Incheon, South Korea | 23+ Stunning Things to do in Incheon

Looking for things to do in Incheon? Well, you came to the right place. I moved to Incheon in February of 2019 to teach English in South Korea. When people visit South Korea, they mostly think of Seoul and Busan. Some who do their research know about Daegu, Daejeon, and Incheon.

What is Incheon known for? Incheon is the South Korea’s third-largest city. It is where the Incheon international airport is located and the saying Incheon is known for is “All ways Incheon” meaning that all ways lead to Incheon because of Incheon International airport, the shipping dock, and more.

Incheon South Korea is also known to hold a lot of ex-pats from all over the world and is becoming more popular with the city of Songdo. While living here, I have been able to explore and wander to various places in Incheon and I wanted to share a local’s perspective on things to do in Incheon. It’s a great place to travel to for a one day trip. Enjoy this ultimate Incheon guide.

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READ: Instagrammable places in Incheon

First time traveling to South Korea? Check out some of these posts below.

What to do in Incheon City – things to do in Incheon, South Korea

Incheon Metropolitan City is probably one of the most undervalued places to visit in South Korea. Most people will skip over it because there is so much to do in Seoul. Most people don’t know where Incheon is even though it is where the airport is. Incheon is quite far from everything, unfortunately, but what makes it great is that it isn’t overtaken by tourists and foreigners like Seoul. You immediately go into Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong, and you are surrounded by tourists. When you visit Incheon, it’s definitely a more authentic feel of Korea. Don’t let Seoul prevent you from experiencing the best things to do in Incheon.

Many transit passengers may want to explore parts of Korea and Incheon is the best location to get a glimpse of Korean Culture. There are a lot of nearby attractions for airport layovers, especially in Songdo international city.

Best time to visit Incheon

The best time to visit Incheon is in the spring, March-May, or fall, September–November, months. The winter months are doable if you don’t mind the cold. The weather can be very cold up to -20 degrees F so be prepared with some thick winter coats. The summer months, however, are extremely humid. The temperatures don’t usually get too high, but the humidity is about 80% and higher. Things to do in Incheon can vary depending on the weather.

How to get to Incheon – Where is Incheon?

Incheon is located in the far west of South Korea. It’s the main area where you will fly when arriving in South Korea.

If you are arriving from the airport then you are already in Incheon. You can easily take the subway to your destination or get in a taxi cab and travel around. If you are new to South Korea, let me explain the ways to travel around South Korea.

Subway

One of the best ways to get around Seoul or Incheon is by Subway, they are consistently reliable and always run on time. There are plenty of subways to take and they are easy to get around. All signs are written in English and Korean, just be sure to download the subway app first before arriving in South Korea.

Bus

One way to get around Incheon is to take the bus. Buses are very common all over South Korea and especially in the major city propers. It’s one of the best ways to get around. However, if you are traveling during heavy traffic times, it may be the worst way to get around.

Taxi

The other way to get around is by Taxi, this is perfect for family, people who are struggling with traveling long distances or if it happens to be late at night and past the time when buses and taxis operate. Taxis are very affordable in Korea which makes it a great resource to use. I highly suggest you download the Kakao Taxi app. This is pretty much the uber of South Korea and you can pay the driver with a card or cash. You don’t need to input your information into the app.

Where to stay in Incheon City

There are a lot of areas to stay in Incheon, but I think these are the best places to stay if you are looking for things to do in Incheon or just want a layover hotel.

• Unseo – If you are only in Korea for a layover, I suggest you look for hotels near or in the area of Unseo. Unseo is the next subway stop from the airport. There are a lot of affordable transit hotels in this area and is a very newly developed area perfect to just get a good night’s rest and some food.
• Paradise City – If you want to visit Cimer Spa and enjoy a spa day during your layover or just wanting to stay and be in that area, I suggest you stay at Paradise City. This is a great hotel location for layovers as well since it is very close to the airport and you can easily take a bus from the airport here or even take the subway as well.
• Oakwood Premier in Songdo – Now I suggest Oakwood because it is the most popular hotel to stay at in Songdo, however, you can easily find any hotel or location in Songdo. Songdo is very popular for foreign visitors who are there for work.
• Bupyeong – I suggest staying in Bupyeong if you want to be surrounded by a ton of restaurants and locals. It’s a great place to shop, explore and a very populated area in Incheon.

Things to do in Incheon City – Popular Cafes to Visit in Incheon

Looking for what to do in Incheon? Cafe hopping is probably one of the most popular things to do in Incheon or in fact all of Korea. There are so many cute little cafes within the city which means there are a lot of things to do in Incheon. Many of these cafes are great things to do in Incheon at night.

• Rose Stella Garden Cafe – This is Incheon’s cutest little cafe that has a greenhouse feel. With many of the greenhouse cafes and parks popping up in the area, this is a cafe that is popular because of its quaint charm.
• Daily Oasis – This cafe is for matcha green tea lovers. This entire cafe focuses on the natural earthy flavors of green tea. They have ice cream and desserts along with coffee. This cafe is Instagram-worthy with its cute cactus and cow-shaped cookies.
• Cafe Mug – This cafe is a very cute and relaxing cafe. You can sit on the rooftop under tents, eat dessert, drink coffee or other drinks along with your friends.
• Cafe Valor – Check out this cute Instagrammable Cafe in Incheon. You can easily take photos in their large warehouse filled with the furniture you can purchase.

Other Cafes to Visit in Incheon

• Andhari (앤드하리)
• Cafe Ora
• Masirang Cafe
• Daliswim
• Talk Rapi
• Cafe Galilee
• Green Holiday

Things to do in Incheon | Where to eat in Incheon

• Incheon Arts Center – One of my favorite places to enjoy a few good meals and go drinking is to hang on in the Incheon Arts Center area. Near the subway station are a lot of great restaurants and places to drink. This is a pretty popular area among younger people and there is a reason why. Additionally, you can walk to the open park area and view the Art Center and light show as well.
• Chinatown – In Chinatown, you should each the best Jjajangmyeon which is a noodle dish with black bean sauce that is found in South Korea. They have been known to have made this dish since the 1800s. The best restaurant to go to for jjajangmyeon is Mandabok.
• Songdo – If you want more Western food options, I suggest you go to the Technopark Subway station and use exit 2 to get to Triple Street. There you can easily find so many Western Restaurants. You can walk into the mall and find some market-style places to eat at or keep going through the passageway where you can find Mexican food from Coreanos and more.
• Bupyeong – Near Bupyeong Station there are tons of places to eat, shop and explore. Above the large market is also a huge food court where you can get any type of food imaginable.

Where to shop in Incheon – Where to go in Incheon

• Bupyeong Underground Shopping Mall – This Incheon shopping mall is very impressive and super easy to get lost in. It’s one of the biggest underground malls and there is something for everyone here.
• Triple Street – Triple Street is the popular Incheon shopping mall area located in Songdo. This popular area is filled with locals and foreigners from all over. There are more Western brands here like Nike, Adidas, H&M, Zara, and more. You can find a lot to do here and be sure to eat at Shake Shack!
• NC Cube Canal Walk – Another shopping area that is popular in Incheon is the NC Cube Canal Walk. This area is filled with many western brands as well, however, this area isn’t very easy to get to by public transportation.

Planning a trip to Korea?

Incheon Attractions – Best things to do in Incheon

Visit Cimer’s K-Style Spa at Paradise City

Skincare and spas are very popular all over South Korea. Koreans really enjoy resorts and fancy hotels, it’s part of their culture. Many people will rent a hotel room over the weekend to either spend quality time with their friends or significant others. The Cimer K-Style Spa is a very popular spa in Korea and is quite affordable once you find out everything that this place has to offer. You can enjoy an entire day swimming, enjoy spa treatments, and feeling relaxed. This is the most popular day spa in Incheon and one of the most popular things to do in Incheon during a layover.

RELATED: Cimer Spa at Paradise City

Gyeongin Waterway

Gyeongin Waterway – Gyeongin Waterway is a beautiful canal that runs through Incheon and connects the Han River to the Yellow Sea. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy some fresh air, and take in the sights of Incheon.

Along the way, you can find many restaurants, cafes, and shops. There are also plenty of historical sites to explore such as the Incheon Grand Bridge, which is the longest bridge in South Korea. The Gyeongin Waterway was built in the late 19th century and has been a major transportation route for goods and people ever since. It’s also a great place to take some beautiful photos of Incheon’s skyline.

Bupyeong Underground Market

South Korea is very popular for shopping for clothes, bags, skincare, and more. Bupyeong Underground Market has it all. You can find anything you really want in this area and bargain to the best of your abilities. Underground markets are very popular in South Korea. If you have been to Korea, you probably have explored many of the night markets in and around Seoul.

This is one of my most memorable things to do in Incheon. I remember going to this market quite often as a kid. It’s a great place to shop.

Sudoguksan Museum of Housing & Living

Sudoguksan Museum of Housing & Living is a great place to learn about the history of Incheon. This museum was built in the late 19th century and showcases the traditional Korean lifestyle. It’s a great place to learn about the culture and history of Incheon. You can also find many artifacts from the past such as pottery, furniture, and more.

Wolmido and Wolmi Theme Park – Popular things to do in Incheon at Night

So if you happen to miss the boardwalks from the US or want to experience the boardwalk of Incheon, Wolmido Island or Wolmi traditional park is the place to go. Here they have classic wooden roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and carnival games. You can walk all the way to the lighthouse, enjoy street food, buy alcohol at the convenience store and just walk around the boardwalk.

If you are adventurous, one of the most popular things to do in Incheon at Wolmido Island is to ride the Disco Bang Bang. I absolutely hated this ride, but it’s found all over social media and is a very fun ride. There are a lot of people who get on it and there is a DJ who entertains and tries to throw you off the ride. It’s one of the fun things to do in Incheon Korea at Wolmido Island.

Visit Incheon Chinatown and Jajangmyeon Museum

Not too far from Wolmido in Chinatown. Chinatown is a popular destination in Incheon because of the influence of Chinese immigrants and food. Jajangmyeon a Chinese Korean dish, is popular among Koreans. This dish is what they call a Chinese dish, however, you will never see it in a Chinese restaurant unless it is in Korea. This dish is a noodle dish covered in a black sauce with meat and veggies. This is one of my favorite things to do in Incheon when I am craving Jjajangmyeon.

Sinpo International Market

If you’re interested in learning more about Incheon’s past, then be sure to visit Sinpo International Market, which is home to many traditional shops and restaurants. This vibrant market is home to hundreds of stalls selling all sorts of local delicacies. Be sure to try some of the famous seafood dishes while you’re there! Here, you can buy souvenirs, sample local food, and learn about the city’s culture.

Songwol Dong Fairy Land

In the same neighborhood and right next to Chinatown is Songwol Dong Fairy tale village. This is a magical place in South Korea with images from famous Disney characters, fairytale fiction, and more. You can get some of the best Instagram selfies you want here. If you have seen the KDrama “What’s wrong with Secretary Kim?”, you can see the rainbow steps here, where the movie was filmed. Additionally, you can get a stamp with your selfie blasted on it. I used it a lot for my kids at school, which has made it pretty fun to use.

This is probably one of the most visited places and things to do in Incheon.

Sorae Ecology Park

This is probably the least known thing in Incheon and is located in the area I am living in. There is a nice nature walk near my house with old-style windmills. I found it to be a relaxing nature walk and a great way to not feeling like I am in a city proper. I was also able to take some cute Instagram photos (oh don’t mind me) and explore the open space.

Go to the beach on Incheon’s Islands

Incheon isn’t notorious for beautiful beaches but there are a few beaches to go looking for shellfish, swim, and some do have a good view as long as the tide is high. Incheon’s beaches are typically more known for their muddy flats, but it makes for good places for kids and a good place to visit in Incheon.  The water is usually quite shallow and the waves are less harsh. I highly suggest visiting Hanagae Bathing Resort on Muui Island, it’s my favorite Incheon beach.

Address: 인천광역시 중구 무의동

Jayu Park

Jayu Park is a great place to visit in Incheon. It is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding mountains. The park was built in 1883 by Japanese forces during their occupation of Korea, and it has since become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The park features several monuments, including a statue of General Douglas MacArthur, who led the United Nations forces during the Korean War. There is also a memorial to the victims of the Korean War, as well as a monument dedicated to those who died in the Battle of Incheon. The park also features a beautiful fountain and several gardens, making it a great place to relax and take in some of Incheon’s history.

Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley (배다리 헌책방 골목)

If you are a book lover or just interested in finding any book store, library, etc. in Korea, one of the places to visit in Incheon is the Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley. Like the famous bookstore alley in Busan, these stores are covered from floor to ceiling with books.

Aiins World

This cute little theme park located in Incheon is filled with miniature recreations of world-famous buildings. See some of the famous architectures around the world such as the Great Wall of China, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center with its famous ice rink, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Broadway in New York City.

Ganghwado or Ganghwa Island

Ganghwado is a beautiful island on the coast of Incheon and can be accessed by vehicle by driving over a bridge. It is one of the biggest islands off the coast of Incheon and has a lot of amazing things to see and do. It is located in the yellow sea on the west coast and the only thing that separated this island from North Korea is the Han river. There are a lot of beautiful cafes and restaurants in this area making it a great location to visit and miss the touristy crowds.

Visit Incheon Grand Park

Like Seoul Grand Park, Incheon has its own Grand Park. This is a large-scale park located between two mountains within Incheon. This park includes an outdoor theater, artificial turf grounds, skating rink, botanical garden, bicycle trails, lake, sledding hill, a children’s zoo, observatory, and more. You can easily rent a bike and take a ride around this beautiful park. This is one of the best things to do in Incheon during the spring and fall months.

Jeondeungsa Temple

Jeondeungsa Temple is a beautiful temple located in Incheon. It was built in the year 678 and is one of the oldest temples in Korea. This temple is known for its unique architecture, which includes a three-story pagoda and a five-story stone pagoda.

The temple also has several other buildings, including the main hall, lecture hall, and bell tower. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests. Jeondeungsa Temple is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Korean history and culture.

Baengnyeongdo

Baengnyeongdo is an island located off the coast of Incheon. It is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the ocean. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and migratory birds. There are several hiking trails on the island that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the many historical sites on Baengnyeongdo, such as the Baengnyeong Fortress and the Baengnyeong Lighthouse.

Things to do in Songdo Incheon

Songdo International Business District is located in the southernmost part of Incheon. This area became popular because of large companies like Samsung, and Jansen, and add to more of the things to do in Incheon. Many foreigners live in this area because of the large companies so there are a lot of Western restaurants. Songdo is considered to be the newer part of Incheon. You can easily bike the entire parameter of the island and that was the purpose of this location.

Songdo is one of my favorite places to visit in Incheon. Incheon sightseeing has been quite popular in this area and for a good reason as well. I’ve listed the Incheon Songdo attractions and where to go in Incheon.

Picnic and boat ride at Songdo Central Park

One of the most popular things to do in Incheon outside of eating and drinking in Song-do is to visit Song-do’s central park. Central Park is a large park with many walking trails and a man-made river in the middle. Here you can have a picnic, rent small a small boat or kayak with your family and friends, and cruise down the river. Don’t forget to visit the rabbit island.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, then Songdo Central Park is definitely worth checking out. This scenic park features walking trails, ponds, and plenty of green space where you can sit back and relax. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon on a sunny day.

Tri Bowl

The Tri Bowl is an art center located in Songdo’s central park. This creative architectural building was built with 3 bowl shapes that happen to sit on the water. You can walk on the paved concrete paths underneath the structure. There are some events that are held here that you can enjoy as well. You can visit their website to check out the monthly schedule at the Tri Bowl.

G-Tower Observatory Deck

After visiting the Tri Bowl, take some time to go to the G-Tower. This is a tower a 33-floor, 150-meter skyscraper. There are lots of small businesses located in this tower, but the observatory deck is the most popular location to visit for tourists. You can get the best view of Songdo’s Central Park.

Songdo Hanok Village

This is a modern hanok village since it isn’t in the traditional sense but is made to look traditional. It’s a great way to get some beautiful photos and visit a hanok village in Incheon or in Songdo if only visiting for a layover. They have cafes and restaurants in these hanoks. It was a way to promote some tourism in the area as well.

Incheon Bridge

The Incheon Bridge is a bridge that connects the mainland of South Korea to the island of Yeongjongdo. It is one of the longest bridges in the world, stretching over 10 miles long. The bridge was opened in 2009 and has become an iconic symbol of Incheon.

Visitors can take a walk or bike ride across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands. There are also several restaurants and cafes located along the bridge, making it a great spot to take a break and enjoy some local cuisine.

Other Incheon Attractions

• Jangseung
• Goryeosan
• Hike Gyeyangsan
• Jeondeungsa Temple
• Island Hopping to Baengnyeongdo
• Baemikkumi Sculpture Park (배미꾸미조각공원)
• Gwangseongbo Fortress (광성보)
• Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation

Best Beaches in Incheon

There are a lot of amazing Incheon beaches to visit. However, a lot is not easy to get to. Many Koreans will tell you the beaches in Incheon are not great because they are difficult to get to and many do not consist of that beautiful white sand. I have found a lot of the beaches to be quite beautiful if you are willing to commute.

• Wangsan Beach
• Hanagae Bathing Resort
• Eulwangni Beach
• Dongmak Beach
• Masian Beach
• Jageunpulan Beach

Things to do in Incheon FAQS

Is Incheon worth visiting?

Of course! There are a lot of things to do in Incheon and honestly, I prefer it over many parts of Seoul. You can have better integration with being around Koreans and still can do a ton of shopping, great parks, cafes, and many things to see and do including KDrama filming locations.

What is Incheon best known for?

Incheon is best known for its Chinatown I would say. They are also well known for its Incheon Airport.

What can you do at the Incheon Airport layover?

There are a lot of things you can do. If you are able to travel outside of the airport, I highly recommend you read this post on what to do in Incheon Airport for a layover.

Can I leave Incheon Airport during a layover?

This highly depends on your country and visa requirements. Many Americans can leave Incheon Airport during a layover, however, they do need to fill out a K-ETA which authorizes them to visit. You can easily do that online prior to your trip.

Is Incheon better than Seoul?

I wouldn’t compare the two. They are both quite different and Seoul is very well known for many tourist attractions. Incheon provides a more intimate experience while Seoul really gives you that big city vibe. Both cities are worth visiting and mentioning to make a memorable experience.

Is Korea cheaper than Japan?

100% yes. It’s much cheaper than Japan. That mainly is because Japan has a lot of capital debt while Korea’s debt is fairly low. It is more affordable because of their food culture and importance of accessible and affordable public transportation which many Korean’s rely on a daily basis.

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There you have it, my favorite things to do in Incheon, South Korea. Be sure to come back to this post as I discover and explore other parts of Incheon.