In December, we recommend traveling to Incheon, where you can calmly reflect on the past year, and plan your new one with anticipation and excitement. If Jeongdongjin is famous for its beautiful sunrises, Incheon’s Jeongseojin is famous for its beautiful sunsets. We invite you all to Incheon—where you can enjoy a cup of tea, get lost in the romance of the sunset, and feel the crisp winter air on a cruise ship.

Here are some of the best places in Incheon to reflect on the past year and welcome the upcoming New Year. Jeongseojin Gyeongin Ara Waterway is characterized by its long sunlight stream of sunlight at sunset. It’s almost as if you’re seeing the sunset through a picture frame. As the sun goes down on Yeongjongdo Island, there is a spectacular view of airplanes overlapping with one another across the sky. Eunwangni Beach is good for watching the sunset from the quiet winter coast to the soundtrack of the waves; and Yeongjongdo Masian Beach has wonderful scenery of the sun falling behind Incheon’s islands, such as Muuido Island, Silmido Island and Jamjindo Island. At Nakjo Village in Janghwa-ri, Ganghwa-do, you can witness a magnificent scorching sunset—the marvelous sight of the red sun setting over the large island floating in the sea.

There are also places where you can see the sunset and sunrise at the same time. Geojampo Pier is one of the famous sunset sites, where dozens of photographers gather to take pictures of the sunset every year, but despite being the West Sea, it faces east, so you can see the sunrise. In particular, you can capture photos of the sunrise against Shark Island, an uninhabited island that resembles a shark’s back fin. Additionally, the top of Munhaksan Mountain, from where Incheon City and the islands dotted along its coast can be seen, is also one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Incheon. The path to the top isn’t too difficult, so at the end of the year it’s nice to make your New Year’s wishes while watching the setting and rising of the Sun on Munhaksan Mountain’s summit.

※ Recommendations
(Michuhol-gu) The summit of Munhaksan Mountain / (Seo-gu) Jeongseojin Gyeongin Ara Waterway /
(Jung-gu) Geojampo, Eurwangni Beach, Masian Beach / (Ganghwa-gun) Janghwa-ri Nakjo Village

The beauty of the sea in Incheon, with its fantastic sunset and wonderful night view, is unparalleled. Getting on a cruise ship is recommended as the best way to fully appreciate the sea off Incheon’s coast. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Ara Waterway— including Suhyangwon traditional garden, Gulpocheon Stream, Aramaru Skywalk, Sicheon Riverside, and Ara Waterfalls—on the Ara Waterway Cruise Ship, which allows you to enjoy the 21-kilometre-long canal that runs from the Han River estuary to the West Sea. If you take the Palmido Island Cruise Ship, you can see Korea’s first lighted lighthouse, the Palmido Island Lighthouse, as well as a grand view of Incheon Bridge. Or, if you opt for the Wolmido Island Cruise Ship, you can see the sparkling Wolmido Island Theme Park and enjoy a spectacular on-board performance.

※ Recommendation
(Seo-gu) Ara Waterway Cruise / (Jung-gu) Palmido Island Cruise, Wolmido Island Cruise

Sometimes the accommodation itself can be a good travel destination. Hotel Everrich in Ganghwa-gun houses the largest English lavender garden in Korea. Using their outdoor deck, you can sit and watch the Sun rising above the lavender garden. At the Thirasia Resort, you can enjoy the sunset over the West Sea right from your room. You’ll also be able to see the white of the resort building and the blue of the sea come together in tranquil harmony.

Grand Hyatt Incheon is a place that attracts many families, as it has many spaces where children can play safely, and is well-equipped with convenient facilities. Nest Hotel Incheon is also a popular choice due to its uniquely-designed building, featuring rooms with balconies from where you can comfortably enjoy both the sunset and sunrise.

※ Recommendations
(Ganghwa-gun) Hotel Everrich, Thirasia Resort / (Jung-gu) Grand Hyatt Incheon, Nest Hotel Incheon

In Incheon, there are many cafes where you can savor a cup of coffee while enjoying the sunset scenery. Located on the 24th floor of Gyeongin Ara Waterway’s Ara Tower in Jeongseojin, Cafe Ara provides a great spot to spend some time enjoying the picturesque seascape.
Ganghwa Island’s Talkraphy is a cafe filled with fresh aromas of coffee and bread, and is highlighted by its outdoor garden space, where you can also take in the view of the sunset. In Cafe Column, you can enjoy the ocean view through its expansive windows whilst sipping tea from the comfort of its warm interior.

Yeongjongdo Island’s Masian Beach also has many cafes that provide nice sunset views. Cafe M Cliff, famously known as “Yeongjongdo Island Cliff Cafe” is located on a hill, where you can see a fantastic sunset. And if you venture closer to the sea, you can find Masirang Cafe, where we recommend you visit its garden and stylish rooftop for a wonderful up-close ocean view. And before you leave, be sure to stop by next door to the Masian Bakery, to enjoy the sunset while relaxing on benches perched on a deck that overlooks the sea.

※Recommendations
(Seo-gu) Gyeongin Ara Waterway Cafe Ara / (Ganghwa-gun) Talkraphy, Cafe Column
(Jung-gu) Cafe M Cliff, Masirang Cafe, Masian Bakery

On Rodeo Street in Guwol-dong, you can enjoy the fun and excitement of exploring downtown Incheon. Here you can do a variety of things, from shopping to eating, and even watching street performances on the weekends. Paradise City Wonderbox is an indoor theme park where you can experience rides like Ferris Wheel, Jumpin’ Star, and Merry-Go-Round, as well as stores for shopping and clubs inside. The Plaza is a shopping area lined with restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and even art exhibitions. Club Chroma is particularly enticing to look at due to the unique design on its building, as well as the red lights that light up its entrance.

※ Recommendations
(Namdong-gu) Guwol-dong Rodeo Street /
(Jung-gu) Paradise City Wonderbox, The Plaza, Club Chroma