Things To Do
in Incheon
Incheon is a dynamic port city on Korea’s west coast, just a short ride from Seoul via high-speed transit. It blends futuristic districts like Songdo with historic neighborhoods such as Chinatown and the traditional fishing communities along its coastline. The city serves as a gateway to the region thanks to Incheon International Airport and a network of ferries to nearby islands.
Visitors can enjoy modern architecture, seafood markets, cultural sites, and easy access to nature and nearby Ganghwa Island.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Incheon’s Chinatown, the largest in South Korea. Stroll through the vibrant streets lined with colorful shops and restaurants, sampling traditional dumplings and other delicacies. Don't forget to take pictures of the iconic Incheon Grand Bridge in the background as you explore.
After lunch, head over to the Incheon Art Platform, a cultural hub showcasing contemporary art and performances. Engage with local artists and explore the various exhibitions that capture the essence of Korean culture. Spend some time relaxing in the nearby park, where you can enjoy the artistic installations scattered throughout the greenery.
As evening falls, make your way to Songdo Central Park for a leisurely boat ride along the picturesque waterways. The park is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for winding down after a busy day. Conclude your evening with dinner at a rooftop restaurant, offering stunning views of the skyline.
Spend your morning at the Songdo International Business District, known for its cutting-edge architecture and urban design. Visit the iconic Incheon Tower for panoramic views of the city and beyond. The airy atmosphere and modern infrastructure make it an inspiring place to start your day.
Head to the Songdo Convensia, where you can explore various exhibitions or attend an event if available. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through Central Park, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and perhaps renting a bike to explore further. Stop by the local cafes for a refreshing drink and some people-watching.
As the sun sets, visit the NC Cube Canal Walk, a unique shopping and dining space built around a canal. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many international restaurants, offering everything from Korean BBQ to Italian cuisine. Take a stroll along the canal, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere filled with lights and laughter.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🥟Street snack or small dish | $1-5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-6 |
| 🚇One-way public transit fare | $0.75-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to seafood and maritime culture
- Efficient transport connections to Seoul and the region
- A mix of modern districts (Songdo) and historic neighborhoods (Chinatown and port towns)
- Gateway to Ganghwa Island and nearby hiking trails
- Some areas can be crowded near the airport and main markets
- English proficiency may vary outside tourist zones
- Traffic can be heavy during peak hours and holidays
- Certain neighborhoods are more car-dependent than pedestrian-friendly
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "실례합니다" - Excuse me
- "영어를 할 수 있어요?" - Do you speak English?
- "실례지만 어디예요?" - Excuse me, where is it?
- "이것은 얼마예요?" - How much is this?
- "화장실이 어디예요?" - Where is the restroom?
- "도와주세요" - Help, please
Places to Visit in Incheon
Visit one of these nice places.
A modern, scenic park with wide avenues, sculptural bridges, and reflective water features—ideal for sunrise and architectural photography.
A dramatic suspension bridge that lights up after dusk, offering striking silhouettes and harbor reflections.
A hillside park overlooking the early modern port, with green spaces and vantage points for harbor panoramas.
Colorful gates, lanterns, and street scenes that capture a fusion of Korean and Chinese-influenced urban life.
Coastal promenade with boats, ferries, and sea spray; great for sunset photography and candid street shots.
Food in Incheon
Incheon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick noodle bowls topped with rich black bean sauce; best enjoyed in Chinatown where the dish evolved with local twists and pickled vegetables.
Must-Try!
A fiery noodle soup loaded with shellfish, squid, and peppers; a staple along the coast and at many market stalls.
Raw crab marinated in soy sauce, a celebrated seafood delicacy in Incheon; best tried at markets or seafood restaurants by the port.
Crispy pork with a tangy glaze; commonly found in Chinatown eateries and traditional Korean-Chinese restaurants.
Assorted grilled shellfish and small fish popular at market stalls along the coast; a simple, flavorful way to sample local seafood.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A concentrated strip of stalls and small restaurants offering jajangmyeon, jjamppong, mandu, and street snacks with a Chinese-Korean flavor mix.
A long-standing market where you can buy fresh seafood and have it prepared on site; a great place to try raw crab, steamed shellfish, and grilled fish.
A traditional market area with ready-to-eat bites, dumplings, tteokbokki, fish cakes, and everyday Korean snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stand in line and wait your turn; speak politely and avoid loud conversations in public spaces and transit.
In homes, shoes are removed; bring small gifts if visiting someone’s home or a polite gesture if invited.
A light bow is common in formal greetings; handshakes are acceptable among adults, but avoid overly aggressive displays of affection in public.
Use shared spoons and chopsticks appropriately; don’t refuel bowls with water in the middle of a meal; be mindful of turning dishes away from others at the table.
Safety
Tipping in Incheon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Korean restaurants; some tourist-oriented or international hotels may add a service charge, but it is not expected in local eateries.
Cash is widely accepted, and cards are common in larger shops and restaurants. Mobile payments (KakaoPay, Naver Pay, and other QR-based systems) are increasingly frequent, especially in urban areas and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with flowering cherry blossoms; comfortable for outdoor walking and park visits, though occasional showers can occur.
Warm to hot and humid with occasional typhoon risk; coastal breezes help; excellent for beaches, markets, and outdoor dining, but stay hydrated.
Clear skies, cooler days, and vibrant fall foliage—great for city walks, hiking on Ganghwa Island, and photography.
Cold and dry to damp conditions with occasional snow; indoor attractions and markets are comfortable; coastal views can be dramatic on clear days.
Incheon at Night
Hiking in Incheon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking peak offering sea views, forested trails, and temple grounds; accessible as a day trip from central Incheon.
Coastal hiking routes along cliffs and beaches with scenic sea panoramas and island villages.
Forest and meadow trails within the park system suitable for easy to moderate hikes and family outings.
Airports
How to reach Incheon by plane.
Main international gateway for the region, connected by high-speed rail and highways; easy access to city centers and Songdo.
Secondary airport serving domestic and short-haul international flights; convenient for connections to central Seoul and western coast towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-time residents in traditional neighborhoods and newer urban dwellers in Songdo and coastal districts.
Significant presence in university areas and international districts, especially around Songdo and coastal campuses.
Active communities around Songdo and Chinatown, with services and international dining options.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Incheon hosts professional baseball venues and has a strong local following, with games featuring lively crowds and regional flavors.
Local clubs play in stadiums around Incheon; fans enjoy outdoor matches and city-supporting atmospheres.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Incheon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes include seafood or meat, so look for bibimbap or tofu stews without meat; ask for no fish sauce or anchovy broth, and request vegetable-based dishes when possible.