Is Incheon Worth Visiting? Let’s Unpack Your Curiosities!

Be honest. When you think of Incheon, do you think of the airport? Yeah, me too.

As a city where people land in… and immediately leave for Seoul, it’s easy for anyone to think, “Is Incheon worth visiting at all?” Even though I’ve been to Korea 17 times already, I kept pushing it aside, too.

Now that I’ve been, I wish I hadn’t put it off for so long. The city was Korean Peninsula’s first point of contact with international merchants and immigrants when the port first opened in 1883.

The delicious Chinese-Korean dish, Jajangmyeon, was first made here and is still thriving. Incheon’s Chinatown is also one of the coolest experiences for foodies. Strolling around the Open Port area, you’ll also see cool Japanese and European-style buildings.

But its slow vibe may not be for everyone. Let’s find out if Incheon is worth visiting for you, and what you can do there!

Why Consider Incheon for a Seoul Day Trip?

Most people take a day trip out of Seoul for the same reason. They want a quick break from the bustling streets, the packed metro trains, and the fast-paced city vibe.

But there’s a big difference between the lush green nature of Gapyeong, the majestic historical sites of Suwon, and the nostalgic streets of Incheon.

For slower-paced cultural travelers, spending a day or two in Incheon might be a great idea. Plus, it’s super safe and mellow for solo female travelers.

How Far Is It From Seoul?

Incheon sits about 60 kilometers (37 miles) Southwest of Seoul. A train ride takes roughly one hour.

Since the city is home to the Seoul Metropolitan Area’s international airport, you’ll likely ride a train from Incheon to Seoul first, and not the other way around.

But seeing the airport and the view from your train ride isn’t even 1% of Incheon…

How to Get to Incheon from Seoul

The best way to get from Seoul to Incheon is via the metro. It is both economical and convenient.

• Take the Metro line 1 (dark blue) or the Suin Bundang line (yellow) to Incheon Station
• There’s a tourist information center right outside Exit 1.
• This is where you’ll also take your first look at the Incheon old town!

If you think the Incheon Station looks a bit old-fashioned, you’re right. It is the oldest train station in the Seoul metropolitan area!

Top Cultural Things to Do and See in Incheon

For the sake of keeping this guide historical, I’m gonna try and convince you to visit Incheon with its old town area alone.

It is the foundation, and therefore the most special part of the city, in my opinion.

Stroll Around the Open Port Area

On January 1, 1883, the Korean Peninsula opened its port to the outside world for the first time.

It was called the Jemulpo Port back then (You’ll know this name well if you’ve seen Mr. Sunshine), but the port was right here in Incheon.

Today, you can stroll along the few blocks of the Open Port Area (also called Gaehangjang) and take in the mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Western architecture.

There are cafes and restaurants along the way as well.

• Open Port Street: 1 Jayugongwonnam-ro, Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon

See Cool Exhibitions at Jemulpo Club

The Jemulpo Club was built in 1901 to accommodate foreigners from the US, UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands arriving in Korea to do trade.

It had a clubhouse feel to it, with pool tables, a library room, and other facilities for them to hang out and make friends.

Since 2007, the building has become a space for international cultural exchange, often hosting events and showcasing other cultures. You can pop in to see what exhibitions are on when you’re in town.

They had a special exhibition about Korean emigrants to Hawaii when I went.

• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Admission: FREE
• Location: 25 Jayugongwonnam-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

Considering all the parallels between their backstories, I like to think of this place as the Incheon version of Ihwa Mural Village.

When the Incheon Port opened in the 19th century, foreigners flooded the area and turned it into a wealthy village.

After the Japanese occupation and war, the younger generation moved out to find better opportunities in the fast-growing Seoul, leaving the village stagnant.

Thanks to a restoration project that started in 2013, you can walk around the village today and admire its whimsical fairytale-themed murals and structures.

The key is to wander into side streets, too. That’s where all the best murals are!

I recommend coming here first thing in the morning. It’s a popular stop for mass tour buses, so the streets get packed from mid-morning onwards. Plus, the weather is nicer the earlier you go.

• Opening Hours: 24 hours (I recommend visiting between 8 AM to 6 PM)
• Admission: FREE
• Location: Jayugongwonseo-ro 45beon-gil, Songwol-dong 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon

Eat the Original Jajangmyeon

Have you seen people slurping on the black noodles in K-dramas? Read about it in some Korean romance novel? I have.

The first time I wanted to know what Jajangmyeon tasted like, I was probably in 8th grade.

Where else to eat the most delicious Jajangmyeon, if not in the city where it was born? Yes, Incheon is the birthplace of Jajangmyeon!

The excitement Koreans have for this dish started a few generations back, when the Chinese were the first group of foreigners to arrive at the Incheon port.

They brought with them the Chinese black bean noodle “Zhajiangmian.” This was the first foreign dish available in Korea. Of course, it was exciting!

Jajangmyeon has evolved into a Chinese-Korean dish, but it still tastes best in Incheon, regardless of which restaurant in Chinatown you walk into. I wouldn’t skip the street snacks here, either!

Modern-Day Incheon

The old town is not the only part of Incheon. There are more modern areas worth exploring, but I won’t go into details just yet. (Give me a few more visits to get super acquainted 🙏🏻)

The Songdo area, in particular, is very modern and packed with green spaces. I’d love to do a picnic day in the area, and visit the National Museum of World Writing Systems, too.

Should You Skip Incheon?

If you need to pack your itinerary with 12 things before lunchtime, otherwise you feel like your money’s going to waste, then Incheon isn’t your place.

You’ll feel as if the stock market just crashed, along with your wallet.

There are many things to do here, but none of them will feel as grand as Changdeokgung or Nami Island. Here, the experience itself is the attraction, if that makes sense.

Walking on the streets of Chinatown, taking in the vintage vibes of the Open Port area, those are what Incheon has to offer.

Who Incheon Is Perfect For

If you’re a cultural traveler who appreciates slow moments and nostalgic streets without having to see anything particularly grand or exciting, Incheon will feel amazing.

Foodies will love the Incheon old town, too, especially Chinatown and its many street snacks.

Ready to Visit Incheon? Follow My Day Trip Itinerary!

If you’re already convinced, and you have enough days in Seoul to spare, why not follow my day itinerary for your day Incheon?

You will go into super local restaurants there, so check out my guide to dining in Korea and make sure to learn how things work before you go.

Browse the rest of my South Korea guides for Seoul ideas too!

Helpful Travel Tips for South Korea

Most visa-free visitors to South Korea need a K-ETA in order to enter Korea. Check if you need one and apply about a week before you travel. This replaces the arrival form.

• Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
• Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
• Must-have Apps: Papago AI Translator, Naver Maps, Kakao Metro

Read up on how to get from Incheon into the city, so you don’t run into surprises.

Don’t forget to learn some important dos and don’ts in Korean culture, as well as some useful Korean phrases, before you arrive!

Find a Place to Stay in Seoul

Looking for somewhere to stay? Use the map below! Feel free to refer to my guide on Seoul neighborhoods and figure out which area suits your needs best!

Grab My South Korea E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

FAQs About Incheon (Excluding the Airport 🤣)

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