Alive Chinatown In
Incheon City

Chinatown In Incheon City - entrance gate to Jayu Park

Chinatown In Incheon City

Chinatown in Incheon City, South Korea, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the unique blend of Korean and Chinese cultures.

With its rich history dating back to the late 19th century, the area offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early Chinese immigrants to Korea.

Today, the neighborhood is a bustling hub of activity, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Located beside Jayu Park or Freedom Park, Chinatown is also a great place to relax and enjoy this vibrant city's sights and sounds.

In this article, we will explore some of the highlights of this fascinating neighborhood, from its delicious culinary delights to its historical landmarks and unique experiences.

Entrance Gate Across Incheon Station
I found this entrance gate to Chinatown in Incheon very appealing. I love its colors and the structure itself. It touches my sense of art.

As you exit Incheon Subway Station, you can immediately see this entrance gate.

It is striking and attractive, so most people, like myself, take photos of it. Right behind this gate is the road towards the hill where China Town is nestled.

Chinatown In Incheon City - The main gate facing and across Incheon Subway Line (#1)

The Emperor Steps and Gate
This is the best spot to take photos, with the steps of the Emperor leading towards another gate. Behind the gate is the way to Freedom Park (or Jayu Park in Incheon).

From the Emperor's Steps, you can see Chinese shops and restaurants, where you can enjoy food or souvenirs.

Chinatown In Incheon City - Gate to Jayu Park

Steps of the emperor

The Samgukji Murals (The Three Kingdoms)
On Three Kingdoms Mural Street, you can find 160 murals depicting the famous scenes from the novel and the stories of its characters.

These murals are accompanied by detailed explanations, making the story easy to comprehend. Strolling and paying attention to the murals and stories can be an immersive experience, like reading a book.

By following the murals on the wall and reading the stories of the Three Kingdoms, such as the Do Won Resolution and Jeokbyeok War, which are well-known to Koreans, it is possible to naturally imagine the history of the Three Kingdoms in your mind.

Chinatown In Incheon City - Samgukji (Three Kingdoms) Murals

Samgukji Murals (left side)

Samgukji Mural (right side)

Jjajangmyeon Museum
The Jjajangmyeon Museum is a small but fascinating place located in Chinatown. It delves into the history of Korea's iconic dish: Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles).

Chinese immigrant Woo Hee-Gwang originally created the dish in his restaurant Gonghwachun, which is recognized as Jjajangmyeon's birthplace.

Although the original restaurant closed in 1983, a new Gonghwachun opened just a few buildings away. Head there to savor authentic Jjajangmyeon and experience the flavors that have captivated Koreans for decades.

Simnihyang Dumplings
Right next to Gonghwachun, you'll find Simnihyang, a popular front-side store specializing in brazier-baked dumplings made in a traditional Chinese pipkin and cooked at 200 degrees.

Try these delectable dumplings while exploring Chinatown.

Jang Boutique
For a fun activity, visit Jang Boutique with friends or a partner. The boutique rents out 1900s vintage-inspired outfits, including dresses, hats, bags, and accessories.

After dressing up, roam the streets of Chinatown and capture memorable photos in your new looks.

Jayu Park (Freedom Park)

Chinatown gate leading to Jayu Park

Known as the first Western-style park in Korea, Jayu Park (Freedom Park) offers a serene escape.

Enjoy strolls amidst lush greenery and scenic views. It's an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.

Incheon's Chinatown is conveniently located near other attractions. After exploring Chinatown, consider visiting Incheon's Fairytale Village or Gaehang-ro Street for additional adventures.

If you're a history buff, a food lover, or simply seeking a unique experience, Incheon's Chinatown has something to offer for everyone.

Chinatown in Incheon City Festivals

Chinatown In Incheon City - uphill road toward the main Chinatown streets

Chinatown Moon Festival (중국의 달 축제)

The Chinatown Moon Festival is a vibrant and colorful event during the Mid-Autumn Festival and is celebrated by many Chinese communities worldwide.

During this festival, people celebrate the full moon, a symbol of unity and harmony in Chinese culture.

The festival is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy traditional Chinese performances, including music, dance, and theater.

The streets are decorated with beautiful lanterns of all shapes and sizes, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

One of the festival's highlights is the mooncake, a traditional Chinese pastry that is round and made from lotus seed paste.

These delicious treats are often shared with friends and family, symbolizing the importance of unity and togetherness.

Chinese New Year (설날)

The Lunar New Year of China, also known as Chinese New Year or "설날" in Korean, is a significant celebration widely observed in Chinatown.

The festivities are filled with vibrant dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, and delicious food stalls that offer a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.

The event is a lively and colorful occasion that marks the start of a new year and welcomes it with joy and auspiciousness.

Chinatown Food Festival (중국 음식 축제)

Chinatown Food Festival is an annual event that brings joy to all the foodies. You can experience a fantastic range of Chinese dishes from local restaurants and vendors during the festival.

The festival offers an excellent opportunity to explore different cuisines and flavors.

Some dishes include Jjajangmyeon, a Korean Chinese noodle dish with black bean sauce, and tangyuan, sweet rice balls filled with sesame or red bean paste.

Whether you're a fan of spicy Sichuan cuisine or crave the sweet and sour flavors of Cantonese dishes, the Chinatown Food Festival has something for everyone.

Chinatown Cultural Parade (문화 퍼레이드)

A highlight of the year, the cultural parade features elaborate costumes, traditional music, and dance.

The parade is a vibrant display of the diverse cultural traditions that make up Chinatown. The costumes are colorful, intricate, and mesmerizing, and the traditional music and dance performances are breathtaking.

Lion and dragon dances, folk dances, and other cultural performances can be seen. The parade is a visual feast that celebrates the rich heritage of Chinatown, and it's an excellent opportunity to learn about the customs and rituals of the Chinese community.

Take advantage of the colorful floats and enthusiastic participants who come together to make this event a truly unforgettable experience.

Chinatown Street Performances (거리 공연)

Visiting Chinatown is always an exciting experience, and one of the highlights of this vibrant neighborhood is the street performances that occur all year round.

From acrobats to musicians and dancers, these talented artists showcase their skills to the delight of visitors.

You might catch a group of traditional Korean drummers pounding their instruments or a pair of modern hip-hop dancers busting out moves. As you wander through the bustling streets, watch for impromptu performances that can pop up anytime.

The energy and creativity of these street performers make for a truly unforgettable experience.

Remember that event dates vary yearly, so it's best to check local announcements or visit during major holidays to experience these festivities firsthand! 🎉🏮🥟

Information

• Address: 20 Chinatown-ro 59beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon 인천광역시 중구 차이나타운로59번길 20
• Inquiries: +82-32-777-1330
• Parking: Available
• Website: chinatown.alltheway.kr

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