Incheon Chinatown (인천 차이나타운)

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 is preserved.

– Address : 20 Chinatown-ro 59beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon

※ Presentation Information
– Information and Guides
+82-32-777-1330

– Parking
Available

– Restrooms
Available

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Cheongil Jogyeji Stairway (청일조계지 경계 계단)

The border stairs of the Sino-Japanese Concession (an exclusive residential area set up for foreigners to live freely in ports opened for foreign trade) are located on a steep hill southwest of Jayu Park. It is a meaningful attraction with a history of about 120 years. The concession areas are divided into the Qing Dynasty concession on the left and the Japanese concession on the right with the stone stairs in the center. The buildings on the left and right clearly show each country’s architectural styles and characteristics of the past.

⊙ Hanjungwon (한중원)

Hanjungwon is a Chinese-style garden built to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and China, making it a great place to rest after looking around Chinatown. It was created with the motif of the garden style of the Suzhou region in the mid and late Qing Dynasty. Plants native to China are planted, such as bamboo, roses, and peonies, giving it an exotic atmosphere. There are human figures wearing traditional Chinese costumes on both sides of the entrance, making it a famous photo zone.

⊙ Taehwawon (태화원)

– Homepage
https://www.icjg.go.kr

Now in its third generation, this Korean-Chinese restaurant, established in 1926, is one of the earliest in Incheon Chinatown and is renowned for preserving traditional flavors. Its signature Incheon Hyangto Jjajang (Incheon-style black bean sauce noodles) is crafted with the restaurant’s own chunjang and seasonal ingredients, offering a richer, deeper taste than jjajangmyeon made with store-bought sauce. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian menu.

⊙ Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall (대불호텔전시관)

– Homepage
ijcf.or.kr

This museum is located on the site of Daebul Hotel, Korea’s first Western-style hotel, established in 1889. The hotel was demolished in 1978, but parts of the hotel structure were discovered in 2011 and rebuilt to preserve the hotel’s original appearance. The first floor is the Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall, through which visitors can see traces of Daebul Hotel at the time. The second floor is the Jung-gu Life History Museum, where visitors can get a glimpse of life in Incheon’s Jung-gu area in the 1960s and 1970s.

⊙ Incheon Open Port Museum (인천개항박물관)

– Homepage
ijcf.or.kr

Designated as a Tangible Cultural Heritage of Incheon Metropolitan City, the Incheon Open Port Museum is housed in the former Bank of Japan building, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the late Renaissance style. With four permanent exhibitions, the museum offers a glimpse into various aspects of modern culture and artifacts that were first introduced after the opening of Incheon Port. (Credit: Incheon Jung-gu Cultural Foundation)

⊙ Jjajangmyeon Museum (짜장면박물관)

– Homepage
ijcf.or.kr

Jjajangmyeon Museum is built in the former building of Gonghwachun, the official birthplace of jjajangmyeon, a food people of all ages love. Gonghwachun operated in this old-fashioned brick building until 1983, and the building was renovated as Jjajangmyeon Museum. It is the first jjajangmyeon-themed museum in Korea and consists of six permanent exhibition rooms and one special exhibition room. Visitors can see the birth and transformation of jjajangmyeon at a glance and the different types and recipes of jjajangmyeon. The special exhibition room presents exhibitions on a variety of topics every year. The reproduction of Gonghwachun’s original reception room and kitchen as well as the exhibition of how the metal delivery box changed over the years are also interesting.

⊙ Incheon Japanese Street (인천일본풍거리)

Incheon Japanese Street, established following the opening of Incheon and Jemulpo Ports in 1883, was home to the Japanese concession. It preserves several Japanese-style wooden houses and stone structures from that era. These wooden houses, designed in the distinctive style of Japanese architecture where a storefront is integrated into the residential building, have been renovated and are now serving as cafés and exhibition halls. Nearby, visitors can also explore Incheon Chinatown and the Gaehangjang (Open Port Area) Street.

⊙ Diaspora Film Festival (제13회 디아스포라영화제)

– Homepage
www.diaff.org

– Tel
+82-32-435-7172

Inspired from the how the Jews kept their cultural identity during the diaspora, the annual Diaspora Film Festival takes place in Incheon to shed light on the 1st generation Korean immigrants to Hawaii in 1902 from Incheon Port. In addition to highlighting the city’s historical significance, the festival aims to stand against all kinds of prejudice and discrimination, advocate for minority groups, and support diversity and acceptance. It also focuses on a wide range of topics related to diaspora, exploring the social problems related to immigration and immigrants.

⊙ Incheon Art Platform (인천 아트플랫폼)

– Homepage
inartplatform.kr

Incheon Art Platform, located in Haean-dong, Incheon, is known for its well-preserved architectural heritage and buildings that showcase a blend of traditional and modern architecture. The complex was established by remodeling structures built in the 1930s and 1940s. Centered around its residency program, it offers exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, and plays a significant role in promoting the free exchange of art and culture. By providing creative spaces for artists and venues for cultural exchange, the platform fosters interaction between artists and visitors.

Incheon Chinatown (인천 차이나타운)