The Incheon Open Port Museum is a cultural and historical landmark located in a late Renaissance-style stone building that originally housed the Japanese 1st Bank's Incheon Branch, built in 1899. This museum provides visitors with a deeper understanding of Incheon's modernization and its role as an international trade hub following its designation as an open port. The exhibitions highlight the significant social, economic, and cultural transformations that took place during this period. Exhibitions The museum consists of four permanent exhibition halls, each focusing on a different aspect of Incheon’s development: * Hall 1 – Introduction to the opening of Incheon Port and its role in modernization * Hall 2 – Changes in Incheon’s urban landscape, featuring historical photographs and architectural models * Hall 3 – Development of transportation, communication, and infrastructure that contributed to Incheon's growth * Hall 4 – Daily life in Incheon during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with artifacts and interactive displays Visitors can explore a range of historical materials, including old maps, documents, and objects that illustrate Incheon's transformation into a modern city. Visitor Information * Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM) * Closed: Mondays, New Year's Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day). If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed the following Tuesday. Admission Fees: * Adults: 500 KRW (Group: 300 KRW) * Teens (ages 13–18): 300 KRW (Group: 200 KRW) * Children (under 12): Free * Integrated Ticket (includes access to five museums in the area): Adults 3,400 KRW, Teens 2,300 KRW, Children 2,100 KRW Museum Facilities * First Floor: Information desk, exhibition halls 1–4 * Second Floor: Seminar room, honorary director's office Nearby Attractions Visitors can explore several cultural and historical attractions within walking distance of the Incheon Open Port Museum: * Jajangmyeon Museum – A museum dedicated to the history of Korea’s famous black bean noodles, tracing its origins and evolution. * Incheon Open Port Modern Architecture Museum – Showcasing the architectural heritage of the port-opening period, housed in a former bank building. * Korean-Chinese Cultural Center – A space highlighting the cultural exchanges between Korea and China, with exhibitions and performances. Why Visit? The Incheon Open Port Museum offers a fascinating insight into Korea’s modernization period, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those interested in understanding Incheon's transformation into a major international city. Whether you are visiting for educational purposes or simply to enjoy a unique historical experience, the museum provides a valuable perspective on Korea’s past and its path toward modernization.

Bakdaljae Natural Forest is a dense forest where pine trees and bushes have harmoniously coexisted together with oddly formed rocks and strangely shaped stones for 150 years. At the top of Bakdaljae Pass, there’s a pavilion, a spring, a resting area, and a wood sculpture park. From the top of the mountain, one can admire a view of Sobaeksan Mountain, Wolaksan Mountain and Gamaksan Mountain.

The Sanmaki Yetgil (Old Road) is a 4-kilometer long old path connecting Saorang Village (located in Waesa-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do Province) to the mountain village Sanmaki. Restored by retracing the old path, Sanmaki Yetgil is a great walking trail passing by mountains, streams, and forests. Most of the path is paved with wooden deck in the eco-friendly method to minimize damages to the environment and to maintain the natural look. The surrounding beauty is recognized as the best scenic view of Goesan. The natural ecosystem around Goesan Dam has been preserved in its original state.

Geumpung Brewery: A Taste of Tradition on Ganghwa Island 1. Overview Geumpung Brewery is a traditional Korean brewery (often referred to as a “양조장”) located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon. Renowned for its production of artisanal alcoholic beverages—particularly traditional Korean rice wines or soju—it has grown into a popular destination for travelers looking to experience Korea’s deep-rooted craft brewing culture. Surrounded by Ganghwa’s serene countryside, Geumpung Brewery combines heritage, taste, and hands-on learning, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into local traditions and flavors. 2. History & Significance * Roots in Korean Brewing Culture Ganghwa Island has long been known for its agricultural heritage, and local breweries have historically relied on nearby farms for high-quality rice and grains. Geumpung Brewery carries on this legacy by using carefully sourced ingredients and time-tested methods handed down through generations. * Revitalizing Traditional Techniques In an era of large-scale industrial production, Geumpung stands out by preserving age-old recipes and natural fermentation processes. By doing so, it offers visitors a glimpse into the classic Korean brewing style that has shaped the nation’s beverage culture for centuries. 3. What to See & Do * Brewery Tours & Tastings Many visitors come to sample makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine), soju, or other craft liquors produced on-site. Brewery tours typically explain the fermentation process, ingredient selection, and cultural significance of each beverage. On some occasions, guests may enjoy guided tastings where they can learn to discern subtle flavor variations or pair them with local dishes. * Hands-On Workshops Depending on the brewery’s schedule, Geumpung Brewery may host short classes or workshops where visitors can try their hand at basic fermentation or bottling. These sessions often include interactive discussions with brewmasters, offering insight into the artistry behind Korea’s traditional liquors. * Traditional Ambience & Architecture The brewery itself may feature rustic wooden structures or courtyard areas reminiscent of rural Korean architecture. Strolling around the premises allows visitors to soak in the calm Ganghwa Island atmosphere, as well as snap memorable photos showcasing a blend of history and modern craft. 4. Practical Information * Location Situated on Ganghwa Island, Incheon, Geumpung Brewery benefits from the region’s peaceful environment—just a short drive or bus ride away from other notable attractions such as temples, coastal walks, and historical sites. * Hours & Admission Operating hours, tour times, and workshop availability can change due to seasonal or production considerations. It’s best to check Geumpung Brewery’s official website or social media channels for the latest updates, reservation details, or special promotions. * Transportation By Car/Taxi: Travel times from central Incheon or Seoul range from one to two hours, depending on traffic. Enter “Geumpung Brewery” or “금풍양조장” in your GPS/map app for directions. By Public Transit: Take an intercity bus to Ganghwa Bus Terminal, then use local bus routes or a short taxi ride to the brewery’s vicinity. * Visitor Tips While some staff may speak basic English, bringing a translation app or knowing a few Korean phrases can enhance your experience, especially if you want to ask in-depth questions about the brewing process. For travelers on a tight schedule, pairing a short brewery tour and tasting with other Ganghwa highlights—like Ganghwa dolmens (a UNESCO World Heritage site) or scenic coastal areas—makes an ideal day trip itinerary. 5. Why Include Geumpung Brewery in Your Incheon Trip * Authentic Cultural Experience Observing how rice wine and soju are still made using traditional methods is a window into Korea’s culinary heritage and the island’s agrarian roots. * Tasting Local Flavors You’ll get to savor freshly brewed rice wines or spirits—often showcasing a more nuanced taste than mass-produced versions. * Hands-On Learning If you join a workshop, you can gain firsthand knowledge about Korea’s unique approach to fermentation—a cornerstone of its food and drink culture. * Ganghwa Island Exploration Ganghwa-do boasts numerous temples, old fortresses, and picturesque landscapes. Adding Geumpung Brewery to your travel route enhances the overall cultural depth of your journey. Conclusion Geumpung Brewery stands as a testament to Korea’s vibrant brewing heritage on Ganghwa Island. Its commitment to preserving age-old techniques, along with offering tours, tastings, and occasional workshops, makes it a standout attraction for foreign visitors. Whether you’re on a day trip from Incheon or planning an extended stay to explore the island’s historical and natural sites, Geumpung Brewery provides an authentic, palate-pleasing introduction to the rich tapestry of Korean traditional alcohol. Enjoy the relaxed pace, savor local flavors, and leave with a deeper appreciation for a centuries-old craft that continues to thrive in modern times.

Near the recreation forest are historically-famous sites such as Bongamsa Temple, the relics of Gyeon Hwon, the birthplace of Ungang Lee Kang-nyeon, and Mungyeong Saejae Mountain Pass. Allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing and leisure sports at the same time, the recreation forest offers various hands-on experience at the ceramics exhibition hall, ecological park, clay shooting range, rafting site, and the drama open set. Located right next to Yongchu Valley, the recreation forest’s facilities include the Forest Culture Recreation Center, Forest Cabin, Woodcraft Experience Center, and forest experience trails along Seonyudong Nadeul-gil.

Opened in 1996, Chilgapsan Recreational Forest (칠갑산자연휴양림) is surrounded by a beautiful natural forest. The facility consists of a camping site, outdoor stage, walking path, health training center, as well as a natural education center for children.

Baengnipo Beach is rather small beach but boats clean water and some of the finest sand on the West coast. There are beautiful cliffs at both ends of the beach adding to the natural beauty surrounding the beach. The groves of pine trees around the beach offer a great site for camping outdoors. The beach is well managed and offers services tailored to the needs of tourists, so visitor satisfaction is high.

Damyangho Lake is an enormous man-made lake that has a 46 meter high embankment and extends over 316 meters, holding 66.7 million tons of water. It is amidst the picturesque view of Mt. Chuwolsan and Mt. Geumseongsan, and its crystal clear water is the habitat of many different fish species including pond smelt, catfish, snakehead, carp and leather carp. With Damyangho Lake at the center, the area is surrounded by the Mt. Chuwolsan Tourism Area, Gamagol Youth Camping Grounds and the Geumseong Mountain Fortress. The mountain’s lakeside road, which passes through a tunnel at the mid-section of the mountain, is a popular scenic driving road.

Once you reach the Hantijae Peak of Mt. Palgongsan, the Gunwi Buddha Triad Grotto (known as ‘the 2nd Seokgulam Grotto’, 군위삼존석굴) stands to welcome you. This grotto, designated as National Treasure No. 109, is a natural cave on a sheer cliff. Here, you can see the beautiful Amitabul Buddha, the Bodhisattva of Power and the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This 4.25m-wide and 4.3m-long cave is located 20m above the ground. This grotto is the progenitor of the Gyeongju Seokgulam Grotto, preceding the construction of Seokgulam grotto by 100 years. It has been designated as a world cultural heritage. The square-shaped ceiling is highest in the middle of the chamber. The Amitabul Buddha sits in the center with the Bodhisattva of Power and the Bodhisattva of Compassion flanking its left and right sides. The main Buddha is very refined and graceful with short hair and a divine smile on its face, sitting with crossed legs in a full-lotus posture.

This fortress was completed in 1675, the first year of the reign of King Sukjong (1674-1720) of the Joseon Kingdom. It was intended that in time of war or other emergency, the portrait of King Taejo enshrined in Gyeonggijeon Hall and the spirit tablet of the Yi Clan founder, kept at Jogyeongmyo Shrine, both in Jeonju, would be brought to the fortress for safekeeping. In fact, they were brought to the safety of the fortress when Jeonju was occupied by the Donghak peasant army in 1894. The original wall was 4m to 5m high, 3m wide and 16km long and had three main gates (East, West, and North) and eight smaller ones. Of the three covered gates of the fortress, only the stone archway of the west gate remains together with part of the stone wall. Inside the fortress are Wibongsa Temple and Wibong Falls, one of the 8 Beauties of Jeonju.