Things To Do
in Incheon
Incheon sits on the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, just a short ride from Seoul, and functions as a dynamic mix of port, business district, and cultural hub. It is home to a major international airport, expansive waterfront parks, and futuristic districts like Songdo. The city blends historic neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Jayu Park with shiny new skylines along the Incheon Strait.
Its easy access to islands, coastal bike paths, and family-friendly attractions make it a versatile base for exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Incheon International Airport and head to your accommodation to check in and refresh. Take a leisurely stroll around the nearby area to get acquainted with your surroundings. Savor a warm Korean breakfast at a local café, trying out dishes like kimchi jjigae or bibimbap.
Visit the Incheon Grand Park, where you can enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens and scenic walking trails. Consider renting a bicycle to explore the park more extensively and take in the serene atmosphere. Don’t forget to take some photos by the lake to capture the beauty of this peaceful spot.
Head to Chinatown for dinner, where you can indulge in Korean-Chinese fusion dishes. After your meal, wander through the vibrant streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere and unique architecture. As night falls, enjoy a cup of tea at a local teahouse while reflecting on your first day in Incheon.
Start your day with a visit to the Incheon Art Platform, a cultural hub showcasing contemporary artworks. Explore the various galleries and installations at your leisure, immersing yourself in the local art scene. Grab a quick snack from a nearby bakery to energize yourself for the rest of the day.
Head over to the Songdo International Business District and explore the impressive modern architecture. Take a walk along the Chan-Hwa River or visit the Songdo Central Park, where you can relax and enjoy the urban landscape. Check out the iconic Incheon Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Treat yourself to dinner at one of Songdo's many upscale restaurants, offering a variety of international cuisines. After dining, catch a stunning sunset with views of the city skyline from the park. Wind down with a stroll along the waterfront before returning to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or cafe drink | $3-5 |
| 🚇Public transit (one-way ticket) | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🧺Groceries for a simple meal | $5-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to Seoul and nearby islands
- Fresh seafood and rich Chinatown cuisine
- Modern, walkable districts like Songdo with excellent infrastructure
- Varied scenery from beaches to parks and cultural sites
- Some areas can feel industrial or touristy
- English may be limited outside major venues
- Heat and humidity in summer; wind chill near coastal spots in winter
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "실례합니다" - Excuse me
- "저기요" - Excuse me (to get attention)
- "이것은 얼마에요?" - How much is this?
- "영어를 할 줄 아나요?" - Do you speak English?
- "죄송합니다" - I'm sorry / Excuse me
- "도와 주시겠어요?" - Could you help me?
- "화장실이 어디에요?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "맛있어요" - It's delicious
- "메뉴 좀 주세요" - Please give me the menu
- "현금으로 내도 되나요?" - Is it okay to pay with cash?
Places to Visit in Incheon
Visit one of these nice places.
A spacious, modern park with canals, pedestrian bridges, and striking contemporary architecture—great for wide-angle cityscapes and sunset shots.
Scenic vantage point near Songdo for dramatic views of the Incheon Bridge against the skyline and water.
Colorful ceremonial gate framed by bustling market streets—vibrant neon at night and lively daytime scenes.
Historic hilltop park with ocean views and the MacArthur statue; good for panoramic city and coast shots.
Seaside promenade with ferris wheel, arcade towers, and boats—great for sunset silhouettes and candid street photography.
Long sandy shoreline with calm shallow waters—ideal for long exposure seascapes and golden hour photography.
Food in Incheon
Incheon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty, chili-kissed noodle soup loaded with shrimp, squid, and other seafood—best in markets and coastal eateries.
Must-Try!
A Chinatown staple: chewy noodles topped with thick black bean sauce and vegetables; great with steamed dumplings.
Fresh raw crab marinated in soy sauce; savor with rice and pickled sides at Sorae Port markets.
Savory pancakes filled with seafood or simply grilled fish—perfect with a cold drink on a seaside patio.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market known for fresh crabs, clams, and fish; great for tasting raw crab and seaside snacks.
Historic lanes offering jjajangmyeon, dumplings, and street bites in a lively multicultural setting.
Traditional market with an array of street foods, affordable eats, and local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite language and a slight bow when meeting new people. Address elders with respect and avoid loud conduct in public spaces.
Use both hands or one hand supported by the other when handing someone something, especially to elders.
Honor shared dishes by offering to pass items to others and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
Safety
Tipping in Incheon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Korea. In most places, service charges are included or not expected, though exceptional Western-style service may be acknowledged with a small tip at some hotels.
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities like Incheon; cash is handy for street food and markets. Mobile payments such as KakaoPay, Naver Pay, and Toss are widely used in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid, and sometimes rainy with typhoon risk. Pack light clothing, sun protection, and a rain layer; beaches and outdoor parks are busiest on weekends.
Comfortable temperatures with colorful foliage. Perfect for outdoor city walks, island excursions, and photography without the heat.
Cold and dry or windy; occasional light snow. Dress in layers, heat packs for outdoor areas, and plan indoor activities or coastal walks with proper protection.
Mild and often breezy with blooming trees. Great for park strolls, temple visits, and coastal hikes as humidity rises gradually.
Incheon at Night
Hiking in Incheon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal hiking route around Ganghwa Island that passes ancient dolmen sites, wetlands, and seaside views.
Island trail along cliffs and shorelines, offering sea views, birds, and sunset scenery near Muuido area.
Ecologically aware path along Yeongjongdo’s shoreline with birdwatching opportunities and ocean vistas.
Airports
How to reach Incheon by plane.
Major global hub just west of Incheon; direct connections to many destinations. Accessible from central Incheon by airport express, buses, and taxis.
Close to Seoul with domestic and some international routes; convenient by subway and road from Incheon to city centers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with growing foreign resident communities.
Includes Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Western expatriates; visible in city neighborhoods, schools, and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Incheon United FC competes in the K League and draws local fans; matchdays bring city pride and waterfront ambience.
Baseball is popular regionally; you may catch games involving teams that play in the broader Incheon area during the season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Incheon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Korean vegetarian options are growing. Look for bibimbap with no broth, vegetable pajeon, tofu stews, and banchan alternatives. When ordering, specify 'vegetarian' ( 채식) and ask for no anchovy stock in soups or broths.