Many people probably remember Incheon as a city for its renowned Incheon International Airport, which served 71 million passengers in 2019. With the COVID-19 situation, the glamour of the airport has been reduced significantly. Being the third-largest city of South Korea, Incheon as the gateway to the country would still have many things to see and enjoy than you can imagine!
Let us now find out the best ways to explore Incheon to the fullest in a day!
Follow the footsteps of K-drama/movie shooting spots
Did you know that many Korean dramas, movies, music videos, and TV shows were filmed in Incheon? If you want to see these places with your own eyes, book Incheon K-drama/movie Shooting Spots 1 Day Tour, departing from Seoul! Here is the list the shooting spots in Incheon.
1. SONGDO
Songdo is one of the best places to live in Korea and you can feel the futuristic vibes of the city. It has Songdo International District, so-called Songdo IBD, which makes Songdo referred to as a modern ‘Smart City’. There is also Songdo Central Park, which is inspired by New York City’s Central Park. Due to its contemporary atmosphere, many K-dramas were filmed here.
Itaewon Class
One of the trendiest K-drama this year, “Itaewon Class”, starring Park Seo Joon, Kim Da Mi, and Kwon Na Ra, was filmed at Songdo Triple Street. It is a shopping district with a lot of restaurants, cafes, and attractions to enjoy. Hyundai Premium Outlet is also located at Triple Street, so it is the perfect place to spend a leisurely day with family, friends, and loved ones.
Crash Landing On You
“Crash Landing on You” was also filmed in Songdo. It was shot at Gyeongwonjae Ambassador, a 5-star hotel with traditional Korean architecture. Since the hotel is next to Central Park, you can see the amazing view of traditional houses in harmony with the contemporary buildings of Songdo IBD.
Goblin
The legendary K-drama, “Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)” was also filmed at Gyeongwonjae Ambassador. The scene of Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) and Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun) going on a good-bye trip was filmed at the Royal Suite Room of this hotel.
2. OPEN PORT AREA （GAEHANGJANG）& JAYU PARK
Open Port Area (Gaehangjang) is where you can feel like traveling back in time. Since it used to be a gateway to Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), a variety of cultures overlap so you can see both Japanese-style and Chinese-style architecture.
Jayu Park (Park of Freedom) is the first Western-style public park in Korea where you can see the stunning view of East Incheon and the ocean view of Yeongjongdo Island. “Goblin” was filmed at Jayu Park, in front of the former Jemulpo Club, which used to be a social community established in 1891 by foreigners living in Incheon.
3. HANMI BOOKSTORE
Hanmi Bookstore is a bookstore that sells countless secondhand books, and “Goblin” was taken just in front of this store. If you are lucky enough, you can easily see Korean celebrities shooting in this area.
4. CAFE VALOR
Incheon is not only a shooting location for K-dramas but also for K-movies. The movie “Beauty Inside”, starring Han Hyo Joo, was filmed at Café Valore, which is in Bupyeong. If you order a drink at the cafe, which is worth ordering, your receipt becomes an admission ticket to the Valor Studio, where the movie was filmed.
Take Instagram pictures at the hottest photo spots
If you love to post pictures and video on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, Incheon as plenty of spots ready for you! Simply book Incheon Instagram Photo Tour and take the trendiest instagrammable pictures. You can either depart from Seoul or meet tour staff in Incheon.
1. WOLMI ISLAND
Wolmi Island is a small islet with spectacular view of the sea and the lighthouse. You can take cute photos at the Wolmido Light House Road and in front of an iconic ‘Incheon’ sign, just like ‘Iamsterdam’ in Amsterdam.
Wolmi Theme Park & My Land are the must-go theme parks in Wolmi Island that reminds of Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. It is next to the sea and the attractions are very colorful and vintage. Biking and Disco Pang Pang are the most popular rides!
2. SINPO INTERNATIONAL MARKET AREA
Sinpo international Market is where you can experience Korean local market and try delicious local foods. The most popular food is Sinpo Dakgangjeong (a crunchy Korean fried chicken) and Konggalbbang (a Korean snack originally introduced by the local Korean Chinese people).
On the way to the Sinpo International Market, you can stop by Snow Village, a mini winter themed area. If you are a fan of the movie, “Frozen”, you should take a picture with Olaf!
3. OPEN PORT AREA (GAEHANGJANG)
Since there are the old remains of the first foreign settlers of Korea at Open Port Area, you can take photos as if you have traveled back in time. Rent Korean traditional hanbok or 19th-century costume and dress up like a character from Korean history. Also, don’t miss out on the Life Museum, where you can see how the lifestyles of Koreans have evolved throughout the history!
4. CHINA TOWN
Just next to the Open Port Area, there is China Town, where you can experience the Chinese influence on the city and feel as if you are in China! Try Korean version of Chinese cuisines, such as Jajangmyeon (a noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made of chunjang), Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle), and Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour beef or pork).
5. SONGWOL-DONG FAIRYTALE VILLAGE
Finally, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is strongly suggested to Instagram and TikTok lovers. It is a small residential area next to China Town, where you can see the fairy tale themed decorations on every corner and wall. Have fun trying to find all 10 landmark photo spots that include fairy tale characters, such as Pinocchio, Snow White, and Spider-Man!
Given the COVID-19 situation and traveling is difficult, it doesn’t mean you can’t start planning in anticipation of the situation improving. If all else fails, catch up on some of the new hit drama being shown now to savour on the beauty of Korea.
Thanks to our friends at Trazy for their recommendations, and making a visit to these gorgeous places super simple. Visit Trazy.com to find out more things to do in Incheon, the city where you can meet the past and the present.
