Waterside walking trails aglow with twinkling lights, a midnight boat gliding across the silver waters, and an orange sunset painting the tidal flats. As this year draws to a close, we’ve collected some of Incheon’s most captivating scenes. In a word: “Beautiful”. Let us share these winter moments of Incheon—where lights sparkle, sunsets glow, and illuminations shine—and invite you to experience this enchanting city.

About travel writer Lee Su-rin


Though sometimes anxious yet always eager to explore, Lee ventures into the world with the belief that every step taken makes it feel a bit larger. Lee’s work appears in the travel section of Seoul Shinmun, the travel culture magazine TS Magazine, and the Inha Technical College quarterly newsletter Wonjeom Meari. Lee is also a current contributor to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Follow the Lights Along the Illuminated Waterfront: Gyeyang Araon Street of Lights

“There’s something about twinkling lights that makes us want to make a wish. At Gyeyang Araon’s waterside trails, you’ll find the perfect spot to dream up your hopes for the new year.” The Gyeyang Araon Street of Lights runs alongside a 7-kilometer stretch of the Gyeongin Ara Waterway, which connects the West Sea to the Hangang River, in Incheon’s Gyeyang district. Its stunning waterfront views, made even more beautiful by the illuminations, have earned it a place among the “Nine Views of Incheon”—a distinction awarded through a joint initiative by Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization.

Located a 15-minute walk from Gyeyang Station on Incheon Subway Line 1, the Gyeyang Araon Street of Lights stretches from Hwangeo Square at the northern end of Gyeyangdaegyo Bridge to Gyulhyeon Plaza at its southern end. As you pass through Hwangeo Plaza, you’ll spot the large redfin (hwangeo) sculpture before finding a waterside path adorned with flower-shaped lights and the elegantly curved eaves of Suhyangwon Pavilion’s hanok architecture. “The beauty of taking a walk is that you don’t need a destination in mind. An evening stroll along the Gyeyang Araon Street of Lights lets you soak in the beautiful reflections dancing across the river and discover various sculptures along the way.” As you make your way toward the southern side of Gyeyangdaegyo Bridge, you’ll encounter impressive sights like the massive Fantasy Tree—which looks like it stepped out of a video game—and the dynamic media facade displays of the Media Cube. The area also offers thoughtful amenities, including children’s playgrounds and food trucks perfect for a post-walk break.

• Address109-1 Janggi-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-450-4105
• Opening Hours00:00–24:00, open year-round
• Websitewww.gyeyang.go.kr

A Romantic Night Out: Songdo Central Park

“The adventure doesn’t end at sunset—some places truly come alive after dark.” At Korea’s first seawater park, Songdo Central Park offers what many consider Incheon’s most stunning nighttime views. Visitors can explore in various ways: stroll along the 1.8-kilometer waterway, cycle around the park, take a boat ride, or head up to the G-Tower Observatory on the 33rd floor of the IFEZ Promotion Hall. Among these options, experiencing the park from the water offers something truly special.

“At Komarine East Boat House, you can choose from an array of vessels—from crescent-shaped Moon Boats to fairytale-like Cinderella Boats and Family Boasts that seat up to six people.” Watch as these illuminated boats glide across the silver water, their lights dancing and shimmering on the surface—it’s a genuinely romantic sight. For a different experience, head to the West Boat House (a 25-minute walk from the East Boat House), where you can catch a water taxi. The taxi route passes the Tri-Bowl—a distinctive cultural space shaped like three bowls—before turning around at Songdo Hanok Village. It’s a perfect way to spend a winter evening floating above Songdo’s waters.

• Address160 Convensia-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-456-2860
• Opening Hours00:00–24:00, open year-round
• Web Pagewww.insiseol.or.kr

Witness the Stunning Sunset Beyond the Black Tidal Flat: Masian Beach

“Some sceneries have a way of leaving you speechless. In those moments, you realize that the word ‘majestic’ falls short when describing something that transcends description. I had that thought while watching the sun set beyond the black tidal flats at Masian Beach.” Masian Beach, located southwest of Yeongjongdo Island, is a popular sunset spot in the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area. This 3-kilometer-long sandy beach is just a 20-minute drive from Incheon International Airport. Its true beauty emerges at low tide when the receding waters reveal the sprawling tidal flats below.

As we prepare to bid farewell to the old year, beaches become a perfect place for reflection and taking in the view. Beachside walks bring you closer to the soft sands and the final orange sunsets of the year. From the twilight to the sun dipping below the horizon near Joreumseom Island, Masian Beach offers unforgettable scenes to mark the year’s end. “The nearby Café Street is another favorite spot for sunset lovers, with the ocean-view cafés like C27 Downtown standing out as a highlight. Just an 8-minute walk from the beach, this café is especially famous for its sunset views. Seats by the second-floor window wall or on the terrace, directly overlooking the beach, are particularly sought after by sunset aficionados.”

• Address118 Masiran-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-760-8872
• Opening Hours00:00–24:00, open year-round

An Enchanting Street Illuminated with Lights: Mansucheon Street of Lights

It takes one couch potato to understand another. “If you want to enjoy the end-of-the-year vibes without traveling far, this spot is perfect for those living in Namdong-gu. You know the area near Mansucheon Stream, close to the old city center, right? It’s been transformed into the Mansucheon Street of Lights.” This is Lee’s glowing recommendation for Mansucheon Street of Lights, which will be open until the last day of the year. Originally designed to beautify the streets in Namdong-gu, the light display has become a source of pride for the district. In 2023, nighttime illuminations and photo zones were set up near Mansucheon Stream, including the roundabout at Seochang District 2, the Juniper Rest Area in Ganseok-dong, and Aehyang Children’s Park. This year, the display has expanded to include Mansu District 3.

At night, this festival of lights transforms Namdong-gu into a dazzling wonderland. Stars twinkle above the light tunnels, and colorful illuminations bring warmth to the bare winter trees. “The highlight of the display is certainly the public parking lot near Mansucheon Stream. Vibrant lights and delightful photo zones stretch along a 2-kilometer-long path extending on both sides of the street around the parking lot.” Between the first and the second parking lots, visitors are greeted by a magnificent 12-meter-high Christmas tree and two radiant light tunnels. Additional photo-worthy spots include the dandelion flower field and the full moon photo zone between the second and third parking lots.

• Address1003 Mansu-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon (near the public parking lot at Masucheon Stream)
• Inquiries+82-32-453-2143
• Opening Hours17:00～22:00

Incheon’s Favorite Sunset Spot: Jeongseojin

“Just as Jeongdongjin in Gangneung, Gangwon state is renowned for its sunrises, Incheon boasts Jeongseojin as its premier sunset spot. You may see sunsets every day, but there’s something magical about witnessing the sunset at the end of the year. As you bid farewell to today’s sun, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your journey and celebrate a year well lived.” The name Jeongseojin originates from its location, exactly west of Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul. This significant point is marked by the Jeongseojin Marker, placed at the confluence of the Gyeongin Ara Waterway and the West Sea using GPS technology. Among Jeongseojin’s attractions, the most iconic is its Sunset Bell. This 12-meter-high sculpture, inspired by the pebbles along Korea’s western coastline, features a bell-shaped opening at its center. Don’t miss the breathtaking sight of the red sun filtering through the sculpture at sunset—it’s a truly unforgettable moment.

Another must-visit sunset spot near Jeongseojin is the Ara Tower Observatory, just a 6-minute walk away. “Perched on the 23rd floor of the tower, 76 meters above sea level, the observatory offers panoramic views spanning from Jeongseojin to Yongjongdaegyo Bridge and the expansive tidal flats beyond. Entry is free, and with its doors open until 9 p.m., it’s easy to drop by and enjoy the spectacular scenery.”

• Address95 Jeongseojinnam-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon
• Inquiries+82-32-560-5930
• Opening Hours00:00–24:00, open year-round
• Websitewww.seo.incheon.kr