Incheon Chinatown and Sorae Port Eats, Plus Open Port and Wolmido Stays: From Gonghwachun and Gaenmaeul Self-Serve Sashimi to Harbor Park and The Bliss
A jjajangmyeon alley with 100 years of history, fresh raw fish from the West Sea tidal flats, and one night at a classic hotel overlooking Incheon Port
Comparison table at a glance
| Place | Type | Key features | Suggested visit or stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonghwachun | Chinatown Chinese-Korean food | A symbol of Korean jjajangmyeon history and a rich Chinese-Korean menu | Lunch in Chinatown and the Open Port area right after getting off at Incheon Station |
| Gaenmaeul Self-Serve Sashimi | Sorae Port seafood | A place to enjoy seasonal West Coast raw fish and seafood at good value | Dinner feast after browsing the Sorae Port fish market |
| Best Western Harbor Park Hotel | Open Port area hotel | City and harbor views taking in Open Port Street and Incheon Port at a glance | 2-day, 1-night walking trip around Chinatown and Jayu Park |
| Benikea Wolmido The Bliss Hotel | Wolmido hotel | Ocean stay close to the Wolmido seaside promenade and West Sea sunsets | One-night stay centered on the Wolmi Sea Train and sunset viewing |
1. The Roots of Chinese-Korean Food on the Hills of the Open Port Area: Gonghwachun
The red paifang (traditional gate) that appears the moment you exit the ticket gates at Incheon Station on Line 1 announces that this is Incheon Chinatown, a little China inside Korea. Gonghwachun, standing tall in the middle of the alley, carries on its symbolic status as the birthplace of Korean jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) as a signature restaurant serving hearty Chinese-Korean dishes in a flamboyant building.
After tasting ganjjajang (dry-fried black bean noodles) and jjamppong loaded with seafood and crispy deep-fried sweet-and-sour pork, the hillside walk leading to Open Port Street, the Former Incheon Post Office, and the MacArthur statue in Jayu Park feels much lighter.
Gonghwachun · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip After lunch, go from Chinatown up the Jayu Park stairs and then down to Open Port Street to keep the uphill climbing to a minimum while you sightsee.
2. A Spread of Fresh Raw Fish with the West Sea Breeze: Gaenmaeul Self-Serve Sashimi
If you've spent the day touring the modern-era architecture of the Open Port area and the modern skyline of Songdo Central Park, head in the evening to Sorae Port, alive with the energy of a West Sea harbor. Gaenmaeul Self-Serve Sashimi is a food destination where you can enjoy seasonal raw fish and seafood fresh and at reasonable prices.
Enjoy the West Sea delicacies that change with each season, from webfoot octopus and flounder in spring to gizzard shad and big prawns in autumn and yellowtail and oysters in winter, along with a spicy fish stew, and you'll get the surest seaside-trip feeling near Seoul.
Gaenmaeul Self Hoe · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip It's within walking distance of Soraepogu Station on the Suin-Bundang Line, so travelers using public transit can easily include it as a dinner stop.
3. Between Open Port Classics and Wolmido Romance: Harbor Park vs The Bliss
Travel Incheon over 2 days, 1 night instead of as a day trip, and you can take in both the red West Sea sunset and the quiet morning harbor. The Best Western Harbor Park Hotel, right next to Open Port Street, boasts wide-open views over the lock gates of Incheon Port and the rooftops of the Open Port area's modern-era buildings, along with comfortable bedding of business-class quality or better.
If, on the other hand, you want to stroll the seaside waterfront deck right out front and wake up to the sound of seagulls, Benikea Wolmido The Bliss Hotel is a good choice. Both hotels are close to Incheon Station and fit into the Incheon sea train route, so they're also great for a car-free hotel staycation.
Best Western Harbor Park Hotel · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip When checking in at the Best Western Harbor Park Hotel, ask for a high-floor harbor-view room (facing the port) to enjoy the unique night view of Incheon Port's logistics operations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I tour Incheon's Open Port Street and Sorae Port together in one day?
Yes. Incheon Station (the end of the Suin-Bundang Line) and Soraepogu Station are connected by the single Suin-Bundang Line, so it's very easy to see the Open Port area and Chinatown during the day and move to Sorae Port in the evening.
Q. Where is the Best Western Harbor Park Hotel?
The hotel stands right next to Open Port Street, a good location for meals in Chinatown and the open-port area and for night walks.
Q. Is there a special way to get between Wolmido and the Open Port area?
Ride the 'Wolmi Sea Train' monorail, which departs right next to Incheon Station, and you can loop from near the Open Port area out to the edge of Wolmido while looking down over the sea and the harbor.
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