Incheon, South Korea 🇰🇷
#796
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Incheon is a major city located northwest of Seoul and serves as a hub for international trade and transportation. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 3 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speed of 100 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering high-speed Wi-Fi |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KRW ≈ 0.00076 USD; major banks include KEB Hana Bank, Shinhan Bank, and Woori Bank which offer services in English. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus. Unlimited data plans start at around 30,000 KRW ($25) monthly. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include KEB Hana Bank, which offers English customer service and accounts with online banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate agencies for longer-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, very cashless friendly; credit cards widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local sites offer plentiful options, with prices averaging between 50,000 and 100,000 KRW ($42 - $84) per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Incheon Airport Guesthouse offer beds starting around 25,000 KRW ($20) per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Incheon Songdo International City and Chinatown offer a range of attractions and accommodations. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Incheon near Songdo offers coworking spaces, cafes, and access to public transport. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Songdo with memberships starting at 400,000 KRW ($340) per month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Flore in Songdo, known for its quiet atmosphere and fast Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular Meetups, including tech talks and expat gatherings, can be found on platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Incheon Expat Meetup Group on Facebook hosts monthly events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Kakao T is the most widely used taxi app, offering English language support. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Incheon has bike-sharing services like 'Incheon Bike' with rental stations across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Incheon’s Eurwangni Beach is just 30 minutes away and is a popular spot. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Korean Air operates many domestic and regional flights from Incheon. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Asiana Airlines and Korean Air are major carriers connecting to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via Incheon International Airport Expressway and the Seohaean Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Incheon Station connects to Seoul via the Incheon metro and KTX trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | T-money cards can be used for convenient access to buses and subways. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains from Incheon Station link to nearby cities like Seoul and Suwon. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Incheon National University Hospital offering comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at facilities like Yoga Therapy Studio in Songdo. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit, located at Songdo, with monthly memberships around 40,000 KRW ($34). |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are widely available and affordable. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok (Baemin) for local food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Incheon Jajangmyeon' (black bean noodles) famous in the area. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-based restaurants like 'The Loving Hut' offer vegan options in Incheon. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tivoli Cafe is renowned for its pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Incheon’s Sinpo International Market offers various street food options and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Coupang and Gmarket are popular for online shopping in South Korea. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Markets like GS Supermarket have grocery delivery services available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife district in Hongdae is vibrant with bars, clubs, and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Magpie Brewing Co. located in nearby Seoul offers brewery tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Beer Bar in Songdo offers a variety of wines and craft beers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food stalls in Chinatown serve unique local snacks and dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Vips' offer international gourmet dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Incheon’s Songdo Central Park is an iconic place for walks and relaxation. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Incheon Art Platform showcases local art and cultural exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Incheon’s Chinatown allows exploring Korean Chinese heritage and history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Korean Buddhist temples like Jeondeungsa are located on nearby Ganghwa Island. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Incheon’s Pentaport Rock Festival attracts music lovers every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Songdo is a modern cultural district with beautiful architecture and public spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Incheon Culture and Arts Center hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Jayoo Market offers local produce and Korean foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues in the Songdo area feature local and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Songdo has notable installations and murals throughout its parks. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes such as 'Korean Cooking Class with Jeong-Ok' offer hands-on learning. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Incheon Art Museum offers exhibitions and workshops for art lovers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Incheon’s Lock Museum showcases historical locks and keys from Korean history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's history as a major port and trade town is central to its cultural identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Incheon Grand Park offers expansive trails and picnic areas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bukhansan National Park is within easy travel distance and ideal for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Songdo Coastal Trail offers scenic views and is perfect for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The observatory at Incheon Bridge provides stunning views of the city and coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Incheon Songdo Tidal Flat is a recognized spot for birdwatching, home to migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Eurwangni Beach allows for bonfires in dedicated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Korea Post and CJ Logistics offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Shinsegae Electronics store in Incheon specializes in device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Incheon Sports Complex features table tennis facilities available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Incheon Language Center provides Korean language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Incheon Library offers study areas and free Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Incheon Global Village Center provides resources and community events for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PC Bangs are popular in Incheon, with fast internet and affordable rates. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Paradise City Casino offers gaming options and entertainment for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 105,000,000 KRW or $88,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 84,000,000 KRW or $70,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,200,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 192,000,000 KRW or $160,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 150,000,000 KRW or $126,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 240,000,000 KRW or $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,300,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 184,000,000 KRW or $154,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 45% on income over 500 million KRW. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% VAT on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculated based on property valuations, typically around 0.5%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1-3% based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Expats can benefit from a 0% tax rate for the first two years under specific conditions. |