I’VE been here before, but it’s always a good time.
Typically, I don’t blog about the same place – the last post on Chinatown dates back from July 2008 - but Jayu Park (자유공원) and Chinatown (차이나타운) are worth revisiting. Since they’re an easy day trip from Seoul and an excellent introduction to Incheon, they’re great for tourists or the expats that call Korea home.
First called Manguk Park and then Seo Park, Jayu Park rests in the Eungbongsan mountain of Incheon – the mainland, not the island. During the Korean war, all hope of reclaiming Seoul was seemingly lost as the U.S. / Korea armed forces were backed up in Busan. It ended up going down in history as the Incheon Amphibious Landing Operation, or the Battle of Inchon. In 1957, the park was renamed Jayu (Freedom) Park on the seventh anniversary of General MacArthur and the troops who freed the area.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
The man himself – General Douglas MacArthur gets a statue for his work. The tablet below explains parts of the story in Korean and English, though getting close enough to read it is a bit tricky.
Janggi, or Korean / Chinese chess. If you know how to play, you might find an old person or two playing a game during the warmer months.
A tall representation of the peace between the US and Korea. The angles are different depending on where you view it from, of course, so stand directly underneath for the best effect.
While there are some Real Genuine Chinese People still around, the neighborhood is a tourist attraction. Still, the food is genuine and the people are kind – two positives for this area.
If you start from Dongincheon station (동인천역) you’ll start at the top of the hill, seeing the park first and eventually walk down through China. Starting at Incheon, it’s vice versa. It’s quite fine either way, and worth visiting for the food and souvenirs. The nearby Wolmi-do Amusement Park is great at night, if you’re looking to stay around Incheon.
Ratings (out of 5 taeguks): How do I rate destinations?
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Directions to Chinatown: take line 1 of the Seoul subway system to Incheon station – the end of the line. Take exit 1 (the only exit), and look across the street for the main entrance. For Jayu Park, walk up the hill and several sets of stairs. Alternatively, get off a stop earlier at Dongincheon station and take 2 to street level. Turn around to your right and look for the side road to the left. Follow that road for several hundred meters, going straight through two intersections. You’ll eventually walk right into the back entrance of the walk – about 15-20 minutes walking from the station.
