Incheon's Best-Kept Secrets: An Alternative Guide To South Korea
Being the second-largest port city in South Korea, Incheon is rich with resources and has a beautiful harbour. Besides these, there are many other gorgeous spots that are worth seeing, for example, the beautiful Wolmido Island and the relaxing Ganghwado Island. Culture Trip guides you through the alternative side of Incheon.
1. Wolmido Island
Amusement Park, Park
Wolmido Island
If you want to leave behind the busy city life, you can go to some of the lovely islands near Incheon; Wolmido Island is surely the must-visit one. Going to the island is very convenient, as it is just located one kilometer off the coast of Incheon. There is a highway connecting the mainland and the island, so you don’t have use the ferry to get there, and can instead take a local bus from the Incheon subway station. The island is beautiful, and you can walk along the coast and appreciate the tranquil sea, as well as going some scenic spots, including Wolmi Traditional Park and Wolmi Amusement Park.
Wolmido Island, Bukseong-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
2. Baendaengi Street
Baendaengi Street
The street is named Baendaengi Street because this area is famous for its plentiful catches of baendaengi (large-eyed herring), which tastes sweet and fresh. There are numerous seafood restaurants providing baendaengi in different styles, such as roasted, salted, baendaengi sashimi, as well as cooking baendaengi in a spicy soup. They provide other fresh and delicious seafood as well, making this street one of the most famous seafood streets in Incheon. It’s best to go there during March and April, as it is said the fish are the freshest and largest during this period.
Baendaengi Street, 1-ga, Bukseongdong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea, +82 32 777 1330
3. Ganghwado Island
Ganghwado Island
Located in the West Sea, Ganghwado Island is the fifth-largest island in Korea (out of 11 inhabited islands and 17 uninhabited islands). The island is believed to have a pretty long history, as there are records of people living on it from the prehistoric period. Those early people left a lot of valuable ancient artefacts, such as the Goindol Rocks, which were actually graves of the ancient rulers of the island. These rocks were designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as they represent an important stage in the development of human civilization.
Ganghwado Island, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea, +82 32 932 5464
5. Incheon Bridge
Bridge, Memorial
Incheon Bridge
Spanning 21.38 kilomenters, Incheon Bridge is the longest and largest bridge in Korea, as well as the fifth-longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. It links Incheon International Airport and the Songdo International Business District, providing locals and tourists with a convenient transport route. Visiting Incheon Bridge Memorial Hall is a good way to learn about the bridge. The hall is also a place for tourists to appreciate the beauty of the bridge, as there is a observation floor with huge floor-to-ceiling windows.
Incheon Bridge Memorial Hall, 3, Incheondaegyo Expressway, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea, +82 32 745 8200
6. Sinpo International Market
Market, Farmers' Market, Farm Shop, Korean
Opening hours: 9am-10.30pm daily
7. Wolmi Traditional Park
Park
Wolmi Traditional Park
Located on the beautiful Wolmido Island, Wolmi Traditional Park is a interesting place where you can fully experience traditional Korean life and culture. The park was designed as an ancient Korean garden with Yangjindang (a typical Bukchon house where aristocratic families lived), Soswaewon (a main garden), Buyongji (a pond), and Eryeonji (a pond). Surrounded by the sea and mountains, the environment of the park is totally fine and delicate, while the natural beauty can surely make visitors feel relaxed and peaceful.
Opening hours: 5am-11pm
Wolmi Traditional Park, 377-1, Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea, +82 32 765 4131
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