The Vibrant Heart of Incheon: Chinatown

• 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?괜찮아요. 당신은요?
  [gwaenchanayo. dangsineunyo?]
• 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, please계산할게요
  [gyesanhalkkeyo]

• Help!도와주세요!
  [dowajuseyo!]
• Go away!가세요!
  [gaseyo!]
• 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 looking둘러보고 있어요
  [dulleobogo isseoyo]
• How much is it?얼마에요?
  [eolmaeyo?]
• That's too expensive너무 비싸요
  [neomu bissayo]
• Can you lower the price?가격을 낮출 수 있어요?
  [gageogeul najchul 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
  [sip si 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
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?어디에 ...이/가 있어요?
  [eodie ...i/ga isseoyo?]
• What's the address?주소가 무엇이에요?
  [jusoga mueosieyo?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?지도로 보여 줄 수 있어요?
  [jidoro boyeo jul su isseoyo?]
• When's the next (bus)?다음 (버스) 언제와요?
  [daeum (beoseu) eonjewayo?]
• A ticket (to ....)표 하나 (....로)
  [pyo hana (....ro)]

Chinatown in Incheon has its origins in the late 19th century, during the Joseon Dynasty. The first Chinese immigrants arrived in Incheon, then known as Chemulpo, following the opening of the port in 1883. These immigrants primarily came from the Shandong province and were drawn by the opportunities for trade and commerce in this new, bustling port city.

In 1884, the Chinese community was officially recognized, and the area that is now Chinatown began to take shape. The establishment of the Chinese consulate and the construction of Chinese-style buildings helped solidify the neighborhood's identity. The community thrived, establishing businesses, schools, and cultural institutions, making it a vital hub for Chinese culture in Korea.

Throughout the early 20th century, Chinatown became a melting pot of cultures, where Koreans and Chinese interacted in trade and daily life. The influence of Chinese culture can be seen in local cuisine, festivals, and architecture. The famous Jajangmyeon, a noodle dish with black bean sauce, has roots in this neighborhood and has become a staple in Korean cuisine.

During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), the Chinese community faced significant challenges. Many Chinese businesses were targeted, and the population decreased due to emigration. Despite these challenges, the community persisted, maintaining its cultural identity and continuing to celebrate traditional festivals such as the Lunar New Year.

In recent decades, Chinatown in Incheon has undergone revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its cultural heritage while promoting tourism. The area is now filled with vibrant shops, restaurants, and cultural festivals that celebrate its rich history. The Incheon China Town Festival, held annually, showcases traditional Chinese performances, food, and art, drawing visitors from across the region.

Chinatown in Incheon is easily accessible via public transportation. From Incheon International Airport, you can take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Incheon Station, which takes about 30 minutes. From Incheon Station, transfer to Line 1 of the Incheon Subway and head to Chinatown Station. Alternatively, taxis are available from the airport, providing a direct route that takes approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Chinatown is a compact area, making it easy to explore on foot. The Incheon Subway Line 1 has a station named Chinatown Station, which serves as a convenient entry point. Local buses also operate within the area, and bike rentals are available for those looking to explore at a leisurely pace. Be mindful to check the bus schedules, as they can vary throughout the day.

Chinatown in Incheon is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure. Areas around the main market can be crowded, so stay vigilant against petty theft. While there are no specific high-crime zones targeting tourists, it’s wise to avoid isolated streets after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 119 for fire and medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics are available in the area, with a few pharmacies for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of local emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; don't wear overly casual or revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do show respect at temples and cultural sites; don't take photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod; don't be overly loud or intrusive. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles); don't waste food or refuse offers of food, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Chinatown like a local, visit the bustling markets early in the day for the freshest produce and snacks. Engage with vendors, many of whom are eager to share their stories. Try dining at local eateries where you can savor authentic Chinese-Korean fusion cuisine. Don't miss the traditional tea houses for a relaxing experience away from the busy streets, and consider participating in local festivals if your visit coincides with one.