Local's Guide To Incheon's Chinatown & Wolmido Island

Everyone knows Incheon because of the large international airport, but there's so much more to see!

Today we want to show you around Wolmido Island, where you can see the most gorgeous sunset in Korea.

Enjoy a romantic trip with your partner, or a fun and leisurely day with family or friends.

After reading our blog, the next time you visit, you'll be able to hang like a local!

Chinatown
차이나타운

Address: 인천 중구 북성동2가 12-18
12-18 Bukseong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon

From Incheon Station Exit 1, you'll see a huge archway on the opposite side, with "Chinatown" written on top. 

This is one of the top attractions in Incheon, which we definitely recommend you visit and take a look around.

As soon as you enter through the archway, you will see a large number of Chinese food and snack stalls lining the streets.

Most of the restaurants here have Chinese-speaking staff and serve authentic Chinese food.

Although Chinatown may not be what you would think of in terms of Korean tourist destinations, it is a must visit for Koreans when they come to Incheon.

If you come here in the afternoon when the sun is just right, the whole of Chinatown is filled with a delightful red light. But we don't recommend visiting at night, as it gets very dark.

Jjajangmyeon Museum
짜장면 박물관

Address: 인천 중구 차이나타운로 56-14
56-14 Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours: 09:00-18:00

Admission:
Adults: 1,000 won
Teenagers: 700 won
Children: Free

Where does the famous Korean Jjajangmyeon come from?

After Incheon port opened in 1883, many Chinese restaurants were established and frequented by people who worked at the port.

To satisfy the tastes of Koreans, the restaurants began to serve a more Korean-style Chinese noodle dish, which we know today as Jjajangmyeon.

But are you curious about the history of this dish and how it has changed over time?

You can find the answers to your questions at the Jjajangmyeon Museum!

Inside the museum, there is a display of the restaurant style at the time, including kitchen so you can see what it was like when the dish first originated

Additionally, you can also see exhibits on various types of jjajangmyeon and Korean food culture through the years.

Gonghwachun
공화춘

Address: 인천 중구 차이나타운로 43
43 Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours: 10:00-21:30

Gonghwachun is the first Chinese restaurant in Korea, and the originator of Korean Jjajangmyeon.

From the Main Street of Chinatown, you can clearly see a building with a large sign with the words "共和春".

There are multiple floors, so the staff will kindly tell you which floor you need to take the elevator to.

It's my second time here at Gonghwachun, and my favorite menu here was certainly their jajangmyeon. 

It's somewhat expensive for a jajangmyeon, but the flavor clearly sets it apart from ordinary jajangmyeon, and is unforgettable.

Gonghwachun Jjajangmyeon (공화춘 짜장면)
10,000 won

Unlike the ordinary jajangmyeon which is mainly salty, Gonghwachun's jajangmyeon is rich in texture, and has more onions and potatos inside, along with lots of seafood. 

It was really delicious, and my friends who came with me all felt the same way.

Seafood Jjamppong (해물 짬뽕)
10,000 won

Their seafood jjamppong is loaded with squid and other seafood, and also includes lots of veggies.

The spice level is not too crazy, so most people will be able to enjoy this delicious dish.

Samsun Bokkeumbap (삼선 볶음밥)
8,000 won

This delicious seafood fried rice is a crowd-pleaser that anyone can enjoy easily.

Yeongyeong
연경

Address: 인천 중구 차이나타운로 41
41 Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours: 10:30-21:30
Last order: 21:00

Yeongyeong (Yeon-gyeong) is a beautifully decorated Chinese restaurant with 4 floors.

During lunch hour, there will be a large number of people standing in line waiting because it is a very popular eatery in this area.

Once you enter, you will feel like you're actually in China!

This restaurant was actually chosen as the filming location for New Journey To The West season 7

Jjajangmyeon (짜장면)
7,000 won

The Jjajangmyeon here is topped with pork and onions.

It is not sweet like many versions are, but very salty and savory, with a nice touch of charred flavor.

Additionally, they offer a dish known as white jjajangmyeon, which was featured on Running Man!

Menbosha (멘보샤)
20,000 won

Menbosha, or fried shrimp toast, are quite expensive at this restaurant, but it is a must-eat according to a Korean friend.

The deep-fried dish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 

It is super delicious when dipped in their special mayo sauce, but the outside is a bit greasy.

Siblihyang
십리향

Address: 인천 중구 차이나타운로 50-2
50-2 Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours: 12:00-20:00

The shops in Chinatown are filled with bright decorations, including many interesting figures, but the shop that most caught our eye was this one featuring a man with a barrel of buns.

Meat Flavor (고기 맛)
2,000 won

The buns come in 4 flavors: meat, red bean, sweet potato, and sweet pumpkin.

The flavor of the filling is pork mixed with pepper. Because there is no sauce or gravy, the bun is on the dry side.

Sweet Potato Flavor (고구마 맛)
2,000 won

The sweet potato filling is soft and creamy, but I was surprised that it was seasoned with soy sauce, so it was more salty than sweet.

Hongdubyeong
홍두병

Address: 인천 중구 차이나타운로 48
48 Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:30-20:30
Sat-Sun: 10:00-21:00

Hongdubyeong is very famous and is often packed with people lining up to buy their tasty treats.

The options for fillings in these cakes are red bean, chocolate, cream cheese, matcha, and mango, totally 5 flavors altogether. 

Cream Cheese (크림치즈)
2,000 won

The cake is soft and the cream cheese filling is delicious!

However, if you want to try the original flavor, then you can order their signature red bean cake.

Gaehangjang Street
개항장 거리

Address: 인천 중구 제물량로232번안길 27
27 Jemullyang-ro 232beonan-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon

After leaving Incheon Station, go through Chinatown and walk further down to get to Gaehangjang Street, or Open Port Street.

The Japanese-style buildings are completely different from the bright red of Chinatown.

There are many museums in this area, but the most popular one is the Incheon Open Port Museum (인천 개항박물관).

The museum building was once the location of First Japan Bank's Incheon branch, but has since been remodeled and repurposed.

Here you can learn about the history of Incheon Port and see relics and artifacts from modern history.

Along the streets, you will come across many dessert shops and cafes, and also a cute shop selling Korean children's games, which gives the whole road a fun and retro look.

There is also retro clothing rental shop, where you can rent cool vintage-style outfits and take cute pictures with friends.

wknd Lounge

Address: 인천 중구 송학로 63
63 Songhak-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours: 12:00-20:00

In addition to the places we have suggested above, there is also a cafe that everyone who comes here must visit, called wknd.

The shop is located by Jaydu Park, so it's a bit of a hike to get there, but the view is worth it!

On the second floor of the cafe, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Incheon.

When the weather is good, you can also see Incheon Port.

wknd is a very romantic spot and is also a famous check-in spot on social media.

The neat and tidy interior creates a relaxed feeling, making this a perfect place to chill when you come to Incheon.

Wolmido Culture Street
월미도문화의거리

Address: 인천 중구 월미문화로 36
36 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

From Incheon Station Exit 1, take bus 45 and you'll arrive at the lively Wolmido Culture Street.

It is recommended to go before sunset, because the view at sunset is very beautiful.

You can walk along the coast and take lovely commemorative photos.

Just after the sun dips below the horizon is the most beautiful moment on Wolmido Island, when the sparkling sea and orange sky paint a perfectly romantic picture.

Wolmi Theme Park
월미테마파크

Address: 인천 중구 월미문화로 81
81 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00-21:00
Sat-Sun: 10:00-23:00

Tickets:
Adults: 15,000 won for 3 rides
Children: 15,000 won for 4 rides
One day pass: 30,000 won

On the other side of Wolmido Culture Street is Wolmi Theme Park, which is totally free to enter and walk around and take fun photos.

This park has been featured in many variety shows including We Got Married, 2 Days & 1 Night, and Running Man.

Wolmi Theme Park does not have an entrance fee, but if you want to play any of the games or go on the rides, you can buy tickets.

I have to say, the park at night is really spectacular!

But a word of warning, the park is usually very crowded in the afternoons on weekends and public holidays, so make sure you have enough time set aside.

Ticket Prices

Adults: 15,000 won for 3 / 6,000 won for a single
Children: 15,000 won for 4 / 4,000 for a single
One day pass: 30,000 won

If nothing else, I highly recommend you ride the Ferris wheel, especially at sunset if you can. After dark, it's not as impressive since you can't see much.

My Land
마이랜드

Address: 인천 중구 월미로 252
252 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00-22:00
Sat-Sun: 10:00-01:00

Tickets:
Adults: 14,000 won for 3 rides
Children: 14,000 won for 4 rides

In addition to Wolmi Theme Park, there is another popular amusement park on Wolmido called My Land.

There are many rides, the most popular being the Viking ship ride.

Ticket Prices:

Adults: 14,000 won for 3 / 5,000 won for a single
Children: 14,000 won for 4 / 4,000 won for a single

The Viking ship ride at My Land is the most intense in Korea, so it attracts many thrill-seekers.

There are plenty of other fun attractions like the Disco Pang Pang, so be sure to visit!

Wolmido Cruise Ship
월미도 유람선

Address: 인천 중구 월미문화로 21
21 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours:
Sat-Sun: 12:40, 14:40, 16:40

Tickets:
Adults: 15,000 won
Children: 9,000 won

Website: www.wolmidocruise.com

In November, Wolmido Cruise Ship operates only on weekends.

We recommend you check the official website and confirm the times when making plans as their hours can change seasonally.

The sightseeing cruise is divided into two routes, A and B. 

A includes Wolmi Island, Yeongjong Bridge, and the area in front of the Gyeongin Canal.

B takes you around Wolmi Island, Yeongjong Island, and Incheon Bridge.

A fun extra that they are pellets to feed the seagulls available for purchase.

And on the boat there are singers who make the atmosphere even more fun.

Hotel Wolmiyeogwan
호텔 월미여관

Address: 인천 중구 월미로 247-21
247-21 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

This hotel combines Japanese-style and Korean Hanok-style architecture.

The entrance to the lobby is lined with tatami mats which give it a very comfortable and clean feeling.

In addition to the traditional style decor, the items in the room such as lamps, coffee tables, and beds are also antique style, though the bathrooms are very modern and clean looking.

Whether traveling with friends or by yourself, this is a great place to come and relax for a while.

Not only is the price reasonable, transportation is very convenient and you get to enjoy the traditional vibes at the same time.

Dalbitjjogae
달빛조개

Address: 인천 중구 월미문화로 65
65 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 17:00-00:00
Sat: 11:00-02:00
Sun: 11:00-00:00

Wolmido Culture Street has many seafood stalls serving raw fish, grilled seafood, seafood kalguksu, and more, but the thing you can't missis grilled clams

Dalbitjjogae, which means moonlight clams, is a grilled clam restaurant with a beautiful sea view.

As soon as you walk into the shop, you will immediately feel the lively atmosphere and smell the delicious shellfish cooking.

Couple Set (연인셋트)
60,000 won

The couple set includes shellfish, shrimp, and noodles.

After ordering the food, the staff will come light the grill at your table so you can get to grilling!

The assorted shellfish are so fresh and sweet, but be careful as the shells will be very hot and could crack if the fire is too high.

The cheese and tomato sauce will neutralize any fishy smell.

When the shellfish is almost finished, the staff will bring out seafood kalguksu to enjoy along with them.

The serving is quite large, and I guarantee that you will have a delicious and worthwhile meal here.

Yejeon
예전

Address: 인천 중구 월미문화로 43-2
43-2 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hours: 11:30-22:00

For those who don't like seafood, don't be sad.

There is an elegant western-style restaurant called Yejeon waiting for you!

Of course, the window seat on the 2nd floor that looks out at the sea is the most popular seat.

Source: tvN

This was also a filming location featured in It's Okay To Not Be Okay.

The staff will first bring out bread, salad, and soup, along with some pickles.

The bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and the soup is very delicious.

Lunch Special
22,000 won

Their main menu items are things like steak, fried shrimp, fried seafood, and fried pork cutlet.

If you come at lunchtime, you can order this lunch special which is a nice surf n turf type meal with of a bit of everything, some shellfish, pork cutlet, fish, steak, veggies, and Korean seaweed rice balls.

And that's a wrap on our list of musts to enjoy Incheon's Chinatown and Wolmido like a local!

What are your thoughts on these places? Feel free to let us know in the comments!