Incheon is the gateway to Korea, home to Incheon International Airport and the Incheon Port. It takes about an hour to reach the city from Seoul via subway or bus, so it makes for a perfect day trip destination from Seoul. Incheon was an open port, the site where modernity first came to Korea. Because of that, it still retains its 100-year-old port facilities, the first modern buildings in Korea, the foreigners’ club, and other cultures associated with concessions. Incheon Jung-gu’s Open Port area, in particular, functions as an open-air cultural and historical museum detailing the history of the Incheon Port, which opened in 1883. From cultural heritage to modern buildings and cutesy cafés, the area is home to sceneries straight out of period films, so it is beloved by photographers.
Ganghwado Island, called an “open-air museum,” is chock full of historical sites, from dolmen structures dating back to the prehistoric period to Goryeo and Joseon-era structures. It is also a beloved date spot for its retro-style art museums and cafés. Gyodongdo Island, connected to Ganghwado Island, is another throwback to the 1960s and the 1970s, particularly in its markets and schools. Seongmodo Island, which can be visited on the way out from Gyodongdo Island, is a well-known spot for sunsetwatching. If you want to see a different side of Incheon, head to Songdo. Songdo is a city of the future, with skyscrapers blending in seamlessly with wide lakes and green spaces. Hotels often offer great views of Songdo at night, while architecturally interesting buildings punctuate the scenery with their presence.
If you’ve had enough of the city, head to the far-flung islands of Incheon. From Sinsimodo Island of Bukdo-myeon, with a sculpture garden on a beach reachable in 10 min from Yeongjongdo Island, to Palmido Island, site of the first lighthouse in Korea; Seonjaedo Island, home to Mokseom Island, CNN’s choice for the most beautiful island in Korea; and Baengnyeongdo Island, the northernmost island of Korea requiring 4 h of traveling with a high-speed craft, the 168 islands of Incheon offer beautiful respite from your daily life.
Ganghwado Island, being surrounded by the sea and sea breeze, offers a cool oceanic climate, silty loam, and clay soil, which are perfect conditions for ginseng cultivation. This is why the 6-year ginseng grown in Ganghwado Island is said to be the best of the best. Ganghwa ginseng is available in a variety of forms.
 | 6-YEAR GINSENG 6-year ginseng has firm flesh, strong fragrance, and high saponin content. Because Ganghwado Island presents ideal conditions for ginseng farming, it is the only place in Korea that can grow 6-year ginseng. Ganghwa Ginseng Center offers ginseng grown by hand at lower than the market price.
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 | 6-YEAR RED GINSENG CONCENTRATE These sticks contain 6-year ginseng, steamed and dried with nutrients intact. The concentrate is then mixed with sugar-fed honey to balance nutritional benefits and taste. The health benefits of these sticks, which include immune-boosting and mitigating fatigue, can be carried and enjoyed anywhere.
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 | RED GINSENG JELLY This jelly-like product can be enjoyed as a snack, even for those who do not like the red ginseng’s bitter taste. It is made with 6-year red ginseng and agar for a chewy texture.
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