Incheon: South Korea's Gateway to Adventure

• Hello안녕하세요
  [annyeonghaseyo]
• Goodbye안녕히 가세요
  [annyeonghi gaseyo]
• Yes네
  [ne]
• No아니요
  [aniyo]
• Please/You're welcome부탁합니다/천만에요
  [butakhamnida/cheonmaneyo]
• Thank you감사합니다
  [gamsahamnida]
• Excuse me/Sorry죄송합니다
  [joesonghamnida]
• How are you?어떻게 지내세요?
  [eotteoke jinaeseyo?]
• Fine. And you?잘 지내요. 그리고 당신은?
  [jal jinaeyo. geurigo dangsineun?]
• Do you speak English?영어 할 수 있어요?
  [yeongeo hal su isseoyo?]
• I don't understand이해하지 못해요
  [ihaehaji mothaeyo]

• I'd like to see the menu, please메뉴를 보고 싶어요
  [menyureul bogo sipeoyo]
• I don't eat meat고기를 먹지 않아요
  [gogireul meokji anayo]
• Cheers!건배!
  [geonbae!]
• I would like to pay, please계산 부탁합니다
  [gyesan butakhamnida]

• Help!도와주세요!
  [dowajuseyo!]
• Go away!가라!
  [gara!]
• Call the Police!경찰을 불러주세요!
  [gyeongchareul bulleojuseyo!]
• Call a doctor!의사를 불러주세요!
  [uisareul bulleojuseyo!]
• I'm lost길을 잃었어요
  [gireul ilheosseoyo]
• I'm ill아파요
  [apayo]

• I'd like to buy...사고 싶어요...
  [sago sipeoyo...]
• I'm just looking그냥 봐요
  [geunyang bwayo]
• How much is it?얼마에요?
  [eolmaeyo?]
• That's too expensive너무 비싸요
  [neomu bissayo]
• Can you lower the price?가격을 낮출 수 있어요?
  [gageogeul natchul su isseoyo?]

• What time is it?지금 몇 시에요?
  [jigeum myeot sieyo?]
• It's one o'clock한 시에요
  [han sieyo]
• Half past (10)10시 반
  [sibsi ban]
• Morning아침
  [achim]
• Afternoon오후
  [ohu]
• Evening저녁
  [jeonyeok]
• Yesterday어제
  [eoje]
• Today오늘
  [oneul]
• Tomorrow내일
  [naeil]
• 1일
  [il]
• 2이
  [i]
• 3삼
  [sam]
• 4사
  [sa]
• 5오
  [o]
• 6육
  [yuk]
• 7칠
  [chil]
• 8팔
  [pal]
• 9구
  [gu]
• 10십
  [ship]

• Where's a/the...?...이 어디에 있어요?
  [...i eodie isseoyo?]
• What's the address?주소가 뭐에요?
  [jusoga mwoeyo?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(지도로) 보여줄 수 있어요?
  [(jidoro) boyeojul su isseoyo?]
• When's the next (bus)?다음 (버스)는 언제에요?
  [daeum (beoseu)neun eonjeyo?]
• A ticket (to ....)(...로 가는) 표 하나 주세요
  [(...ro ganeun) pyo hana juseyo]

Incheon, originally known as Jemulpo, was founded in 1883 as one of Korea's first open ports. Its establishment marked the beginning of the country's modernization and international trade, setting the stage for its future development as a major port city.

On February 9, 1904, the Battle of Chemulpo Bay took place during the Russo-Japanese War. This significant naval encounter saw Japanese forces attack Russian ships anchored at Incheon's port, marking the beginning of hostilities between the two nations and signaling Japan's emerging naval power.

One of the most pivotal events in modern Korean history, the Incheon Landing Operation, occurred on September 15, 1950. General Douglas MacArthur led United Nations forces in a daring amphibious assault that turned the tide of the Korean War, recapturing Seoul and pushing North Korean forces back across the 38th parallel.

Incheon International Airport opened in 2001 and has since become one of the busiest and most highly regarded airports in the world. Its development transformed Incheon into a global transportation hub, facilitating international travel and commerce.

Established in 2003, the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) encompasses the areas of Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna. This ambitious project aims to create a business-friendly environment that attracts foreign investment and fosters economic growth, positioning Incheon as a global city of the future.

Incheon Chinatown, established in 1884, is the only official Chinatown in South Korea. It reflects the city's long history of cultural exchanges with China and serves as a vibrant center for Chinese-Korean culture, offering visitors a unique blend of culinary delights, architecture, and traditional festivals.

The Songdo International Business District, part of the IFEZ, is a smart city built on reclaimed land along Incheon's waterfront. It features cutting-edge technology and sustainable infrastructure, symbolizing South Korea's commitment to innovation and eco-friendly urban development.

Jayu Park, also known as Freedom Park, is a historic public park in Incheon that opened in 1888. It offers panoramic views of Incheon Port and is home to a statue of General Douglas MacArthur, commemorating his role in the Incheon Landing Operation during the Korean War.

Incheon is served by Incheon International Airport (ICN), one of the busiest and most advanced airports in the world. The airport is well-connected to major cities globally. From the airport, you can take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), buses, or taxis to reach central Incheon or Seoul. Alternatively, the Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is another option for domestic flights and some international routes.

Incheon has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis. The Incheon Subway Line 1 connects to Seoul's subway network, making it easy to travel between the two cities. Buses cover most areas and are a cost-effective way to get around. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. For longer journeys, consider using the KTX high-speed train.

The official currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street markets. ATMs are plentiful, and many offer services in English. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and major hotels.

Incheon is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Incheon does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant. In case of any issues, contact the local police by dialing 112.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 119 for fire or medical emergencies. English-speaking operators are usually available. Incheon has several hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and neatly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious or traditional settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers. Don't talk loudly or eat/drink on public transport. Greetings: Do bow slightly or offer a handshake when greeting. It is polite to use both hands when offering or receiving something. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to culinary experiences. Don’t leave your chopsticks standing upright in your bowl, as this resembles a funeral rite.

To experience Incheon like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Sinpo International Market, where you can taste local delicacies and buy fresh produce. Explore the Songdo Central Park for a blend of nature and futuristic architecture. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories and tips. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historical sites in Incheon, such as the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall and Chinatown.