The largest port city on the west coast of Korea, Incheon is home to Incheon Port, which was the first port in Korea to open to Western nations, the Street of Culture on Wolmido Island, Chinatown, and the Jayu Park. Tourist sites that are unique to Incheon include the Sinpo Market, which formed during the opening of the port in response to the influx of foreign trade and culture; Heungryunsa Temple, which provides great views of the sea and the Incheon Bridge; and the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall, which commemorates the critical Incheon Landing operation during the Korean War.


Wolmido Island


Wolmido once was an island of four kilometers long and located one kilometer from the coast of Incheon. In 1989, the area between Wolmido and Incheon was reclaimed and turned into a Street of Culture. The street is formed along the sea and is lined with various coffee shops and restaurants from which visitors can enjoy a view of the sea. This area also holds historical importance for its role in the Incheon Landing Operation during the Korean War.



Incheon China Town


Chinatown was formed after the opening of the Incheon Port in 1883, as throngs of Chinese entered the country through the port. In the past, the area was lined with shops selling goods from China, but today the area is dominated by Chinese restaurants. Chinatown and its surrounding area exude a uniquely Chinese culture that has lasted since the era of port opening.



Jayu Park


The Jayu (Freedom) Park was the first western-style park in Korea. Located on high ground, the woods are dense and pleasant to walk through. At the summit is a memorial tower commemorating the centennial relationship between Korea and the United States and a statue of General Douglas MacArthur, who led the Incheon Landing Operation. The park features a pavilion and chairs where people can rest. The summit overlooks a splendid view of the Incheon Port and Wolmido Island, so the park is popular among young couples.



Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall


This is a war memorial built to commemorate the Incheon Landing Operation led by General MacArthur, the commander of the United Nation Forces. On display are weapons used in the Korean War, military uniforms of South and North Korea during that time, and miniature dioramas of the operation. The memorial also contains an outdoor exhibition space, performance stage, and observatory. From the Freedom Tower, there are views of the sea and the sunset.



Sinpo Market


Sinpo Market was the first daily market to open in Korea. It was formed after the opening of the Incheon Port in 1883 as new goods and foreign visitors began arriving from overseas. Various foods are sold at the market, but the most popular is the dak-gangjeong (fried chicken pieces coated with a sweet and sour sauce). It is common to find throngs of people lined up to buy a bowl of dak-gangjeong at the market.



Heungryunsa Temple


Heungryungsa Temple is ideally located in a spot overlooking the Incheon Bridge, the sea, and Songdo International City. The temple site has existed there since the end of the 16th century. A small hermitage was built in the mid-1900s, and the temple has expanded further since then. There are many relatively new buildings and Buddha statues in the temple, but many people visit because of the great view the temple offers. It takes only thirty minutes by car to get there from the Incheon International Airport, and there is also a two-hour transit tour available.



Eurwangni Beach


Eurwangni is an expansive white sandy beach with an open view. At low tide, the beach becomes longer and wider and is great for a walk. Along the beach, which is formed like a half moon, are restaurants where people can order seafood dishes and enjoy views of the sunset. There is a direct bus from the Incheon International Airport and the beach is also served by the Incheon City Tour Bus.

* Article from Korea Tourism Organization
 
[Source: Korea.net]