Incheon

Incheon

Incheon in Incheon (South Korea)

Incheon guide

Incheon combines a bustling modern metropolitan city of just under 3 million with the beaches of Yeongjong Island and prehistoric artifacts of Ganghwa Island. The city borders Seoul to the east, with a long history that dates back nearly 5,000 years. You'll find historic attractions along with thriving shopping, dining, and entertainment scenes.

What to do in Incheon

Eurwangni Beach: Incheon's Place for Fun in the Sun

On the far tip of Yongyudo Island, not far from Incheon's International Airport, Eurwangni Beach is one of Korea's finest seaside spots. Everything seems to have been made for tourists, from the idyllic scenery to waters which never exceed 1.5 meters in depth, the pure white sand, and easy access from the city center. Sure, that means the crowds flock in numbers to Eurewangni Beach, but that just adds to the fun-loving atmosphere.

Jahyou Park: Fantastic Photo Ops in the Heart of Town

Incheon's premier city center park, Jahyou (or Jayu) means "freedom" in Korean, which gives you a clue as to why people love it so much. The centerpiece of the site is a statue of General MacArthur, who helped to liberate Korea from the Japanese, but there's a zoo, numerous hillside trails, and (when you follow those trails upwards) spectacular views of the harbor, too. If you want memorable snaps of the city, nowhere beats Jahyou as a vantage point.

Incheon Art Platform: Check Out South Korea's Cultural Side

South Korea is a creative powerhouse, from K-Pop to Samsung phones, and this spirit is summed up by the dynamic range of attractions on offer at Incheon Art Platform. Located in the center of town, the Art Platform is a complex of galleries, studios, stages, and spaces dedicated to nurturing local talent and bringing international artists and performers to Incheon. All of this is housed in a network of buildings from the 1930s and 40s, lending the creativity on display a timeless feel and making it great fun to wander around and check out the day's offerings.

Songdo Central Park: The Park of the Future

Incheon's other superb park, Central Park is located on Songdo Island, around 8 miles over the water from the city center. Songdo is an attraction in itself, having been built on 1,500 acres of land reclaimed from the sea, but Central Park is its real highlight. Built to resemble New York's own Central Park, the area features themed zones that visitors can tour by water taxi. There's a local herd of deer to keep the grass nicely mowed, sculpture gardens, boat rental on the lake and the Tri Bowl - a dazzlingly futuristic construction which hosts concerts and other cultural events.

Incheon Bridge: A Wonder Across the Water

Not many bridges are major tourist attractions. Usually, they link attractions together without possessing the power to "wow" visitors on their own merits. But Incheon Bridge is different. For one thing, it's 15 miles long, connecting the city to Yongyudo Island. It's also a beautiful construction, snaking its way out into the water and becoming a spectacular light show in the evening. If you land at the airport, be sure to take a ride across the bridge and savor the views. Few cities offer such a stunning construction.

Where to stay in Incheon

Stay in the elegant contemporary Korean decor of the Harbor Park hotel, with beautiful views of the harbor and hills around the city. You'll find sleek modern furnishing and amenities at the J Motel.

Popular Neighborhoods in Incheon

Jung District - this central historic area is home to many attractions and monuments such as the Dap-dong Cathedral of St. Paul.

Yeongjong Island or Yeongjongdo - this island, accessible by bridge, is where the airport is located, and is set in a rural landscape with farms and beaches.

Bupyeong District - this lively neighborhood is where you will find Bupyeong Underground Market, with hundreds of small shops, and the Bupyeong Cultural Street, a pedestrian area where performances and concerts are held.

Climate in Incheon

In Incheon, the summers are warm, muggy, wet, and partly cloudy and the winters are freezing, dry, windy, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 19°F to 85°F and is rarely below 8°F or above 91°F.

The best times of year to visit Incheon for warm-weather activities are from late May to mid July and from mid August to late September.