Incheon Chinatown is one of popural trip spots. Nearby, there was also a Japanese villiage. I visited there a few days ago and share the useful trip tips to eat, see and walking
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Incheon Chinatown location & subway
It is located west side of Korea and would take about 40~60 minutes by a subway. The Incheon suwway station is the closest one. As you get out of the station, you can see the Chinatown big gate which is on the front side of the station. The subway fee would be 1.5~2$ USD
Incheon Chinatwon history
Incheon chinatown was established when the port of incheon opened in 1883 and the area was designated as a non-foreign law area in 1884. In the past, most shops selling goods imported from china, but today they are made up of almost as many chinese restaurants. Chinese residents in south korea, who currently live on this street, are the 2 or 3rd generation of the early settlers. In the past, Chinatown was the place where most of the overseas Chinese lived in Korea. Today’s Incheon Chinatown is home to many Chinese restaurants and exotic streets, making it a great place for a date. There are dozens of chinese restaurants, chinese bakeries and cafes are in business. There are also several Japan style building which Japan people lived in 1880s~1900s)
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Incheon Chinatown foods & restaurants
It is the area where most many chinese restaurants in Korea. I like to introduce one Chinese restaurant with reasonable price, good taste repuration whose chief had worked in 5 stars hotel. Jiajangmyeon (Noodle in black sauce 짜장면), Jjamppong (짬뽕, Spicy seafood noodle soup) are the most popular menu in Chinese restaurant of Korea. Here price are Jiajangmyeon about 5.5 USD$, Jiamppong about 6.5 USD$.
Japan food restaurant
I like to recommend the red bean porridge here. This building was build about 120 years ago by Japanese business man. In 2011, a Korean bought this house and rebuilt it according to orginal design. This shop only use Korean red bean, no imported one. So the price is about 7 USD$. It would be a good choice for desert or resting time for a long walking around.
Thing to drink
It is most popular juice here among Korea visitors. The price about 2.5 USD. Nowdays, the temp is getting low. I am not sure it will be during the cold winter season( Dec to March). Originally, Sugar cane would not grow. Therefore, all sugar canes in Kore are imported.
Incheon Chinatown things to see
Korea first western HotelHere is the first Korean westen style hotel, named Daibutsu(大佛) Hotel, which was built buy Japanese business man in 1880s. Incheon Habor was a gate from abrord. It would take about 12 hours from Incheon to Seoul. It might be the first cafe shop in Korea. From the review of people used it were very high to the meal and room service.
Border Stairs between Chinese and Japanese Settlements
Incheon Chinatown attraction is there are several historical remains and traces. After the opening of the Incheon Port, Japan established settlements in Korea in 1883, and Qing China a year later, in 1884. From the foot of the stairs, Chinese-style buildings and markets can be seen on the left side, with Japanese architecture on the right. The decorations and shapes of the stone lanterns lining the stairs vary on the two sides and a statue of Confucius can be seen while walking up toward the top. Once you have reached the top, spend some time to enjoy the panoramic view of the port.
Incheon Jayu Park (자유공원自由公园)
As you walk along the Border Stairs between Chinese and Japanese Settlements, and walking through the road as like below, you could find the Jayu Park.
Jayu Park history
It is the first Western-style park in Korea, built five years after the opening of Incheon Port. The location is perfect for a nice stroll as it is located high above sea level with spacious areas and thick forest. At top of the park is the Korea-U.S.A. Centennial Monument built in 1982 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the treaty of peace, commerce and navigation between Korean and the US. A statue of General MacArthur, who led Operation Chromite, gives for a good educational talk with the children. Every April, a cherry blossom festival is held as the cherry blossoms fill the park, attracting many visitors. The panoramic view of the city is breathtaking with nightscape especially popular for couples. There are many attractions nearby for visitors to enjoy food and history.
Arched Gate( 호예문 Hong Ye-moon 虹霓門)
This was constructed in 1908 during the Choseon dynasty (1897-1910). The gate was designed by Japanese military engineers, and Korean and Chinese people were mobilized for the construction. It measures 13 m in height and 7 m in width. you could see the sea off incheon and the islands of palmido at a glance. It still looks very stable.
The Map of Incheon Chinatown I visited
It took about 4 hours to me. But I suppose the person who first visited would take about 5 hours. These are the spots where i visited in order, started from Incheon Subway station to East Incheon Subway station.
