Experience the best of Incheon

Incheon is a large port city on the Yellow Sea west of Seoul and the site of Incheon International Airport, which stands on reclaimed land between the islands of Yeongjong and Yongyu. The city opened to foreign trade in 1883, and the old port district of Jung-gu still has Japanese-era buildings and Korea's first Chinatown, a street of red gates and restaurants. Freedom Park above the harbour commemorates General MacArthur and the landings of September 1950.

Songdo, a planned business district of glass towers, canals and a central park, rises from reclaimed land to the south, and the long cable-stayed Incheon Bridge links the airport with the mainland. Ganghwa Island, a short drive north-west, has prehistoric dolmens listed by UNESCO, ancient forts and the temple of Jeondeungsa, and the tides off the coast reveal wide mudflats at low water. Seoul is easily reached by train.

Jajangmyeon, noodles in a thick black bean sauce, is said to have originated in Incheon's Chinatown, and dak-gangjeong, sweet and crunchy fried chicken, is a speciality of the Sinpo market. Raw fish and clam noodle soup are served at seaside restaurants. Spring and autumn are the clearest seasons, and winters are cold and dry.