South Korea’s third largest city, this expanding metropolis and industrial port — 36km west of Seoul — is the place where Korea opened up to the world in 1883, ending centuries of self-imposed isolation. In 1950, during the Korean War, the American General Douglas MacArthur led UN forces in a daring landing behind enemy lines here.

Fragments of this history can be seen in Incheon today, particularly in the colourful Chinatown and Open Port areas, the most interesting areas to explore and easily accessible via subway. Come here to eat Chinese food, stroll along the Wolmido waterfront and visit the fish market at Yeonan, where you can catch ferries to China or the West Sea islands.