Embracing the former downtown of Incheon, Wolmi Special Tourist Zone is deeply involved in Korea’s modern history and culture. Since modern Western culture and institutions were introduced through the port off the coast of Incheon, the zone has become rich in modern architecture and cultural heritage that tell the stories of the Open Port Period. Visitors can experience the foreign cultures of old when walking on the road along the foot of Wolmisan Mountain, which overlooks the port. The small amusement park in Wolmi Special Tourist Zone is popular with young people for leisure activities and dates. Along the coastline, always busy with travelers, are sashimi restaurants and fancy cafes. Visitors can see a panoramic view of the port and downtown from Wolmi Observation Platform. They can also experience the charm of the fish market and the unique atmosphere of Yeonan Pier where ferries go back and forth near the port. Sea fishing, eating fresh seafood or walking on Open Port Nuri-gil, which is adjacent to the sea, are worth the experience. Chinatown in Wolmi Special Tourist Zone shows the past and the present of Chinese immigrants. There you can find Chinese restaurants, the Incheon Open Port Museum and the Modern Architecture Museum. The Incheon Modern Open Port Street Festival and the Wolmi Special Tourist Zone Culture Festival are held every year. Travelers can learn about Korea’s emigration and open port history at the Museum of Korea Emigration History. * Current State of Wolmi Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Yeonan, Shinheung, Bukseong, Dongincheon and Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 2) Area: 3,000,898㎡ * Tourist Attractions Incheon Port, Wolmi Park, Wolmi Observation Platform, The Museum of Korea Emigration History, Art Museum, Chinatown, Modern Open Port and Sinpo Culture Street, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, etc.

A large fire razed the lush pine forests and pristine coastline of the Donghae area in Changpo-ri, several years ago. But, thanks to strenuous restoration efforts over the past four years, a beautiful park along the scenic seashore and an unmanned lighthouse have been built. Also, a fascinating promenade has been constructed, using sleeper stairs made from the remnants of burnt trees. The observation deck enjoys a broad, open view of the surrounding area and is the best place for photography. A citizens’ shelter, in the form of a pergola, has also been constructed. A series of 18 musical fish sculptures have been installed, and an ecological education field has been developed with wildflowers and native plant species.

The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) Nam Seoul annex opened at the old Belgium consulate building on September 2, 2004. The old Belgium consulate building (Historic Site No. 254) was constructed in 1905 and restored in 1983. The building’s classical ionic columns and fireplaces have been kept intact, allowing the museum to serve as a tool for studying classic architecture of the 1900s as well as modern art. The blue-gabled building (measuring 1,569.58㎡) houses classrooms (B1) and exhibition halls and offices (1F-2F). Outside is a sculpture park. The Seoul Museum of Art has two annexes; the Gyeonghuigung annex and the Nam Seoul annex, which is used mainly for planned exhibitions and art education for children.

The star observatory is situated near Hantigogae Pass on Chilgapsan Mountain. The observatory has a celestial projection room, video and lecture room, exhibition room, an observatory platform, main observation room, and a subsidiary observation room. The main observation room is equipped with six telescopes, including a 400mm reflecting telescope and one 304mm refracting telescope, the largest in the nation. At the celestial projection room, visitors can view a virtual night sky and stars on a dome screen 10 meters wide regardless of weather conditions. The room offers 5-D cubic movies related to space science on a full HD screen and 4-D chairs with environmental effects of water, wind, and lightning.

Bulyeongsa Temple (불영사), located at the western foot of Mt. Cheonchuksan in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was built during the Silla period. ‘Bulyeongsa’ means ‘the reflection of Buddha’s shadow on the pond.’ A lovely path leads from the parking area to the temple, and a beautiful pond and green farm in the courtyard give the temple, inhabited by Buddhist nuns, a cozy and welcoming feeling. The 13km-long Bulyeongsa Valley is also found around Bulyeongsa Temple. With unique rock formations and thick forest, the valley creates an almost mystical atmosphere. Even though Bulyeongsa Valley is not as magnificent or splendid as Cheonbuldong Valley at Mt. Seoraksan or Mureung Valley and Bogyeongsa Valley at Mt. Odaesan, it offers a serene and beautiful view against the backdrop of Mt. Cheonchuksan.  

Open Port Easy Tour: Exploring Incheon’s Historic Open Port with Ease 1. A Guided Experience with Electric Cars The Open Port Easy Tour is a unique storytelling journey through Incheon’s old open port district. Climb aboard an electric vehicle driven by a knowledgeable guide who shares the rich history and culture of Incheon’s open port area. Along the way, you can stop at various historical sites, take photos, and immerse yourself in hands-on cultural experiences. 2. Scenic Route & Highlights * Route Coverage From Gaehangjang Street and Fairy Tale Village to Chinatown and Jayu Park, this electric car tour takes you through Incheon’s most iconic sights. * Safety & Comfort For safety and convenience, the guide is also the driver, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the narration while traveling between stops. * Photo Opportunities Follow the designated route and capture memorable moments at significant historical locations along the way. 3. Distinctive Design & Easy Booking * 16 Electric Vehicles Each vehicle is designed using four color themes inspired by “Incheon 10 Colors,” reflecting the unique character of the open port area. * Online Reservation System Reserve your seat in advance and track your vehicle’s location in real time. This ensures a smooth experience for both individuals and groups. 4. Schedule & Departure Points * Four Main Hubs Jung-gu Office, Incheon Station, Fairy Tale Village, and the Korean-Chinese Cultural Center serve as key departure points. * Operating Hours Tours run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, departing every 15 to 55 minutes depending on demand and scheduling. * Closed Mondays The tour does not operate on Mondays to allow for necessary maintenance and rest. 5. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It If you’re planning a trip to Incheon, the Open Port Easy Tour is a must-do itinerary. From in-depth historical insights to convenient transportation around the area’s most fascinating spots, this eco-friendly excursion offers a comprehensive look at Incheon’s colorful past—and makes exploring the city’s heritage fun and hassle-free. Discover Incheon’s open port history in the most comfortable and eco-friendly way possible. Whether you’re intrigued by the city’s vibrant past or simply want a fun, guided adventure, the Open Port Easy Tour promises an engaging experience filled with storytelling, photography, and hands-on exploration. Hop on an electric car and let Incheon’s open port come to life before your eyes.

The Sangseung Observation Post (상승OP) operates as a forward OP monitoring North Korean activities (currently Biryong Camp is in charge of the operation). Soldiers manning the post are on alert 24 hours a day. Visitors can view North Korean guard posts using binoculars, while iron fences and the vast Yeoncheon plain are also visible. Viewing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that stretching across the plains offers a view of the habitat of a wide array of plants and animals that are rarely found elsewhere, such as eagles, goshawks, roe deer, and goats. Visitors can see the faces and movements of North Korean soldiers at their guard posts, and depending on the time, hear various North Korean propoganda broadcasts targeted towards South Korea. This is truly a front-line observation post on the DMZ. The No. 1 Tunnel (제1땅굴) is not open to the public since it is located in the Demilitarized Zone. However, a life-size model has been created and is on exhibit at the Sangseung OP, the closest observation post. The No. 1 Tunnel was discovered on November 15, 1974, by Sergeant Koo Hasa when his reconnaissance team sensed suspicious steam rising from the ground. After a few gunshots from a guard post in North Korea, Koo’s team started the investigation. It turned out that the tunnel was made by North Korean soldiers to infiltrate and aid in the invasion of the South.  

After the fall harvest season, the fields on the Cheorwon Plain are littered with fallen grains, providing an abundant source of food for migratory birds. Meanwhile, the well-preserved ecosystem of the Demilitarized Zone provides clean water and a healthy habitat, making the Cheorwon area a paradise for migratory birds.Cranes stalking around the fields and birds taking off en masse from the reservoir make bird watchers exclaim in awe. In Cheorwon, which boasts the biggest white-fronted goose population in Korea, you can see over 110 species of birds, some of which are protected as national treasures. Examples include red-crowned cranes, vultures, white-tailed sea eagles, and golden eagles as well as mallards and spot-billed ducks, which migrate to Korea for the winter.The most spectacular views are generally at sunrise, between noon and 2pm, and at sunset, and for the rest of daylight hours you can choose from a wide variety of attractions located near the demarcation line. North Korean infiltrating the second tunnel, Woljeong Station Observation Deck, the former Labour Party building, Baekmagoji highland and Dopiansa Temple all reside nearby. Since the Cheorwon Plain is located north of the Civilian Control Line and normally not opened to civilian access, the ecosystem is very well preserved.

Located 30㎞ east of Geomundo Island, Baekdo Island is comprised of dozens of uninhabited rock islets. As such, the island is not accessible on foot, but can be viewed from a sightseeing cruise ship. Along with Geomundo and several other islands in the region, Baekdo Island is part of the Dadohae Maritime National Park. Island History Most of Baekdo's legend and history has been dervied by the settlers of Geomundo Island. As Baekdo's islets can be seen from Geomundo, they have always played a part in the daily lives of the people from Geomundo. Rituals are held on Geomundo every August to worship the god that is believed to live on Baekdo, and thought to prevent people with impure minds from visiting by creating dense fog. The number of islets that make up Baekdo remains disputable. The island group was said to be composed of 100 islets, hence Baekdo ("baek" meaning "hundred", and "do" meanining "island"). However, modern day counts vary, from anywhere between 24 and 67, according to the actions of the tides. The official number of islets is 39. Baekdo Island is divided in to two island groups: Sangbaekdo to the north, and Habaekdo to the south. During the Japanese occupation of the area, the names of island groups were reversed; Habaekdo, located closer to Japan, had been referred to as the northern group. The names were changed back to its original state during the 1990's.