Seasonal Scenes of Incheon’s History, Tempered by Bitter Pain
Introduction
When the sky over Incheon turns a clearer shade of blue, the breath of time that has passed seeps more vividly through the old brick walls of the open port area and the sea breeze from Ganghwa. As you walk along stories layered from the opening of the port to the scars of war, our history, which endured pain and blossomed into culture, gently knocks on your heart.
Seasonal Scenes of Incheon’s History, Tempered by Bitter Pain
Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Course Name : A Journey Remembering the History That Endured Bitter Pain and Became Culture
- Trip Type : One-day course · Approx. 2 hours · Total distance approx. 99.9 km
- Main Route : Incheon Open Port Street → Gyodong-do Daeryong Market → Ganghwa War Museum → Ganghwa Peace Observatory
- Location : 27 Jemullyang-ro 232beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (Jungang-dong 2-ga)
- Theme : Open-port modern history · Korean War · Peace-themed historical journey
- 10:00 Arrive at Incheon Open Port Street and slowly look around modern buildings, the concession boundary stone, Jemulpo Club, and more to explore the history of the port-opening era.
- 12:30 After lunch, head to Gyodong-do and walk through the alleys of Daeryong Market to feel the atmosphere of the former Yeonbaek Market and the scenery of the 1960s.
- 14:30 At Ganghwa War Museum, view relics and photographs covering war history from the Goryeo period to modern times, including materials related to the Ganghwa March 18th Independence Movement.
- 16:00 Move to Ganghwa Peace Observatory to look out over the Han River estuary, Kaesong Industrial Complex, and North Korean land, and spend time reflecting on war, division, and peace.
- 17:30 As the sun begins to set, stop by a nearby café or viewpoint to wrap up today’s journey and relax.
Ganghwa War Museum is closed on Mondays, so exclude it from your itinerary that day or adjust your dates.
This course starts at Incheon Open Port Street and continues to Daeryong Market on Gyodong-do, Ganghwa War Museum, and Ganghwa Peace Observatory, following the turbulent history from the opening of the port through the Japanese occupation and the Korean War. Just as the ground hardens after rain, you can tangibly feel how our history rooted firmly over painful times and has continued on as culture, through the buildings, alleys, and exhibitions you encounter.
From Ganghwa Peace Observatory, you can look out over the Han River estuary, Kaesong Industrial Complex, and North Korean landscapes, revisiting the traces of division and war. At Ganghwa War Museum, various war-related relics prompt reflection on the spirit of national defense and the value of peace. As you walk and linger over the course of a day, past wounds become a light that illuminates the present, turning into a quietly moving journey.
Program Information
Walk along Open Port Street, layered with more than 100 years of history since Incheon opened as a port in 1883, and observe modern buildings such as the former Japanese Consulate and the Bank of Japan Incheon Branch. As you stroll down a street where the history and culture of the port-opening era coexist, the atmosphere of the times naturally comes to mind.
Visit Daeryong Market, an alley market recreated by residents of Yeonbaek-gun in Hwanghae-do during the Korean War who missed their hometown market. Amid scenery reminiscent of a 1960s movie set, you can feel the unique charm of the market as you pass old signs, retro-style cafés, and ssanghwa tea houses.
At Ganghwa War Museum, view a wide variety of relics and materials on wars that took place in Ganghwa. Through permanent and special exhibitions, you can encounter major historical events all in one place, from the Goryeo period to the Korean War and the Ganghwa March 18th Independence Movement.
At Ganghwa Peace Observatory, a national defense experience space and exhibits comparing South and North Korean military power, along with videos on unification policy, invite reflection on war and peace. From the observatory, you can view Yesong River, the confluence of the Han and Imjin rivers, Kaesong Industrial Complex, and North Korean scenery, bringing the reality of division closer to home.
Ganghwa War Museum is regularly closed on Mondays, so it’s best to avoid visiting that day when planning your schedule. This is especially important if you consider the museum visit a key part of your trip.
Special exhibitions held in Ganghwa run for limited periods, so if you wish to see one, check the exhibition dates in advance. For example, the exhibition “The Flame of Independence that Blossomed in Ganghwa” ran from July 16 to December 29, 2024.
If you briefly look up the background of the historical events, figures, and artifacts beforehand, the depth of what you feel on site will be completely different. This is especially true for exhibitions related to the open port and wars—the more prior understanding you have, the more stories you will discover.
Special exhibitions are time-limited, so it’s wise to review official notices beforehand.
With historical context in mind, each step of your route takes on new meaning.
Travel Impressions
Here is a recap of my trip following the course “A Journey Remembering the History That Endured Bitter Pain and Became Culture” in Incheon. Walking through spaces where past wounds have been reborn as today’s culture, it was a route that left my heart feeling heavy yet deeply moved. Stepping into Open Port Street for the first time, I could sense the lingering presence of modern history between the old buildings. Former Japanese properties such as the Dai-Ichi Bank Incheon Branch, the 18th Bank, and the Rice Exchange are now used as museums, exhibition halls, and cultural spaces, making their historical significance far more than scenery to simply pass by. Throughout the streets are places like the concession boundary stone and Jemulpo Club, which preserve traces of the former foreign settlement while also serving as stages for contemporary artistic creation. When the late afternoon sun lit up the building façades, the light seeping between the old bricks felt all the more poignant.
Though smaller in scale than I expected, the area was packed with things to see, and the flow of the route felt very natural. It’s good to allow about two to three hours to explore the entire Incheon Open Port Street area at a relaxed pace, including cafés and exhibition spaces, and the atmosphere becomes especially appealing from late afternoon into the evening. Daeryong Market on Gyodong-do is only about 400 meters long, but with its old signs, retro-style cafés, and ssanghwa tea houses, it’s a great place to feel the charm of a traditional market. From Manghyangdae Observatory on Gyodong-do, where you can see Hwanghae-do in North Korea, my heart grew quietly heavy. By public transportation, you can access the area from downtown Incheon or Seoul by bus or car, and after Gyodong Bridge opened, it has become much easier to drive in and out of Gyodong-do. Although the travel time is somewhat long, watching the scenery of Ganghwa pass by outside the window is a calming experience in itself.
I would gladly visit again. There are many places perfect for walking alone in contemplation or visiting with a partner or family to share conversations, and it would be especially meaningful for those interested in history. One regret was that some exhibition halls and cultural spaces were under construction or operating on limited hours, and that information on places like Manghyangdae or observatories could have been more precise in advance. Even so, overall it was a journey well worth the distance, and one that will stay with me for a long time. When taking photos, I felt it was best not only to capture the full façades of buildings, but also details like signs, windows, and staircases to better record the unique atmosphere of this place.
Accommodation Recommendations
After spending a full day around Incheon Open Port and the Ganghwa area, it’s a nice idea to stay at a nearby accommodation and take some time to digest the experience. In particular, accommodations around Wolmido, Yeongjong-do, and Guwol-dong offer both sea and cityscapes, making them convenient bases in terms of route and accessibility.
229 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
Near Wolmido · A hotel ideal for enjoying both the sea and the city
A convenient location if you’d like to combine Wolmido sightseeing with the Open Port itinerary.
Distance: 1.9 km
8 Wolmi-ro 260beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
Central Wolmido · Convenient for walks and night views
On weekends, it’s best to allow extra time for check-in due to traffic congestion around Wolmido.
Distance: 2.0 km
10 Yeongjongjin-gwangjang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (Jungsan-dong)
Sea view on Yeongjong-do · Coastal relaxation hotel adjacent to a park
If you’re driving, check traffic conditions on Yeongjong Bridge and Incheon Bridge in advance.
Distance: 4.3 km
32 Yeongjongjin-gwangjang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (Jungsan-dong)
Yeongjong-do hotel ideal for beach walks and sunsets
The mood of the room varies by view type, so check for sea-view rooms when booking.
Distance: 4.4 km
15 Yesullo 204beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon (Guwol-dong)
Excellent access to downtown Incheon · Great for combining with shopping
If using public transit, check your return route in advance considering bus–subway transfers.
Distance: 7.6 km
1 Seonsuchon-gongwon-ro 23beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon
Urban hotel with access to a nearby park for walks
For a quieter stay, consider a weekday reservation or early check-in.
Distance: 8.6 km
20 Seogot-ro 301beon-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon (Simgok-dong)
A unique concept stay with a Japanese-style ambience
As it’s a themed accommodation, check availability well in advance and match it to your schedule.
Distance: 9.3 km
18-8 Gyeongwon-daero 1417beon-gil, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon (Bupyeong-dong)
Close to central Bupyeong · Convenient for both transport and dining
If returning late at night, check the last public transit times in advance for peace of mind.
Distance: 9.7 km
Because driving to Ganghwa can take some time, it’s also nice to spend one night in Incheon city first and then head out at a relaxed pace.
Restaurants & Cafés
Along the way between the open port, Ganghwa, and Songdo, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can stop to satisfy your hunger. Considering your route, it’s worth exploring spots around Jung-gu, Yeonsu-gu, and Bupyeong-gu where you can enjoy a light meal or dessert, adding richer flavor to your trip.
104 Gaehang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (Gyeong-dong)
An atmospheric space that suits the open port vibe
A convenient stop to rest for a while after finishing your Open Port itinerary.
Distance: 1.2 km
19 Yeongjongjin-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (Jungsan-dong)
A café-style space with Yeongjong-do vibes
If you plan to include Yeongjong-do on your way back from Ganghwa, it’s a nice place to stop and rest.
Distance: 4.8 km
70 Nojeoksan-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon (Hakik-dong)
A restaurant where you can experience local food culture
If you’re driving, check in advance whether parking is available for a more comfortable visit.
Distance: 4.8 km
194 Landmark-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo-dong)
A café in Songdo where you can enjoy coffee and bread together
On your way back from Ganghwa to downtown Incheon, it’s a good spot for a late-afternoon snack or tea time.
Distance: 7.3 km
131 Art Center-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo-dong)
A welcome dessert spot in the city
There may be a wait on weekend afternoons, so it’s best to visit with some extra time.
Distance: 8.3 km
121 Sinsong-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo-dong)
A sundae (Korean sausage) specialty restaurant perfect for a hearty meal
There may be a wait around dinnertime, so consider eating a bit earlier.
Distance: 9.0 km
11 Harmony-ro 138beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo-dong)
A place to enjoy unique boiled pork and fried dishes
Visit around mealtime to leisurely enjoy a wide range of menu items.
Distance: 10.0 km
13 Pyeongcheon-ro 255beon-gil, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon (Cheongcheon-dong)
A bakery where you can enjoy a wide variety of breads in one place
Packing a few breads and desserts as a keepsake makes for a nice snack on your way home.
Distance: 10.0 km
If your itinerary includes Ganghwa and Gyodong-do, it’s recommended to take at least one break for a meal or rest in Songdo or downtown Incheon along the way.
Nearby Attractions
The area around Incheon Open Port is well suited to combine with visits to Wolmido, Sangsang Platform, and local cultural spaces in Dong-gu. Choosing two or three spots that won’t overtax your schedule and exploring them at a leisurely walking pace allows you to naturally encounter another side of Incheon.
19-8 Sinpo-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (Jungang-dong 4-ga)
A cultural space capturing the atmosphere of the open port district
A spot that naturally fits into a walking route around Open Port Street.
Distance: 0.3 km
33 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (Bukseong-dong 1-ga)
A creative platform reborn as a multi-purpose cultural space
Visit together with Wolmido to discover another cultural side of Incheon.
Distance: 0.7 km
3-3 Eochon-ro 5beon-gil, Dong-gu, Incheon (Manseok-dong, Manseok 3 Woorijip)
A unique neighborhood walking course centered on comics and books
After finishing your Open Port itinerary, it’s a nice light stop as you head over to Dong-gu.
Distance: 1.0 km
52 Geumgok-ro, Dong-gu, Incheon (Geumgok-dong)
A place to experience local brewing culture and space together
It’s a good idea to check operating hours and whether programs are offered before visiting.
Distance: 1.8 km
7 Maesohol-ro 290beon-gil, Michuhol-gu, Incheon (Hakik-dong, Incheon Upcycle Eco Center)
A hands-on and exhibition space themed around the environment and upcycling
For family travelers, it pairs well as an environmental education stop alongside the historical tour.
Distance: 4.5 km
120 Bongojae 1-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon (Gajeong-dong)
An educational space for disaster and safety training experiences
Check in advance whether programs require reservations when planning your visit.
Distance: 7.4 km
29 Jeonggak-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon (Guwol-dong)
A rest area where you can enjoy greenery in the city
A pleasant place for a light walk to clear your head after a historical journey.
Distance: 7.8 km
42 Convensia-daero 230beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo-dong)
An entertainment space for indoor experiences
On days with poor weather when you need indoor activities, it’s a good addition to your schedule.
Distance: 9.5 km
Mixing indoor and outdoor spaces allows you to adapt flexibly to changes in the weather.
Getting There
Public Transportation — Take Incheon Subway Line 1 and get off at Incheon Station, then walk for about 8 minutes to reach the Open Port area. From there, head toward Ganghwa and Gyodong-do by connecting to buses departing from Incheon or Seoul.
By Car — If you’re coming from the outskirts of Incheon or toward Ganghwa-do, enter via the Seohaean Expressway or Incheon Bridge and set your navigation destination to “27 Jemullyang-ro 232beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (Jungang-dong 2-ga).” When driving on to Ganghwa or Gyodong-do, keep in mind bridge sections and potential road congestion.
If you’re using public transit, checking the last departure times in advance will let you enjoy the course more at ease.
Conclusion
This course, which stretches from Incheon Open Port Street to Ganghwa Peace Observatory, follows the grain of time from the wounds of the port-opening era and war to today’s culture and landscapes. Old buildings and alleys, museums and observatories each seem to speak in their own way, and your steps over the day gently lead you to retrace our history.
Just as the ground hardens after rain, facing a history that has become stronger by enduring pain draws travelers into deeper reflection. It’s a path worth revisiting in every season, under different light and wind, and one I recommend for days when you want to gather your thoughts and walk slowly.
Photo Snapshots
Videos
