25 Things To Do In Incheon Beyond The Airport

Last Updated on April 14, 2025

When people tell me they’ve been to Incheon, I usually ask which part, and inevitably, it’s just the Incheon International Airport they’re referring to. Does that really even count? Not if you ask me.

Incheon is massive! It’s the third largest city in Korea and covers an area that includes vibrant seaside neighborhoods, quiet island beaches, revitalized cultural hubs, and historical districts that shaped the nation’s past. Each area has its own personality, its own story, and its own reasons to visit.

What started as a casual day trip many years back turned into multiple return visits, and now I tell everyone: don’t skip Incheon. It’s not just one neighborhood, it’s many. To make it easy, I culled a list of some of our favorite escapes to the city west of Seoul.

Use this travel guide to discover all of the best things to do in Incheon, perfect for tourists in Korea or residents ready for a day trip out of the capital.

• Cultural & Historical Sites
• Markets & Street Food
• Parks & Scenic Areas
• Beaches & Coastal Getaways
• Shopping & Urban Exploration

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Cultural & Historical Sites

Incheon’s history runs deep, from ancient palaces and portside missions to post-war housing and creative revivals. Here are our favorite spots to learn about the area’s layered past.

National Museum of World Writing Systems (국립세계문자박물관)

This is Incheon’s first national museum and one of the most foreigner-friendly in Korea, with exhibits in nine languages. The National Museum of World Writing Systems covers the history of 55 global writing systems, from ancient scripts to Hangeul, all housed in a sleek, modern space that’s surprisingly underground.

We love a visit to a national museum of Korea. Not only are they free, but they have fantastic exhibitions. Don’t skip a stroll around the museum’s curved white exterior walls, called Pages, which resemble a scroll unfurling into the surrounding landscape. It’s educational and beautifully designed.

• Address: 217 Central-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (인천 연수구 센트럴로 217)
• How To Get There: Take the subway to Central Park Subway Station and go out exit 3
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Free

Incheon’s China Town (인천 차이나타운)

Established in 1883 alongside the opening of Incheon Port, this is Korea’s only official Chinatown. Originally home to Chinese immigrants under the Qing Dynasty, the area has evolved into a lively, colorful destination known as the birthplace of jjajangmyeon (짜장면), a black bean noodle dish.

Follow the red lanterns, peek down the quirky side alleys, find mural-covered buildings, and eat street snacks, eat jjajangmyeon, and enjoy the day in this bustline area.

• Address: 12-17 Chinatown-ro 26beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 차이나타운로26번길 12-17)
• How To Get There: Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Incheon Station. Use Exit 1, 2, or 3. Chinatown is directly in front of the station.
• Join A Tour: Join a tour to Chinatown, Wolmido Island, Yeongjong Sea Side Rail Bike, the Ganghwa Luge, and Haneul Park with Klook.

Fun Fact: In 1950, General MacArthur’s surprise amphibious landing in Incheon turned the tide of the Korean War. There’s a statue commemorating the event in Jayu Park which you can find just above Chinatown.

Incheon’s Open Port Area (개항장거리)

Once the gateway to Korea’s international trade and diplomacy in the late 1800s, the Open Port Area is a historical district that played a major role during the Korean War as the site of General MacArthur’s bold Incheon Landing in 1950.

Today, the area preserves its legacy through restored buildings, European-inspired architecture, and museum spaces that highlight Incheon’s transformation. This area is right next to Chinatown and somehow the crowds completely miss it. Follow Sinpo-ro 23 beon-gil and use the maps at each end of the street to guide your building-hopping adventure through Korea’s first international port.

• Address: 24 Gwandong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 관동1가 24)
• How To Get There: Near Incheon Station (Line 1). A short walk from Chinatown gates.

Incheon Art Platform (인천아트플랫폼)

A collection of 1930s and 1940s warehouse buildings has been transformed into a creative arts hub near Incheon’s port. The Incheon Art Platform includes artist studios, exhibition halls, a library, and performance spaces. Also right next to Chinatown and just a street south of the Open Port Area, be prepared to open doors, peek inside galleries and see what’s going on.

• Address: 3 Jemullyang-ro 218beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 제물량로218번길 3)
• How To Get There: From Chinatown, head back to the main gate, turn left, and walk around the main road to reach the complex.

Gaehang-ro (개항로)

Just a few blocks from Incheon’s Chinatown and the Fairytale Village, Gaehang-ro blends old-school charm with a creative revival. Once a business hub in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the area had a quiet spell before bouncing back in 2018 with newtro cafes, renovated retro architecture, and a food scene worth exploring.

You’ll find revamped hanok buildings, niche galleries tucked into alleys, and restaurants serving everything from deep beef broth noodles to rose sauce roast chicken. It’s low-key but full of character. Wouldn’t recommend visiting Gaehang-ro and Chinatown in the same day unless you are prepared to eat from sun up until sun down though.

• Address: Gaehang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 개항로)
• How To Get There: Head to Dongincheon Subway Station and take exit 1. Walk out to the main street, go left, and the street of shops is across the road before the underpass.

Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living (수도국산달동네박물관)

Located in Songhyun Park, this small museum recreates daily life in Korea’s hillside “daldongne”, moon village, neighborhoods of the 1960s and 1970s. Exhibits include everything from old barbershops and corner stores to homes and public restrooms, plus a photo room where you can try on vintage school uniforms.

It’s an insightful look at the country’s rapid modernization, and a great stop for families with kids or anyone curious about Korea’s past beyond the palaces and skyscrapers.

• Address: 51 Solbit-ro, Dong-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 동구 솔빛로 51 (송현동))
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm (final admission 30 minutes before closing)
• Admission: Adults W500; Students W300; Children W200

Ganghwa Anglican Church & Yongheunggung Palace (강화 성공회 성당 & 용흥궁)

There’s a lot to see for a day on Ganghwado Island, one interesting spot isthe Ganghwa Anglican Church and the neighboring Yongheunggung Palace. The church, built in 1900 by Bishop Charles John Corfe, blends Korean and Western styles and features a beautifully simple wooden interior. Just next door is the modest palace where King Cheoljong lived before taking the throne during the Joseon Dynasty.

• Address: Gwancheong-ri, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (인천 강화군 강화읍 관청리)

Songwol-dong Fairytale Village (송월동 동화마을)

What was once a run-down neighborhood near Incheon’s Chinatown has been transformed into a vibrant village of fairy tales. Songwol-dong Fairytale Village is covered in colorful murals and 3D sculptures featuring characters from both Korean and Western stories. Think Rapunzel’s braid dangling down a tower, Pinocchio hiding behind a tree, or the White Rabbit running past blooming cherry blossoms in spring. It’s a quick, quirky photo stop that’s perfect for kids or just anyone with a playful side.

• Address: 38 Donghwamaeul-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 동화마을길 38 (송월동3가) 일대)
• How To Get There: Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Incheon Station, Exit 1. Walk through the Chinatown gate, continue straight, then turn left where the road dead ends. Look for the Fairytale Village archway.
• Join A Tour: Join a tour to the Seaside Rail Bike, Seagull Feeding, Fairytale Village, and Sorae Ecology Park with Klook.

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Markets & Street Food

You can never go wrong with a traditional market. When in doubt, or if traveling with a group of people that can’t agree on one meal, head to a market so everyone can get a bit of something.

Moraenae Market (모래내시장)

Opened in 1982, Moraenae Market is a traditional open-air market in Namdong-gu where locals shop for groceries, side dishes, and ready-to-eat street food. It’s got everything: produce, meats, fish, and plenty of stalls dishing out kimbap, sticky rice donuts, spicy skewers, and fish cakes on sticks.

Many vendors are happy to offer a taste if you ask nicely, and they’re especially welcoming to visitors. Even if you’re not stocking up on groceries, this is one of the best places in Incheon for a casual, delicious, budget-friendly food crawl.

• Address: 1264 Guwol 4-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 남동구 구월4동 1264)
• How To Get There: Take Incheon Line 2 to Moraenae Market Station. Exit 3, walk to the second street, and turn right—follow the signage into the market.

Sinpo International Market (신포국제시장)

Sinpo Market has been serving up local flavor since the late 19th century, originally catering to settlers from Japan, China, and beyond. Today, it’s home to about 140 vendors offering everything from traditional Korean snacks to modern twists on Korean street food.

Don’t miss the famous dakgangjeong (닭강정), crispy Korean fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. This is the kind of bustling market every Korean itinerary needs for good food and fun.

• Address: 11-5 Uhyeon-ro 49beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 우현로49번길 11-5 (신포동))
• How To Get There: From Incheon Art Platform, walk away from Chinatown down the main road as it curves left. You’ll see the market entrance. If coming by subway, take Exit 4 from Sinpo Market Station.

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Parks & Scenic Areas

Whether you want to picnic by a canal, stroll through flower fields, or walk across a glass skywalk, Incheon’s parks and green spaces deliver. These spots are made for wandering, relaxing, and seeing a softer side of the city.

Jayu Park (자유공원)

The first western-style park in Korea, it’s just above Chinatown and it has gorgeous double cherry blossoms in the spring. If you want to get out of the hustle bustle or walk off some of that food from Chinatown, head up to this well-maintained park. At the top of the park, you can see the Korea-US Centennial Monument built in 1982 and a statue of General MacArthur.

• Address: 46 Jemullyang-ro 232beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 제물량로232번길 46)

Sorae Marsh Ecology Park (소래습지생태공원)

Formerly a salt farm, it might be surprising to visit and see what this park holds today. Walk through this great ecological park, view the mudflats also home to migrating birds, and visit the exhibition hall to learn about the history and development of the area. The Dutch-style wooden windmills in the field are especially picturesque.

• Address: 77 Sorae-ro 154beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 남동구 소래로154번길 77)
• Book A Tour: You can join a tour to the Seaside Rail Bike, Seagull Feeding, Fairytale Village, and Sorae Ecology Park with Klook.

Ara Maru & Gyeong-in Ara Waterway (아라마루 & 경인 아라뱃길)

Stretching from Gimpo to Incheon, the Gyeong-in Ara Waterway is a scenic 18-kilometer canal perfect for biking, walking, or even cruising. I had driven by this overlook so many times on the way to Incheon, I decided to stop one day, and glad I did.

Head straight to Ara Maru, home to a 45-meter-high circular skywalk with a glass floor overlooking Korea’s largest man-made waterfall. The waterfall isn’t always flowing, but when it is, it’s an impressive 150 meters wide and 50 meters tall. You can also rent bikes, walk the paths, or hop on a canal cruise for a unique perspective.

• Address: 79-4 Duksil-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon (인천 계양구 둑실동 79-4)
• Hours: Skywalk open daily 9:00am ~ 10:00pm
• How To Get There: From Gyeyang Subway Station, take Bus 583 for 9 stops (~7 minutes), then walk to the skywalk and waterfall.

Dream Park (드림파크)

Dream Park in Incheon is one of Korea’s most underrated flower-viewing destinations. Built on a reclaimed landfill site (much like my favorite park in Seoul, World Cup Park), this massive park features wide open fields of cosmos, pink muhly, daisies, kochia, and more, especially stunning in autumn. While it’s best known for its seasonal flower festival, you can find blooms here in spring and summer too. It’s quiet, peaceful, and way off the typical tourist path.

What makes it even cooler? The wildflowers are grown using methane gas from the landfill itself. It’s an award-winning example of eco-reuse done right. Don’t miss the rose tunnels and the filming location from the K-drama Goblin (도깨비).

• Address: 61 Geowol-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 서구 거월로 61)
• Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; Closed Sundays and public holidays
• How to Get There: From Geomam Subway Station (Exit 3), take Bus #43 (stop #42851), get off at Dream Park Aquatics Center. Walk through the parking lot and around back to enter the park.

Songdo Central Park (송도 센트럴파크)

Inspired by NYC’s Central Park but uniquely Korean, Songdo Central Park is the green heart of the Songdo International Business District. Built in 2009, it’s peaceful even on weekends and features a seawater-fed canal where you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, or hop on a water taxi.

Walk the flower-filled paths, discover deer you can feed, and spot bunnies on their own little island. Do not miss the visual showstopper called the Tri Bowl (트라이볼), if you’re into design. These futuristic structures seem to float in a shallow pond of water. The design earned it the 2010 Korean Architecture Award.

• Address: 24-5 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 연수구 송도동 24-5)
• Amenities: Canoe/boat rental, bike rental, restrooms, convenience store
• Admission:
  • Stand-up paddle boat: W10,000 for 50 minutes
  • Canoe/Kayak: W25,000 for 50 minutes
  • Water Taxi: W4,000

Fun Fact: Songdo is a smart city pioneer. Built on reclaimed land, Songdo is one of the world’s first “smart cities” and integrates tech into urban design with sensors, pneumatic waste systems, and eco-friendly architecture.

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Beaches & Coastal Areas

Below you’ll find some of the more accessible of the Incheon beaches and coastal areas, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are 70 islands in Incheon so there are far more coastal areas than this to explore, if you’re ready to jump on a Korean ferry to make the trek.

Wolmido Island & Theme Park (월미도 & 월미테마파크)

Just outside of the Incheon subway station and across from Chinatown, you can catch the Wolmi Sea Train which will take you the short ride out to Wolmido Island. The Sea Train gives you a great view of the area, including the world’s largest mural, before dropping you at a waterfront zone transformed from former military grounds into a breezy coastal escape.

There’s a traditional garden, deer, and an observatory with ocean views. Then it’s on to the real fun: Wolmi Theme Park, packed with rides like the Viking Ship, Hyper Shoot Drop, and the crowd-favorite Tagada Disco. It’s lively, loud, and even a little nostalgic, especially for fans of Korean variety shows that have filmed here.

• Address: 6 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 월미로 6)
• How To Get There: From Incheon Subway Station, Exit 1, turn right—the Wolmi Sea Train station is just next door.
• Hours:
  • April – October: Friday – Sunday & Holidays: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
  • November – March: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Closed: Mondays
• Admission (Wolmi Sea Train): Adults: W8,000 / Youth (13–18): W6,000 / Children: W5,000
• Join A Tour: Join a tour to Chinatown, Wolmido Island, Yeongjong Sea Side Rail Bike, the Ganghwa Luge, and Haneul Park with Klook.

Seaside Park (씨사이드파크)

If you want the open space of Songdo Central Park without the crowds, head to Yeongjong’s Seaside Park. Opened in 2017 and four times larger than Songdo’s green space, this park offers sea views, wide lawns, forests of ginkgo that are bright yellow in the autumn, and a water playground in the summer. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a quieter day outdoors.

Rent a rail bike (2-, 3-, or 4-seaters) for a breezy 5.6km loop along the coast. It’s peaceful, fun, and easy to reach from the airport if you’re nearby or on a layover.

• Address: 1967-1 Jungsan-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 중산동 1967-1)
• Book A Tour: You can join a tour to the Seaside Rail Bike, Seagull Feeding, Fairytale Village, and Sorae Ecology Park with Klook.

Muuido Island & Hanagae Beach (무의도 & 하나개해수욕장)

Muuido Island is one of the most popular beach getaways near Seoul, and with the 2019 bridge connecting it to the mainland, it’s never been easier to reach. Hanagae Beach, a long stretch of fine sand backed by tidal flats, is especially popular in the summer for a quick beach getaway from Seoul.

Go early to enjoy the water before it recedes, and then dig for clams and crabs as locals do. Just be quick when the tide comes back in, it moves fast.

• Address: 151-8 Hanagae-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 하나개로 151-8)
• How To Get There: From Unseo Subway Station (Exit 2), walk to the main road and take Bus 6-1. The ride is about 50 minutes and goes directly to the beach.
• Admission: Adults: W2,000 / Children: W1,000 (*Fees may be waived)
• Website: http://hanagae.com

Fun Fact: Incheon’s west coast has one of the most pronounced tidal variations in the world, with a difference of up to 30 feet (9 meters) between high and low tide.

Eulwangni Beach (을왕리해수욕장)

Eulwangni Beach is one of the most popular stretches of sand on Yeongjong Island. Like most beaches on Korea’s west coast, the tide pulls way out in the afternoon, leaving wide mudflats behind, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Go early while the tide’s in for swimming or splashing, then stick around for lunch and the sunset.

• Address: 746-1 Eulwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 을왕동 746-1)

Wangsan Beach (왕산해수욕장)

Just north of Eulwangni, Wangsan Beach offers a quieter, more local vibe with a broader shoreline and a fishing village atmosphere. It’s less developed than Eulwangni, which might be exactly what you’re looking for.

• Address: 810-188 Eulwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 을왕동 810-188)

Seonnyeo Rock Beach (선녀바위해수욕장)

If you prefer tide pools and rocky coves over wide sandy stretches, Seonnyeo Rock Beach is the spot. The coastline here is rugged and dramatic, perfect for exploring, photography, or just finding a flat rock to perch on and watch the tide roll in. The beach is named after a local legend involving a tragic love story and the “Seonnyeo” (fairy) rock, though the exact rock isn’t marked. It’s a quieter, more atmospheric spot than the bigger beaches nearby.

• Address: 678-129 Eulwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 을왕동 678-129)

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Shopping & Urban Exploration

Incheon is home to some very cool architectural gems, shopping malls, and fun spots. Whether you’re shopping or just soaking up the city’s creative energy, you’ll find plenty to uncover.

Paradise City Resort (파라다이스시티 리조트)

Paradise City Resort isn’t just the nicest place to stay near Incheon International Airport, it’s a destination in its own right. With art installations, spas, clubs, kid-friendly attractions, and Instagrammable architecture, you don’t even need to book a room to enjoy the space, though after visiting, you might want to. I went once… and then went back again and again because there was more to see.

There are over 3,000 works of art including pieces by Yayoi Kusama, Damien Hirst, and Alessandro Mendini. Ask for an art tour map when you arrive. There’s an indoor circus, an amazing swimming pool, sauna, and spa, art museum, and night club; all worth visiting.

• Address: Paradise City, 186, Yeongjonghaeannam-ro 321beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 영종해안남로321번길 186)
• Book Your Stay: Book now on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
• Website: www.p-city.com

Fun Facts: There are 711 rooms, a pool, spa, and kid zone for a family-friendly adventure, BUT, there is also a no-kids, couples-only boutique part of the hotel called Art Paradiso with 58 romantic, modern rooms making it a perfect destinations for every traveler.

Cosmo 40 (코스모40)

What used to be South Korea’s largest chemical factory is now one of Incheon’s coolest cultural spaces. Cosmo 40 is a massive, multi-level art and design complex that’s managed to preserve its raw, industrial bones. Make sure to explore it from top to bottom so you don’t miss any cool aspects of the space.

• Address: 9 Janggogae-ro 231 beon-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon (인천 서구 장고개로231번길 9)
• How To Get There: Take the subway to Incheon Gajwa Station, Exit 1. Walk south a few blocks and turn left into the neighborhood. It’s about a 10-minute walk.
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm
• Website: www.cosmo40.com

Songdo Triple Street (송도트리플스트리트)

If you’re in the mood for shopping, people-watching, or just snapping some colorful photos, Songdo Triple Street is the place. This vibrant shopping and lifestyle complex is filled with boutique shops, restaurants, entertainment zones, and even a playground. Don’t skip the rooftop of Building D for a great view of the whole space.

• Address: 33-1 Songdogwahak-ro 16-beongil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (인천 연수구 송도과학로16번길 33-1)

G Tower (G타워)

At 150 meters tall, G Tower isn’t the highest in Songdo, but it has one of the best views from the free observatory on the 33rd floor. Definitely try to catch sunset over the Incheon Bridge. You can also watch planes taking off from the airport and enjoy a coffee while you’re up there.

• Address: 24-4 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 연수구 송도동 24-4)
• How To Get There: Central Park Subway Station, Exit 3. Make a U-turn out of the exit and walk one block back.
• Hours: Weekdays: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm

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From flower-filled parks to historic ports, hip art spaces, and some of Korea’s most underrated beaches, Incheon has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re in Korea long-term or just passing through the airport, this is a city that deserves your attention. Bookmark this list, lace up your sneakers, and get exploring. You might just find your new favorite getaway.

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