11 Best Sights in Incheon, Side Trips from Seoul

The best known and first Chinatown in Korea, Incheon's Chinatown is well over a century old. Its historic streets are lined with Chinese restaurants, Chinese-style townhouses, and a temple or garden or two hidden in the alleyways. Seek out the landmark flight of steps marking the boundary between the old Chinese and Japanese settlements, the stone lanterns that flank the steps representing the architectural styles of the respective nations.

For 40 years, what is now COSMO 40 was one of Korea's largest chemical factories. After the company moved to a new facility in Ulsan in 2016, however, the abandoned plant was transformed into an award-winning cultural complex, complete with hip cafes, eateries and bars, market spaces, halls for exhibitions and performances, and even the occasional skateboarding competition. The complex fully embraces its past, preserving the original factory space as much as possible, supplemented by newer additions which is fitting, as it gives the place the edgier, industrial look favored by urban cool crowd worldwide.

Though it pales in comparison to Korean beaches in Busan or Jeju Island, Incheon's golden stretch of sand wins points for being the most conveniently located beach. It takes just 20 minutes by bus from Incheon International Airport (take bus 306 or 111) and is within day-trip distance of Seoul. There are plenty of restaurants and facilities nearby as well as rock formations such as Turtle Rock and Angel Rock to fill a day. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; walking.

Hipsters should seek out the vintage vibes of the cool "Open Port" street in Old Incheon, where many of the old homes and commercial buildings are now trendy eateries, cafes, and shops. Nearby is Sinpo International Market.

Art lovers should check out this sprawling complex of colonial-era brick warehouses in Old Incheon that now serves as a cultural complex with exhibition spaces, performing venues, and studios. Its artists-in-residency program ensures there's always something new and exciting to ponder.

Many aisles of seafood vendors showcase the best of Incheon's coastal treasures along the city's wharf. Open every day from 5 am to 9:30 pm, it's the place to buy fresh or dried fish, or just to sample a slice of everyday Korean life, especially if you have a layover at the airport and need to kill a few hours.

Incheon's sprawling city park complex is home to the city's zoo, a rose garden, a lake, and an arboretum. It's a peaceful place to stroll, bike, or picnic on a spring or summer day among the blossoms, or to leaf peep in the fall.

It's all about the beloved jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) at this specialized museum in Incheon's Chinatown. Learn about the noodles' history and how they're made, marvel at the early 20th-century building, and then go forth and order the dish at one of the neighborhood's surrounding restaurants.

Inspired by New York City's Central Park, this is the star sight of the futuristic Songdo district. Unless you're directing a TV commercial or music video, there isn't a tremendous amount to do, but it's a pleasant place to stroll about gardens, take boat ride from the Boat House, grab a bite to eat, and take in the cityscape.

Next to Chinatown is a peculiar treasure trove of colorful houses smattered with murals depicting local fairytales. There's not much to do per se, but it's an entertaining place to bring the kids or stop for a photo opportunity and pop into a cafe.

Located in Songhyun Park, this hidden gem of a museum explores the lives of people who lived in Incheon's daldongne (impoverished hillside towns), spanning their history after the Korean War from the 1960s to 1970s. It's an eye-opening, detailed look into the effects and aftermath of the war, and the recreations are so life-like you probably won't miss English translations.