Cheongna Lake Park – Cheongnaru Pavilion (Baduk Park)

This park served as a filming location for the Netflix drama series The Glory, where the main character seeks revenge for the school violence she experienced. The main character, Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo), portrays the game of go (baduk) as a metaphor for revenge, taking the opponent’s house. In the drama, the plaza with the design of a go board, also known as Baduk Park, often appears, but it is a film set built next to Cheongnaru, a pavilion in Cheongna Lake Park.

Two large go boards measuring 258 m2 and featuring huge go board pieces were created for the drama. However, only one go board on the right side of Cheongnaru remains at present. Cheongnaru Pavilion’s design draws inspiration from the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace. From here, you can enjoy a splendid view of Incheon under the moonlight. The skyscrapers and urban buildings shine with different lights, creating a magnificent spectacle.

[Travel Tip] Duck Boat Consider riding a duck boat to tour the park at night. Purchase tickets at the convenience store near the park’s Parking Lot 1, and enjoy floating on the lake for 30 minutes.

• Address 204, Cheongna-daero, Seo-gu, Incheon
• Tel. No. +82-32-456-2749
• Web Page https://insiseol.or.kr

Subong Park – Subong Byulmaru

Located at the foot of Subongsan Mountain in Michuhol-gu, Subong Park has become a renowned night view spot, thanks to the installation of lighting, holograms, and LED sculptures. “Byulmaru” means “a large star” in Korean, and the park dazzles with illuminated displays from sunset to 23:00, creating a spectacular light festival for everyone to enjoy.

Stroll along eight themed forest paths illuminated by starlight, tread upon holographic petals on the ground, and admire shimmering animal sculptures. Notably, the park’s 37 m tall artificial waterfall serves as a media façade, showcasing the region’s history and the park’s inception through LED lighting.

[Travel Tip] Park Photo Zones Several photo zones are available throughout the park, including the “Starlight Walk” path, where you’ll feel as if you’re standing beneath the Milky Way. You can also capture memorable moments in front of the full and crescent moon sculptures at the “Spring of Memory.”

• Address 84, Subongan-gil, Michuhol-gu, Incheon
• Tel. No. +82-32-868-4770
• Web Page www.michuhol.go.kr

Gyeyangsan Mountain

Gyeyangsan Mountain is a renowned night hiking destination in Incheon. The well-maintained trail attracts hikers, even during the night. It is conveniently located near Gyesan Station on Incheon Subway Line 1, making it accessible for beginners. Despite its modest elevation of 395 m, Gyeyangsan Mountain is still widely known for its breathtaking views.

Several trails are available, but the most popular starting point is the Gyeyang Mountain Fortress Museum. The 3.5 km course takes about 2 hours round trip, leading from the museum to Yukgakjeong Pavilion, Gyeyangsanseong Fortress, Palgakjeong Pavilion, Haneujae Pass, and the mountain’s summit. Be prepared for numerous stairs along the way, as you may become short of breath. If you see a pavilion next to a transmission tower, you will soon reach the top. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Incheon, as well as its surrounding areas, including Gimpo International Airport, Yeongjongdo Island, and Ganghwado Island.

[Travel Tip] Gyeyangsan Traditional Market Located beneath Gyeyangsan Mountain, this market is popular among climbers throughout the seasons. It was featured in the Korean TV program Amazing Saturday, which introduced a spicy beef soup restaurant and fruit tart bakery.

• Address San 57-1, Moksang-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon
• Tel. No. +82-32-450-5654

Haneulgorae Observatory in Yeongheungdo Island

The Haneulgorae (Sky Whale) Observatory has recently gained popularity as a night-view spot on Yeongheungdo Island. Here, you can admire a blue-lit whale sculpture after sunset, along with a view of Yeongheungdaegyo Bridge in the distance. A 5-minute walk north along the coastal road from Jindu Seawall will lead you to a blue whale with its tale raised toward the sky. This sculpture, symbolizing the ocean and life, was installed to convey good wishes to the fishing village residents. After sunset, 200 LED lights illuminate the 4 m tall whale, casting light onto the dark island and creating a romantic ambiance for a nighttime stroll along the sea. The lighting on Yeongheungdaegyo Bridge and the returning fishing boats further enhance the harbor’s unique atmosphere.

[Travel Tip] Yeongheung Suhyup Raw Fish Center (Yeongheung Fisheries Fish Market) Located just a 10-minute walk from the observatory, this raw fish center offers a variety of fresh fish, seafood, and shellfish. It underwent remodeling and reopened in July 2023, making it a brand-new destination for seafood lovers.

• Address 74, Yeongheungbuk-ro Yeongheung-myeon, Ongjin-gun, Incheon
• Tel. No. +82-32-886-7800 (Yeongheung-myeon Office)

Hwadojin Park

The historical park in Incheon takes on a mesmerizing glow in various lighting. Hwadojin Park holds significance as the location where the United States–Korea Treaty of 1882 was concluded. It was established in 1982 to commemorate 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Korea. Last June, the nightscape project was completed, transforming the park into a new nighttime attraction in Incheon.

Notably, the park’s lighting is designed to minimize light pollution. The lush foliage and trees along the trail shine brightly in the darkness. Delightful rabbit sculptures are gathered beneath the full moon, with inscriptions like “Cheer up!” making the night walk more joyful and memorable.

[Travel Tip]Chinatown and Sinpo International Market Since the opening of Incheon Port in 1993, Chinatown has been a hub for overseas Chinese. Now, it offers an array of Chinese restaurants. Nearby, the Sinpo International Market has been a staple as Incheon’s first permanent traditional market since the port’s inauguration. It features a wide variety of delectable dishes, including Sinpo deep-fried and braised chicken, Chinese bread, spicy chewy noodles, and more.

• Address 114, Hwadojin-ro, Dong-gu, Incheon
• Tel. No. +82-32-770-6100