Incheon (Seoul)
Incheon, South Korea’s third-largest city, stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s rapid modernization and global connectivity. While it is widely recognized today for Incheon International Airport, one of the world’s busiest and most advanced air hubs since its opening in 2001, the city’s roots go much deeper. In 1883, Incheon Port—then known as Chemulpo—was opened to foreign trade, ushering in a new era of international commerce and urban development as Japan, China, and Western powers established consulates and trading posts. Incheon also holds a significant place in modern history as the site of the Incheon Landing Operation during the Korean War, a daring amphibious assault led by General Douglas MacArthur that dramatically shifted momentum in favor of South Korea and United Nations forces. Today, Incheon is a thriving urban center where history meets innovation—home to high-tech zones like Songdo International Business District, vibrant cultural enclaves like Chinatown, and scenic coastal parks. Its unique blend of historical significance and futuristic vision makes Incheon a dynamic gateway to Korea and the wider world.
💡Incheon (Seoul): Good to Know
🛂 Visa: most European countries plus Canada, Australia, the US, and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days but need to fill out the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), an electronic arrival card, as well as a Health Declaration
✈️ Closest Airport: Incheon International Airport (ICN)
💬 Language: Korean, but English is fairly widely spoken in Seoul; outside of touristy areas, English proficiency can be limited; street signs, announcements, and signage on trains and buses are in English
🏷️ Price Level: Seoul is generally cheaper than living in any major US city. However, tourist areas may have prices closer to what you’d expect in the US.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / South Korea US$ 4.44
💰 Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)| 1 USD = ca. 1400 KRW)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: spring (March to May) and fall (September and November) when the weather is mild; winters tend to be freezing with snow, while summers are hot and humid
🚘 Transportation: Seoul subway, buses, and taxis
🔌 Adapter: South Korea uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe, but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: widely available; SEOUL/Public Wifi Free is a free, government-provided WiFi service that can be accessed in many public spaces
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: While little food stalls take only cash, payments with cards are generally accepted; ATMs are available throughout the city
💸 Tipping: Tipping is not customary and can even be refused. However, in upscale hotels or Western establishments, small tips may be accepted.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Incheon International Cruise Terminal, 438 Gukjehangman-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🏙️ Incheon is located about 20 miles (32 km) from the city center of Seoul.
To get from Incheon Cruise Terminal, it is best to take a regular taxi or use the local ride-hailing app K.ride. It will cost around KRW 10,000 and take around 20 minutes.
A taxi from the port to Seoul Station takes about 45-60 minutes and costs around KRW 50,000.
🌐 Google Maps does not work well in Korea, so it is best to use a local navigation app such as Kakao or Naver.
🎟️ The T-money Card is a pre-paid, rechargeable, contactless smart card used for public transportation fares and making purchases at various businesses in South Korea, acting as a convenient alternative to cash or credit cards. T-money cards can be bought at Incheon Airport, convenience stores, and subway and bus stations. The price of a T-Money Card depends on where you purchase it, but it typically costs KRW 3,000 in convenience stores and KRW 4,000 at Incheon Airport.
✈️ Incheon International Airport (ICN) is located around 40 miles (65 km) from Seoul Station and can be reached via the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) with the express train taking about 43 minutes (KRW 9,500), while the local trains take about one hour (KRW 5,000). Another option with more destinations around Seoul is the Airport Limousine bus with fares starting at around KRW 16,000. Tickets can be bought in the arrival hall at the airport.
🚇 Seoul subway line 1 connects Incheon Station with Seoul Station in about 60 minutes (fare KRW 1,500- 2000 with T-money card. Several different lines connect the city with its different neighborhoods, and navigating is made easy with English announcements and signage throughout the system. Stations have designated numbers and letters, making getting around more convenient than remembering the station name.
🚌 The local hop-on, hop-off bus connects the major sites in Seoul. Two daytime and night tours allow for a good overview, and more information can be found here.
🚲 The public bike sharing service in Seoul is called Ttareungy, and bikes can be rented through the Ttareungy app and used to ride between the different locations
⭐️ Top Sights in Incheon & Seoul
"There are probably over 30,000 karaoke rooms in Seoul."
📸 Incheon Chinatown: Incheon’s Chinatown is the largest in Korea and a vibrant area rich in history and culture. You can explore traditional Chinese architecture, diverse eateries, and unique shops. The area reflects the legacy of foreign influence in Incheon, dating back to when the port first opened to international trade.
📸 Gyeongbokgung Palace: The grandest of Seoul’s five royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 and served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. The changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, is a reenactment of the Joseon dynasty's guard-changing procedure. It takes place twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, except on Tuesdays when the palace is closed.
📸 N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower): Namsan Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, is a prominent landmark in Seoul, South Korea, offering panoramic views of the city and serving as a major tourist attraction. Originally built as a broadcasting tower, it has evolved into a cultural and historical site with various attractions, including the Observatory, the Namsan Cable Car, and the "Locks of Love" area. Located atop Namsan Mountain, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city, especially stunning at night.
📸 Bukchon Hanok Village: A charming neighborhood with hundreds of traditional Korean hanok houses preserved among the modern cityscape, it is regarded as Seoul's most representative traditional residential area. It is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, and is a great place to stroll and see how traditional and contemporary Korea coexist.
📸 Myeongdong Shopping Street: A bustling district packed with fashion shops, cosmetics stores, street food, and entertainment. It’s also a hotspot for trying popular Korean snacks like tteokbokki.
📸 Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A futuristic architectural landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. It serves as a hub for design, fashion, and cultural exchange, hosting various exhibitions, fashion shows, and other events, and it’s especially beautiful when lit up at night.
📸 Cheonggyecheon Stream: Formerly polluted and covered with an elevated road, in 2005, this 11 km long stream was cleaned up and made into an art and nature walkway through the heart of Seoul. It is one of the best examples of urban renewal in the world- with paved sidewalks on both sides of the stream, it serves as a perfect place for walking, running or just relaxing.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Seoul’s dynamic food scene is a vibrant reflection of Korea’s rich culinary heritage and modern creativity. From sizzling street food stalls in Myeongdong to traditional hanjeongsik (multi-course meals) in Insadong, the city offers something for every palate. Iconic dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) showcase bold flavors, fermented ingredients, and communal dining traditions. Visitors can explore lively night markets, trendy café districts, and sleek Michelin-starred restaurants, all within the same day. Whether you’re sampling spicy tteokbokki from a street cart or enjoying refined temple cuisine, eating in Seoul is not just a meal—it’s an essential part of the cultural experience.
🍽️ Kimchi (김치) Fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage or radish, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, and more. It’s Korea’s national side dish and is served with almost every meal. There are over 200 regional and seasonal varieties, and with its high amounts of probiotics, vitamins, and fiber, it is considered a superfood.
🍽️ Bibimbap (비빔밥) Literally means “mixed rice” in Korean, and it’s one of the most colorful, nutritious, and delicious dishes in Korean cuisine. At its core, Bibimbap is a bowl of warm rice topped with a variety of vegetables, protein, and a fried egg, served with gochujang (chili paste).
🍽️ Bulgogi (불고기) It is one of Korea’s most beloved dishes—it’s a sweet and savory marinated beef, thinly sliced and grilled or pan-cooked. The name means “fire meat”, and it’s been a staple of Korean cuisine for centuries.
🍽️ Tteokbokki (떡볶이) A beloved street food made from chewy rice cakes (tteok) simmered in a spicy, slightly sweet sauce.
🍽️ Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean dish consisting of thinly sliced pork belly, often grilled on a tabletop grill. It's known for its three visible layers of meat and fat, earning it the name "three-layered meat" in Korean. Samgyeopsal is typically served with various accompaniments like lettuce, kimchi, and dipping sauces.
🍽️ Gimbap (김밥) Think Korean-style sushi rolls—rice, veggies, and sometimes meat rolled in seaweed. It can be found in most convenience stores, so it's a perfect snack on the go.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
🚕 Kakao T/ k.ride
🚕 Uber