The Best Museums In Incheon South Korea

While Incheon might be known for its airport, islands, and thriving Chinatown, it is also home to a myriad of museums. From history to art to food, these institutions cover just about every area of interest. Below are a few of our favorites.

1. Incheon Metropolitan City Museum (인천광역시립박물관)

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Opened in 1946, just after Korea gained independence from Japan, the Incheon Metropolitan City Museum was the first public museum opened in the country. It was established to provide a common space where visitors could learn about the local history of Incheon and its surrounding areas, and it remains committed to its original mission. The museum, which was designed to emulate the nearby pre-historic Ganghwa Dolmen, houses some 3,700 artifacts that communicate the history and importance of the port city.

2. Jjajangmyeon Museum (Gonghwachun) (짜장면박물관)

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Jjajangmyeon, a hearty dish of noodles smothered in a black bean sauce, is undoubtedly one of Korea’s favorite dishes, and is believed to have originated in Incheon’s Chinatown. The Jjajangmyeon Museum pays tribute to this classic cuisine, introducing its history, evolution, and and the influence and value it had on the nation through a series of thoughtfully curated exhibits.

3. Gachon Museum (가촌박물관)

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Those interested in medicine should not miss the Gachon Museum, an annex museum of the Gacheon Cultural Foundation. The institution highlights the evolution of medical equipment from Korea’s Three Kingdoms period to the present day through its collection of diverse artifacts and information, including 14 national cultural assets, 9,300 medical publications, 500 volumes of rare Western-style books, and 6,000 volumes of ancient medical texts. Of particular interest is National Treasure No. 276 Yugasajuron, a text that analyzes the phenomena of all creatures.

4. Beompae Museum (범패박물관)

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From ancient times, many Koreans participated in a unique Buddhist custom called beompae. These events were conducted to overcome their sorrows or tribulations, and involved a series of chanting, singing, and dancing. Incheon, in particular, was the site of one of the most important beompae ceremonies that took place during the process of engraving and moving the Tripitaka, a world cultural heritage item. Beompae Museum was established to preserve and exhibit the relics used in that ritual, including musical instruments, costumes, and classical books.