Korea Travel: Suggested Itineraries- A Glimpse of Incheon’s History & Culture
- Exploring modern and contemporary cultural streets with a long history
In Incheon, Korea's first smart tourism city, you can enjoy more convenient and diverse tourism by utilizing cutting-edge innovative technology. In particular, I recommend the Incheon Open Port Course, which allows you to time travel to modern times. You can get a glimpse of the East and West of the past through the buildings built in 1883 with the opening of ports and the formation of concessions between the United States, Britain, Japan, and the Qing Dynasty. Don’t miss out on insightful content such as AR video experiences through the Incheon Easy AR app.
Recommended Course
1. Jjajangmyeon Museum (짜장면박물관)
- The first Jjajangmyeon-themed museum in Korea
Introduction
The Jjajangmyeon Museum is a museum built in an old building in Gonghwachun, the official birthplace of Jjajangmyeon, a food loved by people of all ages. Gonghwachun operated in this old-fashioned brick building until 1983, when it was converted into a Jjajangmyeon museum. It is Korea's first Jajangmyeon-themed museum and consists of six permanent exhibition rooms and one special exhibition room. You can see the birth and evolution of Jjajangmyeon at a glance, and there are various types and recipes of Jjajangmyeon. The special exhibition room presents exhibitions on various topics every year. Also interesting are the reproductions of Gong Hwa-chun's living room and kitchen and the exhibition showing how metal delivery boxes have changed over time.
Address
56-14, Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
인천광역시 중구 차이나타운로 56-14
Inquiries: +82-32-773-9812
Operating hours: 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
Holiday
Mondays, January 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays
* If a public holiday falls on a Monday, closed the following day
Admission / Fee
Adults 1,000 won / Teenagers (ages 12 & older) 700 won
* Free admission – Children (ages 11 & younger)
Parking: Not available (use Chinatown public parking lot)
Website: ijcf.or.kr
2. Hanjungwon (한중원)
- A park with a traditional Chinese atmosphere
Introduction
Korea-China Garden is a Chinese-style garden created to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and China. It is a great place to take a break after touring Chinatown. It was created with the motif of the garden style of the Suzhou region in the mid to late Qing Dynasty. Native Chinese plants such as bamboo, roses, and peonies are planted to create an exotic atmosphere. There are people wearing traditional Chinese costumes on both sides of the entrance, making it a famous photo zone.
Address
12 Chinatown-ro 59beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
인천광역시 중구 차이나타운로59번길 12 (선린동)
Inquiries: Operating hours, Open 24/7
Holiday: N/A (Open all year round)
Parking: Not available (use Chinatown public parking lot)
3. Cheongil Jogyeji Stairway (청일조계지 경계 계단)
- A stairway preserving 120 years of history
Introduction
On a steep hill to the southwest of Jayu Park are the border stairs of the Sino-Japanese Concession (an exclusive residential area created for foreigners to live freely in ports opened to foreigners). It is a meaningful attraction with a history of about 120 years. The concession area is divided into the Qing Dynasty concession area on the left and the Japanese concession area on the right, with stone steps in the center. The buildings on the left and right clearly show each country's architectural style and past characteristics.
Address
Seollin-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon
인천광역시 중구 선린동
Inquiries: +82-1330
Operating hours: Open 24/7
Holiday: N/A (Open all year round)
Parking: Not available (use Chinatown public parking lot)
4. Incheon Chinatown (인천 차이나타운)
- Chinese-style streets full of attractions and food
Introduction
Incheon's Chinatown was born when Incheon Port opened in 1883 and was designated as an extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Qing Dynasty the following year. In the past, there were many stores selling goods imported from China, but now most Chinese businesses are restaurants. Today, most of Chinatown's residents are second- or third-generation Chinese, descendants of early Chinese settlers. This area has a lot of Chinese flavor and also preserves first-generation traditional culture.
Address
20 Chinatown-ro 59beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
인천광역시 중구 차이나타운로59번길 20
Inquiries: +82-32-777-1330
Parking: Available
Website: chinatown.alltheway.kr