Ep.2 Incheon & Suwon Day Trip: Chinatown, Fortress & Galbi

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Introduction

For a full-day trip just outside Seoul, pair Incheon—with its lively Chinatown and seaside boardwalks—with Suwon, home to UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress and the city’s legendary galbi. This route combines culture, food, and history without long transfers. *(서울 근교 당일여행: 인천 차이나타운·월미도 + 수원 화성·갈비)*



Morning — Incheon Chinatown & Wolmido

Incheon Chinatown (인천 차이나타운)

Established in 1884 near Incheon Port, this is Korea’s only official Chinatown. Red gates, dragon murals, and Chinese restaurants line the streets. The area is famous as the birthplace of Jjajangmyeon (black-bean noodles). *(한국 유일의 차이나타운. 짜장면의 고향입니다.)*

SubwayLine 1 Incheon Station (Exit 1)
Best dishJajangmyeon (₩6,000–8,000)
SpotJajangmyeon Museum (₩1,000)

Wolmido (월미도)

Take a short bus from Chinatown to this seaside boardwalk with rides, arcades, and ocean views. Try grilled seafood skewers or spicy stir-fried small octopus. *(바닷가 산책로 + 놀이공원, 해산물 간식 추천)*

Lunch — Jjajangmyeon & Seafood

No visit to Incheon is complete without tasting authentic jjajangmyeon. Classic spots: Gonghwachun (공화춘), said to be the birthplace, or Shinpo Jajang. Pair it with tangsuyuk (sweet-sour pork). *(인천 차이나타운 짜장면은 필수. 탕수육과 함께 즐겨보세요.)*

Afternoon — Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)

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Built in the 18th century by King Jeongjo, this UNESCO site circles Suwon with 5.7 km of walls, gates, and pavilions. Climb the ramparts for sweeping views of the city. *(정조대왕이 지은 유네스코 세계유산. 성벽 산책 필수.)*

Admission₩1,000–2,000 (combo tickets available)
SubwayBundang Line to Suwon Station + local bus/taxi
ActivityArchery experience at Hwaseong fortress grounds (₩2,000 for 5 arrows)

Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)

The temporary palace of King Jeongjo inside Suwon city. Offers cultural performances on weekends. *(정조 임시 거처. 주말 전통공연 있음.)*

Dinner — Suwon Galbi (수원 갈비)

Suwon is renowned for its large-cut beef ribs grilled over charcoal. Bongpo Galbi and Yeongdong Galbi are among the city’s most famous spots. Prices start at ₩30,000 per person, but portions are generous. *(숯불 위에 굵게 썬 소갈비. 수원 갈비의 명성.)*

Tip: Order one galbi set and share side dishes (banchan). Rice and soup are usually included.

Suggested One-Day Timeline

09:00 Depart Seoul → Incheon Chinatown
10:00 Explore Chinatown murals + Jajangmyeon Museum
12:00 Lunch: Jajangmyeon + Tangsuyuk
13:30 Wolmido boardwalk stroll
15:00 Train Seoul → Suwon (≈40 min)
16:00 Hwaseong Fortress wall walk
18:00 Haenggung Palace
19:00 Dinner: Suwon Galbi feast
21:00 Return to Seoul

Getting There

Incheon

  • From Seoul Station → Line 1 direct to Incheon Station (~1 hr, ₩2,000)

Suwon

  • From Incheon: Subway Line 1 transfer at Geumjeong → Suwon (~1.5 hr)
  • From Seoul: KTX to Suwon (~25 min) or Bundang Line (~40 min)

Quick Tips

  • Language: Many Chinatown menus in Chinese + English; fortress has English signboards.
  • Season: Autumn is best for fortress wall walks (cool breeze, red foliage).
  • Food note: Suwon galbi portions are big—share if not very hungry.

*Operating hours & prices may change. Double-check locally before visiting.*

Next Episode

Up next: Ep.3 – Gangneung & Sokcho: East Coast Beaches & Seoraksan. #coming-soon

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