South Korea – Part 5

INCHEON is a city that can be reached from Seoul by a subway, and a city that has almost merged with Seoul which is constantly expanding. Most visitors unwittingly let Incheon out of their travel itinerary as they consider it to be a suburb of Seoul, with only an airport. But the truth is completely different. Third largest city of Korea (after Seoul and Busan) Incheon extends over 1,000 km2 today and has three million inhabitants. In 1883, when it became an international port, it only had 4,700 inhabitants. Incheon also has its own subway system next to the subway line coming from Seoul. It is a combination of traditional and modern and (unlike Seoul) also has excellent beaches and sea coast.

The first thing we can see when we step out at the last station Incheon Station is China Town, which is also the heart of the old part of the city. We do not need public transport to see the historic city centre if we leave the train at Incheon Station. Before we start exploring Incheon, it is advisable to hop to the city's tourist office, which is at the station and where you can find convenient maps of the city. In addition to picturesque streets and sculptures, including the entrance to the China Town, we are fascinated by the scents coming from the crowded restaurants and Chinese food stalls. You will find something authentic, something new, and there are also some old buildings that have gotten a new purpose. Such is the complex of former warehouses from the 30's and 40's, which have been redecorated in an art platform and where there is space for exhibitions, libraries, dance and theatre performances; and the space is also used by artists who exhibit there in their residential and creative spaces. In the old part of the city there are many museums, among which the Jajangmyeong Museum, which is named after the Korean noodles of the same name in black bean sauce, is the most memorable. In a very cute and unusual way, the history of Incheon is presented through Jajangmyeong noodles. Less unusual museums is a museum of Korean emigration history, a museum of modern architecture and a port museum, each in its own way representing the development of the city and of Korea.
The China Town, which is worth a visit, continues in Songwol-dong fairy-tale village, where we actually feel like in a fairy tale. All the houses are vivid and in motifs of fairy tales; such that we all know, and those that are typical for Korea in particular. Among the rare apartment buildings, we find a lot of toy shops, souvenir shops and shops with various technical gadgets, and, of course, restaurants, confectioneries and cafes. In short, a suitable place to escape the reality.

Above the China Town, there is a large park Jayu, which a suitable place for relaxation, and was built by following the plans of a Russian architect from 1888. There is also a monument of Korean-American friendship and a monument dedicated to General McArthur. You can reach the park from several sides of the China Twon, and the path to the park is at least as interesting as the park itself, because each path is a landmark – from its historical stairs to the street with wall paintings. The Incheon Historical Center is big enough and interesting to stay in all day, but there are still some of the attractions that are worth noting if we are in Incheon.

The first of the attractions is just a few stops from the Yeonan fish market, where, in addition to raw fish and seafood in local restaurants and stalls, you will also find and should try Korean seafood specialties. On the other hand, just a few bus stops away, there is Wolmido, once an island, which later became a military base. Today Wolmido is a popular destination with amusement parks, lookout tower and promenade along the sea, where there are several different restaurants, offering especially seafood.

The third suggestion, which is not recommended by tourist guides, is the centre of modern Incheon. The most prominent example of contemporary Korean architecture in connection with culture, history and nature is the area of Central Park (subway station Central Park), where modern skyscrapers connect a channel through which tourist boats are driven. The park is exceptionally carefully arranged, and among dozens of modern skyscrapers, the luxurious Ambasador Hotel really stands out, since it is built in the style of traditional hanok houses. The exhibition grounds and theatre "Tri-bowl", which resembles three different large traditional Korean bowls from the outside, and from the inside it is a hi-tech cultural a space, which (as well as an art platform) is managed by the City Nonprofit Foundation for Art and Culture is also definitely worth a visit.

Of course, Incheon has more attractions, but unfortunately, we cannot visit every spot in one day. Incheon is an extremely interesting city and not just the name of the Seoul airport, as many people mistakenly think. Unfortunately, it is still in the shadow of the mighty Seoul and is therefore often missed out on travel itineraries.

Korea offers much more than Seoul and its surroundings. You will be able to read some tips for shorter or longer trips from Seoul and for places that could be placed on a round trip through South Korea in the last part of the series of articles.