Incheon, the marine-tourism city consists of roughly 150 small and big islands including the Ganghwado Island and Baekryeongdo Island which make for a beautiful natural environment. The city also boasts cultural and tourism sources bearing the history from the ancient to the modern time of flowering.
Various aspects can be found in this metropolitan city including: Incheon International Airport, Incheon Port, Songdo, Cheongna, Yeongjongdo, and Incheon Bridge. The Incheon International Airport and the Incheon Port are playing a great role for Incheon to take its place as an important city in the world. Songdo, Cheongna, and Yeongjongdo which are the first Free Economic Zones in Korea are the advanced futuristic cities of Incheon.
◆Tourist Attractions
The Open Port is located in the Jung-gu Office area of Incheon and is where moderncivilization entered Korea during the Joseon Era in accordance with the Treaty ofJemulpo (1882). It is a treasury of modern culture with a cluster of modern westernbuildings, which include consulates and banks, and is now sought after tourists.Incheon Art Platform, established by remodeling the Useon Company (founded byJapan to monopolize logistics) Building and a nearby warehouse, is now arenowned venue for art and media.
The Chinatown is where jajangmyeon (black-bean-sauce noodles) was conceived in Korea and a little China in Korea. The strongsmell of jajangmyeon along with the ubiquitous color of red certainly does create anexotic atmosphere. When the Chinese emigrated from Shandong Province whenIncheon Port was opened in 1883, the Chinatown was formed naturally over time inBukseong-dong and Seonrin-dong. Popular tourist destinations in the Chinatowninclude the Paeru, a traditional Chinese gate and the symbol of the Chinatown;135m-long mural street depicting 77 scenes from Samgukji; Qing & Japan ConcessionArea Boundary Stairs, a boundary set between the Chinese and Japanese after theport was opened; Korean-China Culture Center, where performances and exhibitionsare held; Euiseondang, a Chinese-style temple; and Overseas Chinese JungsanSchool, attended by Chinese born in Korea. At recent time, the Chinese Village andChinese culture activities offered by the Jung-gu Office have become very popularwith children and teenagers around the country.
Eurwangni Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Incheon. A large beach stretching along Yongyudo Island, the nearest island to Seoul. Eurwangni Beach is located in Eurwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City. Often referred to as ‘Neulmok’ or ‘Eolhang,’ the beach was designated as a public tourism site in 1986. With the length of the sandy beach reaching approximately 700m and an average depth of about 1.5m, Eurwangni Beach is relatively large compared to other beaches in Korea. The natural scenery is spectacular with a luxuriant pine forest and fantastic rocks and stones encompassing the beach. Of particular note, sunset on Eurwangni Beach is known as one of the most beautiful spectacles on the West Coast of Korea. The sands of the beach form a crescent shape. On the beach, you can see many kinds of water birds. On both ends of the beach stand pine trees and wonderful rocks that create a wonderful vista where families can enjoy a great time.
The name ‘Eurwang’ comes from a myth claiming that a king named ‘Eurwang’ lived in this area. However, the origin of the king still remains a mystery.
Regardless of how it was named, Eurwangni Beach has a shore of 1.5km of mixed seashells and sand. At low tide, a broad sand field with a width of 200m appears, allowing visitors to reach the far sea. On the corner of the beach, visitors can ride jet skis, banana boats and power boats. They can also rent a fishing boat to go out and catch goby, rock fish, greenlings, and more. On both ends of the beach stand wonderful rocks, while the rear of the beach is framed by thick forest, making Eurwangni Beach the perfect leisure spot. With excellent campground, lodging and convenience facilities, Eurwangni Beach is favored as a membership training area by many college students from around the metropolitan area.
Dumujin is a 4km-long area along the coast with cliffs and rocks that have beensculpted into their current fascinating shapes by waves over hundreds of millions ofyears. Lined with a half-dozen majestic rocks, including the Elephant Rock, JanggunRock, Candlestick Rock and Seondaeam, Dumujin is also referred to as “theHaegeum River of the Western Sea” as it resembles Chongseokjeong of Mt.Geumgang (a famous scenic spot in North Korea).The name “Dumujin” stems from “Dumojin,” a name given in the old days as therocks resembled a topknot of hair. Dumujin is referred to as Dumopo inDonggukyeojiseungram, published in 1468, and Dumo in Baekryeongjinji, publishedin 1802.Although Baekryeong Island primarily comprises farmlands, Dumujin was an inlet ina small ravine without any farmlands that survives on fishing. However, the numberof visitors seeking Dumujin for its spectacle has increased steadily since it has beenmade more accessible through landscaping.Dumujin is inhabited by the robber crab, a palm-sized crab given its name because itsteals and eats rice by sneaking into kitchens.
Wolmi Island is one of Incheon‘s main tourist attractions. While a symbol ofyouth and romance, Wolmi Island is a historical location where the World Powersstruggled for power before Incheon Port was opened. It is famous for its spawith heated sea water, hotels and entertainment facilities. During the KoreanWar, Wolmi Island was a key strategic point for the Battle of Incheon.
The reason why Jemulpo was selected for construction of Incheon Port in 1883was because there was a waterway between Jemulpo and Wolmi Island which madeit possible to for ships to approach the port even at low tide for cargowork.Although considered as a military stronghold after the opening of Incheon Port,Wolmi Island was designated as a scenic zone in 1918, which saw the constructionsof roads and entertainment facilities to attract tourists from all over Korea. For half acentury after the liberation from Japan, Wolmi Island was a military restricted area.But since Wolmi Culture Street was formed in July 1989, a number of events andfestivals have been regularly taking place on the island. The ocean, sunset and skyseen from Wolmi Culture Street are like a beautiful painting. There is also Mt. Wolmi,which can be reached beyond the amusement park located at the edge of WolmiCulture Street.After taking a walk along the mountain track, a view of the Western Sea, IncheonPort, Jayu Park and Incheon Bridge can be appreciated from Wolmi Observatory.Especially beautiful is the nighttime view. In addition, the Korean Traditional Garden,established in 2007 at the foot of Mt. Wolmi, and Korean Emigration HistoryMuseum, established in 2008, are also popular tourist destinations.
◆ Korean Traditional Markets
The Sorae Fish Market is located in the port southeast of Incheon. Although the market is relatively small, it is located in the only natural port near the metropolitan area, and thus the Sorae Fish Market is well known to everyone living in the vicinity.
Sorae Fish Market is also known as a place where visitors can find excellent pickled shrimp and buy quality marine products at competitive prices. Such is the fame of the market that it attracts many between three thousand and thirty thousand customers everyday. Often called the ’department store of pickled fish,‘ Sorae Fish Market sells all kinds of pickled fish including pickled anchovies, pickled beak squid, pickled fish entrails, pickled herring, pickled crab, and more. The busiest seasons for Sorae Fish Market are June, September and November. Experienced customers visit the market during these seasons with the tide to enjoy the freshest fish.
Shinpo Market is one of famous markets in Incheon. An avenue one can walk down while recalling fond memories can be a tonic of life. Filled with the scents and sentiment of life, Shinpo Market has mills, handicraft shops, shoe stores, clothing stores, bedding stores, cafeterias, bonded warehouses, gonggalbbang stores, fruit stands and more. In Shinpo Market, visitors can enjoy the experience of choosing what store to visit and what food to eat. The many restaurants in Shinpo Market serve famous foods of Incheon including Shinpo yangnyeom-tongdak (roast chicken coated with sweet, tangy sauce), Shinpo sundae, jjolmyeon (chewy cold noodles), and kalguksu (hand-rolled noodles). Shinpo Market also has many stores that serve foreign customers, including Russians and Filipinos, on a regular basis. These stores emanate an exotic atmosphere. Near the market stand structures such as an arch, promotional tower and information sculpture, making Shinpo market more elegant and active.
The Incheon General Marine Products Center is the only ’on-site‘ fish market near the metropolitan area. With an area size of 11,574.2 m2, the Incheon General Marine Products Center handles marine products, fresh fruits and vegetables.
The center was first opened in Shinpo-dong in 1902 and moved to its current location in 1975. A cooperative for the center was established in 1981, and today approximately 500 operate in the center. Incheon General Marine Products Center is divided into sectors including fresh & live fish sector, dried fish sector, pickled fish sector, shellfish sector and refrigerated fish sector (etc.) to ensure that customers can easily find the products they want.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com