Chinatown Incheon

This is a fish marker first open in 1981. It is about 12K square meter in size and about 500 shops operating in the market! Like Norayngjin fish market in Seoul; it has been undergoing major efforts to become a cleaner and more appealing tourist destination. At the fish market, you can find fish, shellfish, dried & fermented seafood, and even watch skilled vendors prepare fish or slice sashimi. Additionally, during our visit to the fish market, I will share a story about a traditional Korean dish made with fish. This will offer a deeper insight into Korean cuisine and culture, highlighting the significance of fish in Korean cooking and its connection to the local way of life.

Lunch: Marinated Blue Crab Koreans enjoy blue crab in various ways -- boiled, in stews, or marinated in soy sauce. Among these, the marinated version is the most beloved, so much so that there's a saying: "it practically steals your rice." Only fresh crab can be used for this delicacy. The restaurant, Samdae Incheon Gejang, has been specializing in marinated crab for over 60 years. It exclusively uses blue crabs only from Yeonpyong island, a renowned source of the best blue crab, and traditionally aging soy sauce to ensure authentic flavor.

It is the biggest & the oldest Chinatown in Korea. We'll take a leisurely stroll through Chinatown's main street, stopping by the Black-bean Noodle Museum. Along the way, you'll hear fascinating stories about the area, as Incheon is my hometown and black bean noodles were once my absolute favorite dish. If we're lucky, we might get to see a chef skillfully hand-pulling noodles right in Chinatown. After exploring Chinatown, we'll head to Incheon's oldest district where we can admire buildings from the late 1800s that mark the beginning of Korea's modern era. If you need a rest, let me know and we can have a break at nice & cozy coffee shops in the district.

Early Dinner / Black-bean noodle We’ll visit one of two small yet famous Chinese restaurants—Teahwawon or Shinseongru—depending on the situation and your preference: Teahwawon: Located in Chinatown, this restaurant has been serving customers since 1926 and is now run by its third generation. Its spot in Chinatown means long lines of travelers are almost always expected. Shinseongru: Situated outside of Chinatown, this restaurant holds sentimental value for me—it’s been around since I was a child, making it more than 50 years old. While it’s always crowded, you won’t have to wait in a line. Menu? Naturally, black-bean noodles are the perfect choice here! However, if you’d like to change or add other dishes, I’ll gladly help you place your order.