KoreAnesthesia 2019

Incheon emerged as an administrative district known as ‘Marsoholhyeon’ during the reign of King Jangsu of Goguryeo (475 AD). After Silla united the three kingdoms, the district was renamed as ‘Soseonghyeon’ using Chinese characters during the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Silla. Located just west of Seoul on the Yellow Sea, also referred to as the East China Sea, Incheon is Korea’s 4th largest city. Over the past decade Incheon has experienced unprecedented growth. Incheon is now home to the world’s largest international airport and free economic zone and is poised to continue its ever expanding infrastructure.

Open Port

Open Port: The Open Port was a limited area which was opened to foreigners for free interchanges and trade. The term was commonly used for ports that were used for anchoring the ships of foreigners, providing hospitality, and allowing trading activities to take place. It was a place of harmony and became a modern city afterwards. Here, you can view the changes in customs through different eras and the clothing styles and items of various countries. The Open Port is indeed the birthplace that heralded the beginning of the modernization of Korea. The Open Port is a place of living history that encompasses different cultures and changing trends from 1883 to the present time.

Gyeongin Waterway

Gyeongin Waterway: Gyeongin Waterway is a gateway connecting the western sea and the Han River. At the same time, it holds the thousand-yearlong aspirations of Korea. The first inland waterway of Korea offers great delights with its colorful artificial lightings and uninterrupted natural views. It features Jeongseojin which boasts a beautiful sunset view and Duri Ecological Park. Moreover, you can find a 41.3-kmlong cycle track along the waterway. After your ride, don’t miss out on the delicious coffee at Ara Waterfall. Furthermore, the short trips on the passenger ship bound for islands in the western sea and the cruise ship along the Gyeongin Waterway with its beautiful night view will certainly give you some romantic memories.

Seonjaedo Island

Seonjaedo Island: The island was called Sowudo Island by the late Joseon Dynasty before it had the current name. The name Soenjae means “a beautiful and gorgeous island where a divine fairy came down and danced.” It was chosen the most beautiful island in Korea by CNN. An exotic landscape of sea and islands, which endlessly extends, and wide-open mud flat engage tourists around the year. Let’s dig out the limitless attraction of Seonjaedo Island. If you decide to visit the island, there is a must-do. That is to observe “the crossing of the sea,” which happens two times a day. To the south of Seonjaedo Island, there is an uninhabited island called Mokseom. When the tide is out, a road to the Mokseom appears.

Ganghwado Island

Ganghwado Island: Ganghwado Island is often called a microcosm of Korean history, possessing relics from prehistoric times to modern times. As its nickname ‘Museum without a roof’ implies, Ganghwado Island will certainly make you feel as if you are walking along the path of thousands years of Korean history. The island is dotted with cultural relics and splendid natural landscapes, offering a great opportunity to relax and have fun. The cycle path was created along the old fortress and fortifications - both of which still remain intact. Ganghwado is a time-honored island holding the history of the Goyeo and Joseon Dynasty of Korea. The island has numerous cultural & historic relics including Samrangseong castle, Jeondeungsa Temple, and Bomunsa Temple.

Songdo International City

Songdo International City: The Songdo International City is a high technology city. It is abundant with romance. Life and industries co-mingle with culture and arts, as if the world’s cities are gathered together in one city. The cultures of the east and the west are experienced in the Songdo International City. It is the future of Korea. Songdo International City adds romantic mood to its signature feature: cutting-edge infrastructure. From residential areas, industrial complexes, and all the way up to culture & art contents, Songdo, a place where you can feel both eastern and western cultures, certainly ushers you into the future of Korea. The hottest place in Incheon is now a complex cultural district offering visitors contents of tourism, culture, leisure, MICE and shopping.

Songdo Central Park

Songdo Central Park: Songdo Central Park is a seaside park built within Songdo International City, a green paradise found among the crowded skyscrapers in the city. Visitors can enjoy a water taxi ride on the man-made waterway, take a stroll at the walking promenades or various themed meadows around. The park is the centerpiece of Songdo IBD's green space plan, inspired by New York City's Central Park. Central Park provides the ideal setting for young and old to reflect, meditate, play and be entertained. Visitors stroll across footbridges, enjoying sculptures and art. Walking paths weave their way across the park. Besides its recreational function, the seawater canal also contributes to the urban ecosystem, refreshing every 24 hours.

Incheon Chinatown

Incheon Chinatown: Incheon's Chinatown came into being with the opening of Incheon Port in 1883 and Incheon's designation as an extraterritoriality of the Ching Dynasty in the following year. In the past, the area held many stores trading goods imported from China, but currently most Chinese businesses in the area are restaurants. Today, the residents of Chinatown are mostly 2nd or 3rd generation Chinese, descendents of the early Chinese settlers. The area harbors many of the flavors of China, while the traditional culture of the first generation are preserved.

Sinpo International Market

Sinpo International Market: Located in Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, Sinpo Market (3,300㎡) dates back to the late 19th century when vendors began selling fresh vegetables to the Japanese, Chinese, and Westerners who settled in the area. Sinpo Market was officially registered as a market in 1970 and now boasts over 140 stores. An increasing number of tourists and international merchants have visited Incheon by ferries and cruise ships, turning the local market into an international shopping area over the past few decades. The information desk and office at the market even provide a variety of services (translation services, trade and shopping information, etc.) for tourists and merchants from home and abroad.

Jeondeungsa Temple

Jeondeungsa Temple: Jeondeungsa Temple was originally called Jinjongsa during the Goryeo Dynasty. It functioned as a sanctuary enshrining family ancestors. Jeondeungsa Temple is located in Samrangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea. Jeondeungsa Temple contains significant architectural works, including the main building Daeungbojeon. Decorated with delicate carvings, it is a superlative example of the architecture of the mid-Joseon Dynasty. The canopy situated above the Buddha statue inside Daeungbojeon building showcases masterful workmanship. On the walls and columns of Daeungbojeon, visitors can see names of soldiers written on the walls.

Sorae Ecology Park

Sorae Ecology Park: The Sorae Ecology Park was once a facility used to produce salt until 1999 when it was coverted into a park, restoring the mud flat, tidal channel, and making the closed salt field a ecological habitat for various marine life and migratory birds. The Sorae Ecology Park also provides a history to the facility and houses a Nature Learning Center, where visitors can experience sea salt production and learn more about the various wildlife and plants living in the marsh.