Incheon, June 3rd

The Wonders of Incheon, South Korea

The city of Incheon, South Korea, offers a unique blend of modernity, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history, Incheon stands out as a gateway to the rest of South Korea, thanks to its strategic location and its proximity to Seoul. The city's dynamic skyline, adorned with contemporary architecture, juxtaposes beautifully with historical sites, creating a fascinating tapestry that attracts visitors from around the globe. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new time zone, I found myself waking up early on my first full day here. The excitement of exploring a new place fueled my eagerness, and I was ready to embrace all that Incheon had to offer. My accommodation, the Central Park Hotel, is a luxurious 5-star establishment that provides an exceptional experience at a surprisingly reasonable price. In a city like New York, a comparable hotel would bring a higher price tag, often exceeding $500 per night. However, here in Incheon, I was able to enjoy this level of comfort and service for just $100 a night. The affordability extends beyond just hotels. Most goods and services in Incheon seem to be less expensive than in the United States. From dining at amazing restaurants to shopping for unique souvenirs, the financial relief is palpable. As I ventured out into the city, I was greeted by the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to help. The streets of Incheon are lined with an array of shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks, each offering a glimpse into the rich heritage and contemporary lifestyle of the city. From the bustling markets to the serene parks, every corner of Incheon invites exploration and discovery.

I started my day with a walk through the Central Park. Based on the namesake in NYC, the Incheon Central Park is in the city center, surrounded by the big city skyline. The difference is that the park is so clean and well maintained. No trash anywhere, beautiful and safe trails and jogging paths. Flowers and birds everywhere. There are also many art installations that add a quirkiness to the park.

In the afternoon, I took the subway to Chinatown and Fairytale Village. It was a quick 20-minute ride with one transfer. The subway is the cleanest and quietest I have been on. The stops are announced in Korean and English, which was helpful!

Chinatown was pretty much the same as others throughout the world, but more authentic. The Chinese presence in Incheon seems large. Maybe because it is difficult for a guy like me to tell the difference between the locals and the Chinese people.

In the same area is a tourist attraction called "Fairytale Village." It is an area where all the walls of the buildings have murals depicting every children's story you can imagine. From Oz to Snow White, Santa to Rumpelstiltskin, even iconic movies and commercials were thrown in. A fantastical walk for children and adults.

From there, I ventured up a very steep walk to Jayu Park. Jayu means Freedom, and it has a commemorative monument to the centennial of Korean-USA friendship. It's a beautiful towering structure that made me feel humble as an American Veteran. You get a sense of understanding how grateful the South Koreans are for the sacrifices that American fighting men made for them.

Continuing from there, I discovered a monument to Gen. George MacArthur. It's a statue surrounded by thousands of rose bushes. Roses of every color were in full bloom. The smell was intoxicating. I had to sit for a while to take it all in.

Eventually, I made the walk back into Chinatown and had lunch. It was way more food than I could eat. A spicy seafood and noodle soup, General Tso's Chicken, and another bowl of noodles with a black bean and mushroom sauce. Food enough for four people. I felt bad that I left so much uneaten.

I took the subway back to the hotel and rested. Later I would go out to dinner. This time for Sashimi at a Japanese restaurant just across the street from the hotel.

Tomorrow is boarding day on the NCL Spirit.