Though most people recognize Seoul as the soul of Korea, Incheon sits quietly in its shadow. Though Incheon began as a port city, growth has made it more or less a gigantic suburb to neighboring Seoul. Aside from Korea’s main international airport, Incheon is home to both modern and historic sights. The city and its environs also serve as a gateway to the islands of the West Sea.

Because it sits just west of Seoul, Incheon is easily reachable via public transit from Seoul. Trains and buses run regularly.

The islands off the western coast of Korea are both beautiful and rugged. Yeonpyeong Island offers rocky cliffs from which there are panoramic views of the area both inland and out to sea. The most noted lookout point in called Butterfly Cliff. Modo Island has extensive tidal flats. Various crabs, shellfish, and even the odd octopus can be found at low tide. Muuido Island is known for its pine forests, which can be hiked. This island is especially scenic when seen from the air.

Incheon is home to Korea’s only Chinatown. The area was established in the 1800s, and became one of the busiest spots in Korea until the 1950s. The remnants of this history can be seen today. Although Chinatown is not as large or bustling as it was 60 years ago, it still has an atmosphere which is distinctly Chinese. Chinatown is reachable by train from Seoul.

Incheon has several important historical and religious sites. Goryeo Palace was an important part of Korea’s 13th century battle with Mongolian invaders. Part of the palace has been refurbished, as has Ganghwa Sanseong Fort, an extensive stone fortress over 700 years old. Jeondeungsa Temple, on Manisan Mountain is quite scenic and is a popular tourist destination, mainly because of the artifacts it houses.

Songdo Amusement Park offers some excitement in the form of a beach (in summer), sledding hill (in winter), and a bungee jumping tower, as well as typical amusement park rides. It is also one of the best places in town to people watch, as it gets quite crowded on weekends. Architecture fans will like Incheon World Cup Stadium which hosted the 2002 World Cup. The stadium was designed to bring sailing ships to mind (as Incheon made its name as a port city).

Being near the sea, restaurants in Incheon are well-known for their seafood, including numerous sushi restaurants. Seafood in Incheon is as fresh as it gets.

Though Seoul offers more in the way of excitement, Incheon has its own character and its own unique sights to see.