Incheon Travel Guide for Foreign Tourists

Incheon is not only South Korea’s gateway to the skies, but also a vibrant city that blends tradition and modernity, ocean views and urban charm. From colorful fairy tale villages and authentic Chinatown streets to romantic seaside nightscapes and border islands overlooking North Korea—Incheon offers diverse experiences. For foreign tourists, it’s a hidden gem worth spending one or two days exploring in depth.

📍Transportation Guide: How to Get to Incheon

✈️ From the Airport: Incheon International Airport is located in Jung-gu, Incheon. You can easily reach the city center and major attractions by taking the Airport Railroad, airport limousine bus, or a taxi.

🚇 Subway System: Incheon’s subway network is connected to Seoul’s system (such as Line 1, Gyeongui–Jungang Line, etc.), making transfers easy and convenient for travelers.

💡 T-money Card is Widely Accepted: It’s recommended to get a T-money transportation card. It can be used on subways, buses, and even in convenience stores. Recharging with cash is more convenient.

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

🔹1. 🎨 Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

Highlights: Once a declining neighborhood due to the outflow of young residents, Songwol-dong was revitalized by inviting artists to paint fairy tale scenes on the village walls. It was transformed into a whimsical, storybook-like town full of charm and imagination. Today, it’s a beloved destination among both local and international tourists and one of Incheon’s top photo spots.

Perfect for: Families with children, couples, and photo enthusiasts

Address: 17-1, Songwol-dong 3-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon

How to get there: Take Subway Line 1 or the Bundang Line to Incheon Station, Exit 2. Walk about 376 meters.

🔹2. 🏮Incheon Chinatown

Highlights: When talking about Chinatowns in South Korea, most people immediately think of Incheon Chinatown. Although there are also Chinatowns in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, Incheon Chinatown is not only the largest but also the birthplace of Korean Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles), making it the most iconic Chinatown in the country.

Historical Background: Established in 1884, Incheon Chinatown stands as a historical witness to the settlement of Chinese immigrants during the Qing Dynasty.

Recommended Attractions: Mural Street, Gonghwa Chun (a century-old Jajangmyeon restaurant).

Address: 12-17, China Town-ro 26beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon / 인천 중구 차이나타운로26번길 12-17

How to get there: Take Subway Line 1 or Bundang Line to Incheon Station, Exit 1. Walk about 108 meters.

🔹3. 🎡Wolmido Island

Highlights: Wolmido Island is equipped with cafes, sashimi restaurants, and other convenient facilities. The 1,200-meter-long Cultural Street on Wolmido starts from the Graffiti Pillar and stretches through Encounter Plaza, Art Square, and Performance Area, all filled with artistic vibes. Performances here are usually impromptu, and street artists will often create paintings for visitors on the spot.

Recommended Activities: Visit the Wolmido Amusement Park, stroll through Cultural Street, and enjoy seafood.

Address: 1st Street, Bukseong-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon / 인천광역시 중구 북성동1가

How to get there: Take Bus No. 10 or No. 45 from Incheon Subway Station.

🔹4. 🌇Songdo Central Park

Highlights: Songdo Central Park is located in the heart of the Songdo International City, between the cutting-edge business district and residential area in the International Business District. It was built using the latest construction techniques to prevent the urban heat island effect and effectively reuse rainwater. It is Korea's first water park created using seawater, and operates water taxis as well. The area is surrounded by top-tier hotels, shopping centers, and other convenient facilities, making it a popular area for relaxation and vacations.

Attractions: The blend of skyscraper city views with the greenery of the park.

Recommended for: Tourists who enjoy urban walks and photographing modern architecture.

Address: 160, Convensia-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon / 인천광역시 연수구 컨벤시아대로 160

How to get there: Take Incheon Line 1 to Central Park Station, Exit 3, and walk about 708 meters.

🔹5. 🌄Ganghwa Island

Highlights: Ganghwa Island is located in the northern part of Incheon, near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. As the gateway to northwest Korea, Ganghwa Island has long been invaded by war. To defend the country, numerous fortresses and stone walls were built on the island. The island is also known for its stunning natural scenery, including the sunset over the West Sea and winter migratory birds. There are also many historical sites, including the Ganghwa Dolmen, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the thousand-year-old Cheondeungsa Temple, the Gwangseong Fortress from the Goryeo period, and the Goryeo Palace ruins.

Recommended Attractions:

🔭Ganghwa Peace Observatory: Offers views of North Korea. A passport/ID is required to visit.
🏯Goryeo Palace Site: Learn about the Goryeo Dynasty royal palace ruins.
🪨Dolmen Group: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: 160, Convensia-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon / 인천광역시 연수구 컨벤시아대로 160

How to get there: Take Bus No. 10 from Incheon Station on Line 1, transfer to Bus No. 800 at Dongsan High School, and get off at Ganghwa Hospital Station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly.

Disadvantages: It is far from the city center, and transportation is inconvenient.

🛍️Shopping and Souvenirs

Incheon Airport Duty-Free Shop: A wide variety of products, perfect for last-minute shopping before heading home.

Address: 272, Airport Road, 1st Passenger Terminal, Incheon, Jung-gu / 인천 중구 공항로 272 제1여객터미널

Transportation: The first stop when your plane arrives in South Korea.

Address: 149, Art Center-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon / 인천 연수구 아트센터대로 149

Transportation: From Incheon Line 1, Center Park Station, Exit 3, walk 640m.

Traditional Markets (such as Sinpo Market): You can find authentic snacks, Korean pastries, and souvenirs.

Address: 6-6, Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon / 인천 중구 신포동 6-6

Transportation: From Bundang Line, Sinpo Station, Exit 4, walk 446m.

📞Emergency Contact Information

☎️ Korea Travel Hotline: 1330 (Multilingual Service)
🚓 Emergency / Rescue: 112 / 119

🌟Conclusion: Incheon, Not Just a Transit Stop, but a Destination

Many travelers see Incheon as a transportation hub for entering and leaving South Korea, often overlooking the unique charm of the city itself. In reality, Incheon combines history, culture, cuisine, and modern cityscapes, making it a destination worth stopping and savoring. Whether you're into photo ops, culinary exploration, or prefer tranquil natural landscapes, Incheon has something to offer.