Incheon travel guide

Incheon Tourism | Incheon Guide

You're Going to Love Incheon

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.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Incheon

1. History and Museums

As a pivotal area in the nation's history, you'll find many impressive museums and monuments to explore, including the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall, commemorating a significant event in the Korean War, Modern Architecture Museum, and much more.

2. Shop Till You Drop

From the vast Bupyeong Underground Market with over 1,000 stores to trendy boutiques and vast shopping malls, you'll find whatever you are looking for in Incheon.

3. Ganghwa Island

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prehistoric burial area, just one of many significant archaeological and historic sites you'll find on this collection of small islands, separated from the mainland by a small channel.

4. Beach Life

On Yeongjong and Yongyu islands, now joined by the airport that was built between them, you'll find a scene of beaches, restaurants, and bars to escape the busy city pulse.

5. Dining

From fresh seafood with an ocean view along the Wolmido waterfront area, to spicy local cuisine, and some of the best Chinese food outside China in Chinatown, the city's dining scene is impeccable.

1. History and Museums

As a pivotal area in the nation's history, you'll find many impressive museums and monuments to explore, including the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall, commemorating a significant event in the Korean War, Modern Architecture Museum, and much more.

2. Shop Till You Drop

From the vast Bupyeong Underground Market with over 1,000 stores to trendy boutiques and vast shopping malls, you'll find whatever you are looking for in Incheon.

3. Ganghwa Island

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prehistoric burial area, just one of many significant archaeological and historic sites you'll find on this collection of small islands, separated from the mainland by a small channel.

4. Beach Life

On Yeongjong and Yongyu islands, now joined by the airport that was built between them, you'll find a scene of beaches, restaurants, and bars to escape the busy city pulse.

5. Dining

From fresh seafood with an ocean view along the Wolmido waterfront area, to spicy local cuisine, and some of the best Chinese food outside China in Chinatown, the city's dining scene is impeccable.

What to do in Incheon

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Eurwangni BeachEurwangni Beach
Songdo Central ParkSongdo Central Park

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Eurwangni BeachEurwangni Beach
Songdo Central ParkSongdo Central Park

1. 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.

Eurwangni Beach

2. 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.

Songdo Central Park

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Eat in Incheon

Enjoy formal eight-course meals in the Korean tradition at Gonghwachun, with a prix fixe menu starting at ₩25,000. At Shinpo-sijang, you'll rub shoulders with locals ordering take-out versions of Korean classics, starting at ₩1,000.

When to visit Incheon

Incheon in November
Estimated hotel price
$86
1 night at 3-star hotel
Incheon in November
Estimated hotel price
$86
1 night at 3-star hotel

Spring, between March and May, and fall, between September and November, are the most popular times for foreigners to visit Incheon, when the temperatures hover around the mid-70s. Winter weather can plunge below freezing, and the summer monsoon months are very hot and humid.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Incheon

Plane

Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) is located on Yeongjong Island, and is just over 14 miles to the city center, with connections to the city by AREX train for about ₩2,835.

Train

The city connects to Seoul and beyond via subway and commuter train service.

Car

Incheon is well connected to Seoul and most major centers throughout South Korea via a well-maintained network of highways.

Bus

Incheon links to intercity bus routes throughout the region. Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju all have services running to Incheon.

Plane

Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) is located on Yeongjong Island, and is just over 14 miles to the city center, with connections to the city by AREX train for about ₩2,835.

Train

The city connects to Seoul and beyond via subway and commuter train service.

Car

Incheon is well connected to Seoul and most major centers throughout South Korea via a well-maintained network of highways.

Bus

Incheon links to intercity bus routes throughout the region. Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju all have services running to Incheon.

Airports near Incheon

Airlines serving Incheon

KLM
Good (824 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (437 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (755 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (42 reviews)
Air China
Good (21 reviews)
China Southern
Excellent (27 reviews)
Asiana Airlines
Excellent (240 reviews)
China Airlines
Excellent (585 reviews)
EVA Air
Excellent (776 reviews)
Shanghai Airlines
Okay (3 reviews)
T'way Air
Okay (7 reviews)
Jeju Air
Excellent (21 reviews)
Jin Air
Excellent (9 reviews)
Air Busan
Excellent (3 reviews)
Tigerair Taiwan
Good (13 reviews)
Sichuan Airlines
Excellent (7 reviews)
Show more

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.

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.

Where to stay in popular areas of Incheon

Most booked hotels in Incheon

Paradise City
5 stars
Excellent (9, 1719 reviews)
$225+
Rest Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9, 495 reviews)
$50+
Nest Hotel Incheon
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1871 reviews)
$92+
Grand Hyatt Incheon
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 2724 reviews)
$156+
Golden Tulip Incheon Airport Hotel & Suites
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 2880 reviews)
$60+
Orakai Songdo Park
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1257 reviews)
$81+

How to Get Around Incheon

Public Transportation

Incheon is well served by both subway and public buses; fares start at ₩800 and vary by distance.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in the city, with typical fares starting at ₩2,500.

Car

Driving can be a good way to get around the city, although it is best to avoid the very busy rush hour periods. A car rental starts at about ₩87,000.

Public Transportation

Incheon is well served by both subway and public buses; fares start at ₩800 and vary by distance.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in the city, with typical fares starting at ₩2,500.

Car

Driving can be a good way to get around the city, although it is best to avoid the very busy rush hour periods. A car rental starts at about ₩87,000.

The Cost of Living in Incheon

Shopping Streets

You'll find a wealth of shopping options in the Sinpo-dong neighborhood, including trendy fashions and international stores.

Groceries and Other

Lotte, HomePlus, and E-Mart are three of the larger supermarket chains in Incheon. A quart of milk costs about ₩2,450, while a dozen eggs costs roughly ₩2,700.

Cheap meal
$6.27
A pair of jeans
$58.19
Single public transport ticket
$1.12
Cappuccino
$3.56
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