1. Introduction: A Special Time Travel Where Past and Present Coexist
Where can you find an exotic charm and a glimpse into Korea's modern history near Seoul? It's Incheon Chinatown and Wolmido! In Chinatown, filled with red buildings and colorful murals, you can feel the essence of China, and tasting the original Jajangmyeon in its birthplace is truly a delicacy. Add to that the blue sea of the West Sea and exciting rides waiting at Wolmido, and could there be a more perfect weekend outing? This place offers a unique experience as if you've traveled to another country in the city, creating unforgettable memories with your partner, family, or friends. Let's head to Incheon, filled with delicious food, beautiful scenery, and interesting stories, right now!
2. History and Background: Culture Blooming Amidst the Waves of Opening
Incheon Chinatown began to form in 1883 when Incheon Port opened and was designated as a Qing Dynasty concession (extraterritoriality area) in 1884. With the influx of Qing merchants and workers, it naturally became a residential area for Chinese people, and the culture and commerce of the Qing Dynasty began to flourish here. Especially, the fact that 'Jajangmyeon,' the most beloved Chinese dish by Koreans, was first created here in Incheon! The Chinese culture that flowed in with Western civilization during the opening period had a profound impact on Korea's modern history, and today, Chinatown is like a living museum that retains the traces of that history. As you walk through the red gate, Paru, and wander through the alleys, you'll feel like you've embarked on a time travel journey.
The birthplace of Jajangmyeon, Incheon Chinatown! The long history and stories contained in a bowl of Jajangmyeon make this place even more special.
3. Recommended Courses: From Half-Day to Full-Day, Travel to Suit Your Taste
Half-Day Course: Focused Exploration of Chinatown
- Morning/Lunch: Arrive at Incheon Station → Pass through Chinatown Paru → Visit Jajangmyeon Museum (appreciate the history and evolution of Jajangmyeon) → Taste the original Jajangmyeon at Gonghwachun or Yeongyeong
- Afternoon: Walk along the Three Kingdoms Mural Street & Chu-Han Mural Street → Enjoy the view of Incheon Port and downtown from the top of Jayu Park → Explore Chinatown alleys and shop for souvenirs
- This course is recommended for those who want to enjoy the essence of Chinatown briefly and intensely. Leisurely wander through the alleys and immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere.
Full-Day Course: Full Course of Chinatown & Wolmido
- Morning: Leisurely explore Chinatown as in the half-day course. (Jajangmyeon Museum, Three Kingdoms Murals, meals, etc.)
- Lunch: Experience various foods in Chinatown or Gaehangjang Street (fire-grilled dumplings, street food, etc.)
- Afternoon: Move to Wolmido (on foot or by bus) → Enjoy exciting rides like Disco Pang Pang and Viking at Wolmi Theme Park → Ride the Wolmi Sea Train (monorail around Wolmido) → Board a Wolmido cruise (enjoy the West Sea) → Savor the romantic West Sea scenery along the coastal promenade
- Evening: Finish with grilled clams or seafood dishes at Wolmido. It's a perfect course to end the day while watching the sunset over the sea.
4. Recommended Restaurants and Foods: A Feast of Flavors
Incheon Chinatown is a paradise for foodies! From places with a long tradition to trendy foods, there are various menus to captivate your taste buds. Here are three places I've personally visited and carefully selected.
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Gonghwachun (共和春)
Famous as the birthplace of Jajangmyeon and the original Jajangmyeon restaurant. It opened in 1905 and continues its reputation to this day. The Jajangmyeon here is distinguished by the deep flavor of the Chunjang, unlike regular Jajangmyeon, and is a hearty meal with abundant seafood and meat. Especially, tasting Jajangmyeon in the antique interior adds historical significance, making it feel even more special.
Recommended Menu: Original Jajangmyeon, Samseon Gan Jajang, Glutinous Rice Sweet and Sour Pork
Price Range: Jajangmyeon around 10,000 won, meals 15,000 won~25,000 won -
Yeongyeong (燕京)
Known for its unique fame with white Jajang. Unlike regular Jajangmyeon, it doesn't use Chunjang, offering a clean and light taste, with the flavor of seafood providing a fresh experience. The glutinous rice sweet and sour pork also has a chewy texture and sweet and sour sauce that create a fantastic harmony, making it a menu that everyone can enjoy. With several branches besides the main store, the waiting burden is less.
Recommended Menu: White Jajang, Glutinous Rice Sweet and Sour Pork, Xiaolongbao
Price Range: White Jajang around 10,000 won, Glutinous Rice Sweet and Sour Pork around 20,000 won -
Simnihyang (十里香)
A representative of street food and a must-try delicacy when visiting Chinatown, a fire-grilled dumpling specialty store. The dumplings, baked in a traditional kiln, are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, bursting with juice when you take a bite. With various types like meat dumplings, sweet potato dumplings, and pumpkin dumplings, it's fun to choose according to your taste. It's great as a simple snack or a meal replacement when you're hungry.
Recommended Menu: Meat Fire-Grilled Dumplings, Sweet Potato Fire-Grilled Dumplings
Price Range: 3,000 won~5,000 won (per piece)
5. Nearby Cafes/Rest Areas: Take a Break
After walking hard, you'll need a place to take a break, right? There are many cafes and rest areas with a vintage atmosphere in Chinatown and Gaehangjang Street. Especially, the cafes located on Gaehangjang Street boast unique charm by remodeling old buildings.
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Podal
A historic place built as a Japanese trading company building in the 1890s, now operated as a cafe selling shaved ice and coffee. The interior retains traces of the past, creating a museum-like atmosphere. Enjoy a bowl of cool shaved ice here and feel like you're traveling back in time. It's especially popular in summer, so keep that in mind.
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Brown Hands Gaehangro
A cafe with an impressive unique interior converted from an old bus repair shop. The spacious area and vintage sensibility create a comfortable yet stylish atmosphere. Enjoy delicious coffee and bakery while resting your legs and relieving travel fatigue. It's also great for taking photos as there are photo zones everywhere.
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Jayu Park
Located behind Chinatown, Jayu Park is the first Western-style park in Korea. From the top, it offers a magnificent view of Incheon Port and the city. It's a great place to take a break on a bench or take a commemorative photo in front of General MacArthur's statue, spending a leisurely time. It's also an excellent rest area for a light walking course.
6. Transportation: Convenient Ways to Get Here
Public Transportation
- Subway: Get off at Incheon Station on Line 1. As you exit from Exit 1, you'll see the Chinatown Paru right away. It's the most convenient and popular method.
- Bus: Numerous city buses pass through Incheon Station or Chinatown. Various routes are available from Seoul and the metropolitan area.
- Moving to Wolmido: You can move from Chinatown to Wolmido on foot (about 15~20 minutes) or by bus (within 10 minutes). It's convenient to use a bus (e.g., No. 45) going to Wolmido from in front of Incheon Station.
By Car
- Navigation Address: Search for 29 Beon-gil, Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (center of Chinatown), or Wolmi Culture Street (center of Wolmido).
- Parking:
- Chinatown: There are paid parking lots such as Incheon Station Public Parking Lot, Chinatown Public Parking Lot, and Jayu Park Parking Lot. It's very crowded on weekends, so public transportation is recommended.
- Wolmido: There are paid parking lots such as Wolmido Culture Street Public Parking Lot and Wolmi Theme Park Parking Lot. It can also be crowded on weekends.
- Traffic congestion and parking difficulties can be severe on weekends and holidays, so using public transportation is a tip for a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
7. Tips and Precautions: For a More Enjoyable Trip!
As a travel blogger, I will share some tips and precautions to make your Incheon outing even more perfect.
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Visit Time: Weekday Mornings Recommended
On weekends, crowds are overwhelming, with long waits at restaurants and very crowded streets. If possible, visit on a weekday morning to explore leisurely. Especially, the rides at Wolmido are relatively quiet on weekdays.
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Comfortable Shoes Are a Must!
There are many places to walk around in Chinatown and Wolmido. Especially when walking through Jayu Park or Wolmido Coastal Promenade, you'll cover more distance than expected, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
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Try Various Foods
Besides Jajangmyeon, there are many street foods in Chinatown, such as fire-grilled dumplings, Hongdu Bread, egg tarts, and Tanghulu. Enjoy a gourmet tour by tasting snacks along with the main meal.
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Don't Miss the Night View
The night scenery with red lanterns lit in Chinatown offers a different charm from the day. Wolmido also creates a romantic atmosphere with the lights of the rides and the sea at sunset, so it's recommended to stay until the evening.
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Beware of Solicitation
Some restaurants or shops may engage in solicitation. Choose places that suit your taste, and if you feel uncomfortable, it's best to politely decline.
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Dispose of Trash Properly!
As a place visited by many tourists, please dispose of trash in designated bins to maintain a clean environment. Let's show civic awareness by creating a beautiful travel destination together.
Incheon Chinatown and Wolmido are more than just tourist spots; they are charming spaces where the past and present coexist, telling diverse stories. I hope this article helps your Incheon outing a little, and I wish you many unforgettable memories! See you at the next travel destination!