From historic sites that showcase the wisdom of our ancestors to traditional markets filled with local delicacies prepared by friendly
merchants and hands-on cultural experiences perfect for creating cherished family memories, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Here are some traditional markets filled with rustic yet nostalgic charm, attracting the attention of Gen Z both in Korea and abroad.
* The markets introduced below are open during the Lunar New Year holidays, but individual store hours may vary. It is recommended to check in advance.
Sinpo International Market: A Traditional Market Full of Must-Try Eateries
If you plan to visit Sinpo International Market, be prepared to wait in line. The market is home to many nationally renowned eateries,
making long queues a common sight—even on weekdays. Along the bustling food alley, countless stalls serve their signature dishes, tempting you to stop every few steps.
The star of the market is dakgangjeong (deep-fried and braised chicken),
its signature dish. Watching crispy, freshly fried chicken being coated in a rich, flavorful glaze is enough to make your mouth water.
In addition to dakgangjeong, the market offers other must-try specialties, including gonggal buns—hollow yet chewy and sweet—savory charcoal-grilled dried seaweed,
and egg tarts that are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
As Incheon’s first permanent market, Sinpo International Market boasts a 100-year history and plenty of hidden gems.
In the back alley, you’ll find a sculpture depicting the Puseonggui Market (meaning “vegetable market”), reflecting its origins.
When Incheon opened its port in the late 19th century, foreigners settled in the area,
naturally leading to the formation of a vegetable market—what would later become Sinpo International Market.
The sculpture symbolizes the market’s very first appearance.
Other notable attractions include Croaker Alley, renowned for its fresh raw fish; Repair Alley,
home to long-standing repair shops; and a red lighthouse sculpture, a popular photo spot. Just across the street from the market entrance,
you’ll find Sinpo Woori Mandoo, believed to be the birthplace of jjolmyeon (spicy chewy noodles), as well as Kalguksu Alley,
where you can enjoy a variety of hot noodle soups.
While Sinpo International Market is a must-visit on its own, the surrounding area offers even more to explore.
Just a five-minute walk away is Dapdong Cathedral (Historic Site), a landmark that recently gained attention as a filming location for The Fiery Priest 2.
Near Sinpo Fashion and Culture Street, you’ll find an entrance leading to some of Incheon’s most famous attractions, including Gaehangjang (Open Port Area) Street, Chinatown, Jayu Park, and Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village. This area has been featured in numerous popular dramas, such as Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, and Mr. Sunshine, as it beautifully preserves the charm of a bygone era. For a truly immersive experience, you can rent a modern-era costume, wander through Gaehangjang Street, and feel like a drama protagonist. And don’t miss the chance to savor authentic jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) in Chinatown—the birthplace of this beloved Korean dish.
[Tip!]
- Nearby Attractions
Sinpo Woori Mandoo: Daily 10:00–21:00, closed on Lunar New Year holidays
- Free parking is available for two hours at the public parking lot at Dapdong Cathedral, a five-minute walk from the market.
- Incheon International Airport offers a tour program for transit passengers that includes a visit to Sinpo International Market. For more information, visit the Incheon International Airport website.
- There is an information center in the market (closed on weekends) where you can get simple guides, including shop details and directions.
- Address 11-5 Uhyeon-ro 49beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
- Inquiries +82-32-764-0415
- Opening Hours Vary by store / Closed on the first Monday of each month, the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
Moraenae Market: A Shopper’s Delight
Moraenae Market is a traditional market with excellent accessibility,
as it is directly connected to Moraenae Market Station on Incheon Subway Line 2. Despite being established in the early 1980s,
the market feels open and spacious, with wide streets lined with shops of all sizes, creating a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience.
It offers an impressive selection of goods—from fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables to seafood, clothing, and household items—rivaling even large shopping malls.
But what truly attracts visitors, especially travelers, is the amazing variety of street food found throughout the market.
Freshly steamed meat and kimchi mandu, straight from a giant steamer, and sweet, chewy kkwabaegi
(twisted doughnuts) are just a few of the tempting treats available. Classic Korean market favorites like tteokbokki and gimbap add to the mix,
while on colder days, warm skewered fish cakes make the perfect comfort food. The savory broth, flavored with blue crab, anchovies, and kelp,
pairs perfectly with the soft fish cakes—an irresistible combination that warms you from the inside out.
Moraenae Market is also connected to Guwol Market, offering even more exciting food and shopping experiences.
Just a 50-meter walk from Moraenae Market’s south gate takes you to Guwol Market’s entrance on the left side. Thanks to its covered arcade,
it’s a great place to visit in any weather. The market is especially lively during traditional holidays, when rice cake shops prepare freshly made Korean delicacies.
Biting into a soft, glossy rice cake, made fresh for the occasion, is sure to bring a smile to your face.
For those looking to extend their adventure, Incheon Grand Park is just three subway stops from Moraenae Market.
Spanning an area equivalent to 300 soccer fields, this vast park is home to gardens, a lake garden, a rose garden,
a healing forest, and even a pet playground, making it a perfect getaway for the whole family.
[Tip!]
- Nearby Attractions
Incheon Grand Park Pet Playground: Summer (April-November) 10:00-20:00, Winter (December-March) 10:00–17:30 / Closed on Mondays and the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day)
- Incheon International Airport offers a tour program for transit passengers that includes a visit to Moraenae Market. For more information, visit the Incheon International Airport website.
- Address42-8 Hogupo-ro 810beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon
- Inquiries+82-32-471-1427
- Opening Hours Daily 10:00–22:00 / Vary by store, closed on the day of Seollal (New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
- Websitehttp://www.moraenaemarket.com/
Singi Market: A Quaint Market with a Baseball Museum
Singi Market is well-known for its Baseball Museum, an outdoor exhibit near the market’s public parking lot that showcases Incheon’s rich baseball history.
Though small in size, the museum is packed with fascinating displays, including a 100-year timeline of Incheon baseball, a Hall of Fame,
and a photo zone. The most eye-catching exhibits feature autographed baseballs and jerseys from Incheon-based players. Visitors can also see school photos
of Ryu Hyun-jin, the Incheon-born baseball star who made his mark in Major League Baseball.
During baseball season, it’s common to see fans strolling through the market in team jerseys.
This is because Incheon SSG Landers Field, home of the SSG Landers professional baseball team, is just a 10-minute drive from the market. On game days,
many baseball fans stop by Singi Market to grab delicious snacks to enjoy at the stadium. With its mouthwatering food options and the Baseball Museum,
the market is an even more exciting spot for fans to visit before or after the game.
After all, everything feels more fun on a full stomach! Singi Market is known for its flavorful dakgangjeong,
a favorite among baseball fans, as well as a variety of jeon (Korean pancake), including kimchi jeon, buckwheat jeon, potato jeon, and pan-fried battered mushrooms.
Among them, the heart-shaped kimchi jeon is a market specialty. Another must-visit is Sundae Alley, home to long-standing restaurants specializing in sundae (Korean blood sausage).
For those looking for a post-meal stroll, Munhaksan Mountain is a perfect choice. Standing at 217 meters above sea level,
it offers an easy hike with spectacular panoramic views of Incheon’s city center. It’s a great way to enjoy both exercise and scenery at the same time.
- Address 6 Singi-gil 58beon-gil, Michuhol-gu, Incheon
- Inquiries +82-32-865-5424
- Opening Hours Vary by store
Gajwa Market: A Fun and Lively Traditional Market Straight Out of a Comic
Gajwa Market is designed as a “cartoon market,” bursting with color right from the entrance.
A cheerful sign featuring the market’s mascot, Kangdori, a friendly kangaroo, welcomes visitors with the message,
“Capture happy memories at Gajwa Market!” Adding to the charm, not just the main market signboard but also individual store signs follow a unified cartoon theme,
creating a playful and inviting atmosphere.
In the basement of the Youth Mall, you’ll find a manhwa café, where visitors can enjoy unlimited access to comic books with just the purchase of a drink.
The affordable drinks and diverse menu make it a popular resting spot for people of all ages looking to take a break from shopping. In addition to manhwa,
the café also offers a variety of board games.
Inside the arcaded market, a variety of food stalls sell popular winter snacks, including fish-shaped buns, fish cakes,
and mandus. One standout is the old toast shop near the East Gate entrance, known for its thick egg toast, a favorite among visitors.
Nearby, you’ll also find Mans Gimbap, which gained fame after being featured on the TV show Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant. Unlike traditional gimbap,
which is rolled into a round shape with rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed, this unique version is folded into squares like a sandwich. Its fillings are just as creative,
featuring fish cakes, chicken balls, pork cutlets, and fried pork.
After exploring the market, Cheongna Lake Park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Surrounded by skyscrapers,
lakes, and man-made islands, the park features hydrangea and rose gardens, barefoot walking paths, playgrounds, and bicycle trails, m
aking it an ideal destination for families and couples alike. The park is also home to photogenic sculptures and designated photo zones, with the most notable being Cheongnaru,
a beautiful pavilion inspired by the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace from the Joseon dynasty. Right next to the park is Baduk (meaning “Go”) Park,
a filming location for the hit drama The Glory, making it a must-visit for K-drama fans. As one of Incheon’s top night-view spots, Cheongna Lake Park is especially
breathtaking after sunset, making it the perfect place for a romantic evening stroll.
[Tip!]
- Nearby attractions
Manhwa Café: Daily 10:00–18:00 / Closed on Lunar New Year holidays (January 28–30, 2025)
Mans Gimbap: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30–21:00 / Closed on Mondays and the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day)
- Address 616 Wonjeok-ro 96beon-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon
- Inquiries +82-32-584-5006
- Opening Hours Vary by store
- Websitehttp://gjmarket.kr/