Jayu Park

Laid out in 1888 on a hill overlooking the old port district, this is Korea’s first Western-style park. It was originally known as Gakguk Park (“Park of All Nations”) before being renamed Jayu (Freedom) Park in 1957. At its summit stands a statue of General Douglas MacArthur, who commanded the 1950 Incheon Landing — a good stop for tracing Korean War history.

From the overlook, Incheon’s port and old downtown spread out below, with the Yellow Sea visible on clear days. The hill connects directly downhill to Chinatown and Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, so the three are often visited together. In April, cherry blossoms turn the paths into a tunnel of flowers and visitor numbers spike.

The climb is steep in places, so wear comfortable shoes. Entry is free and the park is open at all times.