Incheon is often dismissed as just an airport, but that is a massive oversight. It is the place where the modern world first crashed into Korea. As the first port to open to foreign trade in 1883, Incheon is a city of firsts: the first Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles), the first Western-style park, and the first churches. The Chinatown here is the only official one in Korea, a hillside district of red lanterns, dumpling steam, and golden dragons that feels like a movie set.
But drive 20 minutes south and you enter Songdo, a city built from scratch on reclaimed land that looks like a sci-fi utopia. It’s a ‘Smart City’ where trash is sucked through pneumatic tubes, the central park looks like Manhattan, and the architecture is unapologetically futuristic. The contrast between the gritty, red-brick history of the Open Port Area and the glass-and-steel perfection of Songdo is jarring and fascinating.
Incheon is gritty, industrial, and raw in the old town, but polished and sterile in the new. It’s a city where you can eat the best Chinese-Korean food in the country for lunch, and then take a water taxi through a man-made canal between skyscrapers for dinner. It is the perfect day trip or stopover city.
The perfect plan for Incheon:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Open Port & Noodles
- Morning: Incheon Chinatown. Walk through the Paeru gate. Visit the Jajangmyeon Museum (yes, really). It’s in the old Gonghwachun restaurant building.
- Afternoon: Lunch: Gonghwachun or Sinseung Banjeom (run by the founder’s granddaughter) for Uni-Jajang. Then walk to the Open Port Area (Gaehang-ro). See the old Japanese banks converted into cafes.
- Evening: Wolmido Island. Take a bus. It’s a retro amusement park. Watch people get tossed around on the ‘Disco Pang Pang’ ride. Ideally, don’t ride it if you have a bad back.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: The Future City
- Morning: Head to Songdo International City. Visit G-Tower (free observation deck on 33rd floor). See the city layout.
- Afternoon: Songdo Central Park. Rent a boat or kayak. The seawater canal is pristine. The architecture of the Tri-Bowl is stunning.
- Evening: Hanok Village (Songdo). Inside the modern park, there is a traditional hotel and restaurant complex. Dinner at Gyeongbokgung (high-end BBQ).
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Market & Mud (Optional)
- Morning: Sinpo International Market. Famous for Dakgangjeong (sweet and spicy fried chicken). The line is long but moves fast.
- Afternoon: Visit Sorae Pogu Fish Market. It’s raw and local. Buy shrimp and eat them on the plastic tables outside.
- Evening: Sunset at Eurwangni Beach (near airport) if you have a flight, or head back to Seoul.
Weather
Spring (April-June): Pleasant. Jayu Park cherry blossoms are famous.
Summer (July-Aug): Hot and humid. Mudflats smell stronger.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Crisp and clear.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold wind from the sea. Very biting.
Local Customs
- Chinatown Food: Jajangmyeon here is different. It’s more savory. Try the ‘White Jajang’ for a unique twist.
- Subway: It takes a long time to get from Seoul (1 hour+). Don’t underestimate the distance.
History & Culture
Incheon was the landing site for General MacArthur during the Korean War (Operation Chromite), a turning point that saved the South. Before that, it was the primary entry point for Japanese, Chinese, and Western traders in the late 19th century, leaving a legacy of colonial architecture.
Getting Around & Safety
The Seoul Subway Line 1 connects directly to Incheon Station (Chinatown).
- Songdo: Connected by Incheon Line 1.
- Airport: The AREX train is the fastest link.
Info for Nomads
Songdo is a nomad paradise. Quiet, clean, great parks, and fast internet.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Blazing. 200+ Mbps.
Cafes: Forest Outings (massive greenhouse cafe) and Caisson 24 (Songdo seaside).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chinatown authentic? +
It is run by Chinese-Koreans, but it caters heavily to tourists. However, the food history is real. It is the only place to get the original style of black bean noodles.
How far is Songdo from the Airport? +
About 20-30 minutes by taxi/bus. It is a perfect place to stay if you have an early flight or a long layover.
What is Disco Pang Pang? +
A circular ride that spins and bounces. The DJ roasts the riders (in Korean) while trying to bounce them off their seats. It’s a spectator sport.