic construction that hosts concerts and other cultural events other.

Jeondeungsa Temple

Address: 37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea
Hours: 8AM–6PM

This is a very large and oldest temple on Ganghwa Island. Jeongdeungsa Temple is located on the top of an airy mountain, in the middle of a peaceful mountain space. Visitors can visit the temple scene, admire the ancient architecture of the Korean people and relax in a peaceful place.

Incheon Bridge

Incheon Bridge is a very famous bridge in Korea. With a length of up to 18,248 km, Incheon Bridge is currently the longest bridge in Korea. Seen from above, Incheon Bridge looks like a ship going forward. Not only that, in 2005, Incheon Bridge was also voted by British construction magazine as one of the 10 most wonderful architectural works in the world.

It is also known as the longest cable-stayed bridge. The Incheon Bridge connecting the city to Yongyudo Island. This is a beautiful, modern and unique building that has a spectacular light show in the evening. From the airport, you will have the opportunity to cross this bridge, don’t forget to take pictures to check in one of the brightest buildings in Korea.

Songwol-Dong Fairy Village

Address: Jayugongwonseo-ro 45beon-gil, Songwol-dong 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

As part of the Korean Government’s revival project from a poor village into a creative and meaningful art place, several places in the city have been “rejuvenated” to bring street art to children. Song-wol Dong fairy village will bring you closer to the wonderland, the fairy tales in the world. Located just a 10-minute walk from the station via Chinatown, Songwol-Dong is a small village full of rainbow murals, pink roofs, orange doors, and all your favorite cartoon characters on the walls and footpaths.

Sorae Ecology Park

Address: 77 Sorae-ro 154beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea

If Chinatown is full of Chinese, Sorae Ecology Park has a very Dutch beauty. The entire park area is more than 1,560,000 m2 in area and is a mangrove area and is the habitat of many animals. Sorae is full of reeds that grow all over the park. The highlight for the beauty of this place is the windmills that look like they came out of fairy tales. If you plan a solo travel and do not know the way here, you can use the paper map of Korea or Gmaps online.

This is a place where people often visit and relax with family and friends on weekends. Sorae Marsh Ecological Park is suitable for visitors to walk and relax with an airy and poetic atmosphere. Especially the image of red windmills in the middle of reed fields makes many tourists very interested.

Wolmido Island

Wolmido was once an island completely separated from the Korean mainland, but now it is connected via a beautiful highway. This is considered one of the ideal resting places in Incheon city, just 1km from the coast of Incheon and extremely convenient to get to. On this very island, there are many interesting activities, suitable for all ages, families with young children, friends or romantic trips for couples.

Wolmi Observation Deck: If you want to find a place where you can see the entire Incheon city from above, come to Wolmido. This is an observation deck with a height of 25m and built entirely of glass. Therefore, you will get the most panoramic views of Incheon city.

Muuido Island

Incheon is made up of many different islands. One of the most beautiful and famous islands in Incheon is Muuido Island. The beauty of Muui Island is still likened to “a dancer’s dress”. On Muui island there is Mount Horyong. This is the ideal destination for those who love mountain climbing. In addition, Muui Island also owns a beautiful Hanagae beach.

The island has many beautiful beaches. The most famous is Hanagae beach with a very poetic sand dune, once selected as the shooting backdrop for the Korean movie “Stairway to Heaven”. When hiking mount Horyong you will admire the beautiful paradise-like scenery of Muui island and neighboring islands.

Bun Bawui Cliff

Located around Socheong Island, Bun Bawui cliff looks like a majestic natural picture. In the last days of the month, it emits a much brighter light, becoming a beacon for many ships to dock. Coming here, you can also watch many small rocks that glow every afternoon.

Sunset on the Eurwang Sea

A romantic and wonderful scene not to be missed in Incheon is the sunset on Eurwang Sea. Standing at this beach, visitors can fully watch the moment the sun sets at the end of the day.

You should spend an afternoon to Eurwang beach. The peaceful beach is now gradually covered with the golden light of the last rays of the sun. Then that light gradually weakened and then sank into the quiet night. The moment of transition between the day and to always leaves many emotions in the hearts of visitors. If you go on in the fall, this place will be even more romantic.

Ganghwa mud beach

Ganghwa mud beach is one of the typical landscapes of Incheon Korea. In Ganghwa there are large swamps with water levels that change depending on the season but are generally very low. Gangwa mud bathing has a long history and attracts visitors by its novelty and quite interesting.

Seafood

When you come to Incheon, you must definitely visit a seafood stall or restaurant to enjoy the food here. Because they all use freshly caught seafood to prepare the dish, visitors can fully feel the deliciousness of the dish. Some famous dishes in Incheon such as fish sashimi, cold noodles with chili sauce, stewed fish with soy sauce…

Incheon blog: Shopping

Bupyeong Underground Shopping Mall

Address: 7 Bupyeong-daero, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
Hours: 1–8PM

Asia is famous in the world for its underground shopping malls and the market is flooded with cheap items, always offering huge discounts on famous items. In Incheon, that market is called Bupyeong Underground Shopping Mall, which is an endless maze of over 1,400 stores selling everything and anything you wouldn’t expect at a bargain price.

Sinpo International Market

Address: 11-5 Uhyeon-ro 49beon-gil, Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Hours: 7AM–9:30PM/Saturday, Sunday: 7AM–11:30PM

This is a market that has existed since the end of the 19th century. Currently, Shinpo International Market is also an international port where many foreigners cross and trade. So, when visiting the market, you will easily find a lot of delicious Korean street food.

Sinpo International Market is a popular market in Incheon, boasting over 140 stalls selling all sorts of Korean delicacies that make it hard to get out of pocket. Locals and tourists flock to this market to feel the friendliness and hospitality of the vendors and the bustling atmosphere throughout the day.

Sorae Fish Market

Address: 2-6 Pogu-ro, Nonhyeon 1(il)-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Hours: 8AM–8PM

Because of its location near the sea, Incheon owns a very rich seafood resource. Since ancient times, people here have taken advantage of these natural ingredients to make many famous “Korean dishes”. Traveling to Incheon, visitors must definitely visit the Sorae seafood market located next to Soraepogu port. Coming to this market, you will see a variety of seafood for sale, some of which are new to visitors. In addition to tasting local delicacies, you also buy dried foods as gifts.

Incheon travel guide: Where to stay in Incheon?

Some good places to stay in Incheon

• Jung District: This central historic area is home to many attractions and monuments such as the Dapdong Cathedral of St. Paul.
• Yeongjong Island or Yeongjongdo: This island is easily accessible by bridge, is home to Incheon airport, and is set in a rural landscape with farms and beaches.
• Bupyeong District: This lively neighborhood is where you’ll find Bupyeong Underground Shopping Mall, with hundreds of small shops, and Bupyeong Culture Street, a pedestrian area where performances and concerts are held.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Best Western Harbor Park Hotel (Agoda, Booking): Elegant modern Korean decor at Harbor Park Hotel, with beautiful views of the harbor and surrounding hills of the city. The hotel is provided with the most modern and comfortable furniture.
• K-Guesthouse Incheon Airport Town 1: With terrace, shared living room and kitchen, free Wi-Fi and X-box game area, K-Guesthouse Incheon Airport Town 1 is a great choice if you are interested to convenient public transport, affordable prices and friendly locals. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a fridge, and a full breakfast is served at the hotel.
• Grand Hyatt Incheon (Agoda, Booking): Located just 3 minutes from Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport, you can easily reach Incheon City and downtown Seoul by public transportation from here. Rooms are spacious with modern decor with TVs, minibars, workspaces and beds with goose down duvets.
• Oakwood Premier Incheon (Agoda, Booking)
• Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• Orakai Songdo Park Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• Orakai Songdo Park Hotel (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top and best hotels in Incheon via Agoda or Booking.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Incheon you can refer to

• Private Transfer from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Downtown Seoul
• Private Incheon International Airport Transfers (ICN Pick Up) for Seoul (Group of 4)
• Shared Airport Transfers (ICN/GMP) for Seoul
• Incheon Day Trip from Seoul by Wondertrip
• Incheon Sunset and Seafood Tour
• Let’s Explore Incheon
• DMZ and NLL Day Tour
• Incheon Shopping & Food Day Tour (Shin Gi Market & Hyundai Premium Outlets)
• AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
• K-Live Ticket in Songdo, Incheon
• [Klook Exclusive] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Limousine Bus Transfers for Seoul (Gangnam District)
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for South Korea (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for South Korea from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
• [SALE] Instant Ticket: Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5Days
• Seoul: South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half & Full Day Tour

Read more Korea guide here.