Japan and South Korea Expedition: Between Contrasts

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Incheon is an historically and economically significant place for Koreans. During the Korean War[2], the city was the site of the Incheon Landing[3] by American forces. Today, Incheon is a metropolitan city with the population of about 2.8 million, politically independent from Seoul. Also, the city serves as a transportation hub by air and sea, with a massive harbor and the world best international airport[4]. Several beautiful islands, such as Yeongjong Island and Ganghwa Island, are also within city limits. The status of the area is set to increase as various national projects are in development in Incheon. The New Songdo City plan, the most expensive real estate development in Korean history, will be finished in 2015. One of the world's tallest twin tower buildings, 151 Incheon tower[5], is under early construction and Korea's current tallest building, the Northeast Asia Trade Tower, is already finished. Incheon is planning to launch further independent mini-cities for shopping, housing, and education. Added to this real estate development, Incheon will also invite a large number of visitors for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Despite these developments, the Songdo area of Incheon is currently unfinished and largely uninhabited, not yet a viable destination for tourists. Travelers are more likely to enjoy the bustling eastern side of Incheon which blurs into the vast expanse of Seoul.