If you’re looking for a city to explore outside of Seoul without having to take the KTX or a plane, you’ll likely venture to Incheon. And at Incheon, their Chinatown is a must-visit.
Located conveniently near Incheon Station, this vibrant neighbourhood is the largest Chinatown in Korea, filled with rich history, delicious Korean-Chinese food, and cultural attractions.
If you’re wondering what’s really worth doing in Incheon Chinatown, this is the guide for you!
Try Jjajangmyeon, the iconic dish of Incheon Chinatown
Incheon Chinatown is the birthplace of jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), one of Korea’s most famous comfort foods. Originally introduced by Chinese immigrants, this dish has become a staple of Korean-Chinese cuisine.
P.S. be sure to eat it with a serving of tangsuyuk (糖醋肉)!
Some of my personal favourite Chinese restaurants to visit in Incheon Chinatown:
- Cheonghwawon (中華范): arguably the best jjajangmyeon I’ve ever tasted in my life
- Lucky China (幸運大飯店): very famous restaurant that offers white jjajangmyeon
Visit the Jjajangmyeon Museum
After having your fill of delicious jjajangmyeon, what better way to learn more about the dish than visiting a whole museum dedicated to it?
This unique museum tells the story of how this dish became a Korean favourite and showcases historical artefacts from the early Chinese community in Incheon.
Read more about my experience at the Jjajangmyeon Museum here.
Walk through the colourful Chinatown Gate (Paeru)
The grand Chinese-style entrance gate is one of Incheon Chinatown’s most iconic landmarks. In fact, you can see it from the moment you exit the subway station!
The vibrant red and gold design symbolises prosperity in Chinese culture, and is a perfect spot for photos.
P.S. There are in fact four gates around Chinatown—try to find them all!
Visit the Three Kingdoms Mural Street
If you’re familiar with Chinese novels, you may know of the most famous “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” (三國演義), which is an epic retelling of historical events in China from 184 to 280 ce.
This alleyway is lined with large murals depicting scenes from the famous Chinese novel, and is sure to delight fans. The detailed paintings make this a great place for history fanatics, book lovers, and photographers to admire and snap lots of photos.
Stroll along Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village
Just a short walk from Chinatown, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is a magical place with colourful murals, giant storybook characters, and whimsical decorations.
You can’t miss out on taking lots of photos in the village – that’s half the fun! The other half is really trying to figure out what fairy tale character you’re staring at.
Read more about my experience at the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village here.
Explore Jayu Park (Freedom Park)
This peaceful park offers stunning views of Incheon’s harbour and Chinatown. It was the first Western-style park in Korea and is home to the famous General MacArthur Statue.
P.S. If you’re visiting Incheon Chinatown in spring, you may be able to catch the cherry blossoms!
Enjoy traditional Chinese snacks & street food
If Myeongdong is the go-to for street food in Seoul, then Chinatown is the best place in Incheon for Chinese snacks!
Some common snacks you can get here include:
- Hoddeok (호떡): Chinese-style pancakes filled with brown sugar.
- Mooncakes: Traditional Chinese pastries with sweet or savoury fillings.
- Tanghulu (탕후루): Candied fruit skewers that are crunchy and sweet.
- Xiaolongbao (샤오롱바오): Juicy soup dumplings that explode with flavour.
Visit the Korean-Chinese Cultural Center
According to the KTO website, this center is a place where both Koreans and Chinese come together to interact and learn more about one another’s culture. A great initiative move to promote mutual understanding and respect!
Some things you can look out for in this museum:
- Traditional Chinese costumes and artefacts
- Exhibits on the early Chinese immigrants in Korea
- Interactive displays on Korean-Chinese culture
Read more about my experience at the Korean-Chinese Cultural Center here.
Visit the Incheon Open Port Museum
If you’re not tired of museums yet, make this a stop in your Incheon Chinatown itinerary. While not technically within Chinatown, it is within a stone’s throw away. This museum tells the story of how Incheon became Korea’s first open port, leading to the birth of Chinatown. It’s a great place for history lovers.
Some key highlights of this museum:
- Learn about Korea’s early foreign trade and cultural exchange.
- See historical photos and artifacts from the 1800s.
- Walk through preserved Western-style architecture.
Related Posts:
- Wolmido Island: what to do on fun island off Incheon
- Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley: iconic Goblin filming site
- A guide to the best things to do in Myeongdong
- My Guide to Korea’s Café & Beverage Chains
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