Experience The Past, Present And Future In Incheon, South Korea's Charming Historical City

A contemporary piece to your left, and to your right, sites of cultural and historical significance. As a maritime city, around every corner, Incheon captures the essence of glocal travelling, where global meets local, and past meets future. Come with us as we highlight some of the must-dos in Incheon for those ready to experience the hidden gems Korea has to offer.

As the name suggests, the Open Port area (also known as Gaehangjang) linked Korea with other countries in the past, which introduced foreign elements that influenced the architecture, as well as the customs of residents in the area. Preserving 130 years of history since the 1880s, this unique area reflects Japanese aesthetics and retains rich historical and cultural flavours perfect for culture lovers.

Drop by Jung-gu Life Centre where you can dress up like it’s the 1800s and take a stroll along the Open Port Street. There is no absence of insta-worthy backdrops, especially with some historic buildings being converted into artsy cafes where you can have a laid back afternoon -- People may think you’ve paid a visit to a filming set for greyscale films! 

For museum lovers, you’ll be delighted to know that the area has its fair share of museums from history, art, literature to religion. They include the Incheon Open Port Museum and Incheon Modern Architecture Museum introducing you to the area’s history. The Incheon Art Platform a street away hosts creative spaces for artists to showcase their work, and there you can find studios, archives and exhibitions and take part in workshops.

Other historical sites include the Former Japan Mail and Shipping Inc., Jemulpo Gurakbu, and more for you to explore at the Open Port Area. It is also worth mentioning that the Open Port District is just a few minutes away from Chinatown, do drop by if you have time.

In need of a getaway from the bustling city? Due to the island’s location at the mouth of the Han River, Ganghwa Island is home to a range of preserved cultural and historical sites that played important roles in history. It’s a long history that makes this ancient coastal town one of the most relevant places to visit for its preserved artifacts and breathtaking views. 

Among the spots on Ganghwa Island, popular attractions include the Chojijin Fortress, the line of defense against foreign powers during wartimes, the Jeongdeungsa Temple, Ganghwa Dolmen Park, Chamseongdan Altar and more.

Listen to the stories of the past and make your way through the island and take in the panoramic ocean views. In addition to the trusty method of strolling around so you don’t miss a thing, the island also provides fun alternatives, such as the seaside railway bike, or an exhilarating race car ride! Feel free to walk off the beaten path, and perhaps you’ll come across some surprises.

In case you’re in the mood for some touristy activities, there are places for you to rent a Korean hanbok to look your finest in your pictures along Ganghwa Island’s landmarks. The area also serves fresh Korean ginseng in hearty chicken soup healing for the soul.

While the two recommendations above easily take up half a day or more as you relish in the rich experience, there’s more for you to soak in!

Fashion lovers pay attention, we have the perfect place for you to drop by. As one of the powerhouses of the textile industry since the 1900s, Ganghwado had no shortage of factories that spread across the island, accumulating more than 4,000 workers and 6,000 looms. While the development of the larger scale, modern factories in other regions led the golden age to an end, the stories of the role it played remain alongside a handful of factories that serve as tourist spots nowadays.

If you’re keen to learn more about the textile industrial revolution in the 1960s, the centre exhibits it through videos and machinery they used back in the day. You’ll also get to play with the fabric produced in the area, as well as a chance to customise your own handkerchief to bring home as a souvenir. So unleash your creative side and indulge in a rich learning opportunity that is completely free of charge!

After you feel enriched and want to take a break, a cup of coffee with cake does the trick to get you relaxed. Near the Sochang Experience Centre you can find the Joyang Bangjik factory, where the setting of a traditional cotton factory is retained. The only difference is that the workbenches are now seating areas, and the building showcases exhibitions and art pieces complementing the industrial vibes of the place. All you need to do is sit back, take in the atmosphere and relax.

As we all know, life revolves around clothing, food, accommodation and transport. Now that we’re self-acclaimed fashionistas, had ginseng chicken soup and went cafe hopping, and even biked around an island, what’s left? The housing of course, and more importantly, housing that retains the traditional Hanok design that gives the warm and comforting feeling of home nestled amongst concrete and glass buildings.

Located next to the Central Park, the Songdo Hanok Village is a village within the city that contains stores, restaurants and a hotel, in which you can roam around and take pictures. If you’ve watched the Kdrama, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, you would’ve seen the restaurant some scenes take place in. In addition to the garden of trees and ponds, what you’ll be looking out for is the architecture.

Look closer at the light fixtures, the tiled roofs, or head into the Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Hotel with a lobby filled with paintings that feature red plum blossoms and pine trees, or book a night there to be transported back to ancient Korea in their traditional Hanok rooms. Classic and timely, the wood structures give you a taste of how life would be like in historic Incheon, where every tile and brick represents the generations the area had been home to.

A charming city, Incheon contains the side of Korea that embraces a historic and futuristic appeal. With a plethora of sightseeing points and activities to explore both in the city and its outlying islands, you’ll leave feeling fulfilled and enriched with knowledge and stories about the country’s past, and perhaps already planning for your next visit!

Go on a cherry blossom chase in Incheon this spring! From now until 30th April 2023, book your South Korea activities and enjoy up to RM160 off with our promo codes. Find out more here.