Icheon City Guide

Food focuses on Korean cuisine, especially high-quality Icheon rice dishes. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited and require care when ordering. Some late-night food options exist.

Nightlife is quiet with a few local bars and pubs. Not much variety or late-night venues.

The coffee scene is growing with a mix of local and independent cafés.

Tipping is not expected or customary in most services.

SIM cards are available at Incheon Airport or mobile stores (KT, SK Telecom, LG U+). A passport is required for registration. eSIMs are becoming more common.

The city is generally clean with good waste management.

Convenience stores operate 24/7. Late-night pharmacies and clinics are rare. Some food options available after hours.

Supermarkets like Homeplus and Lotte Mart are common, along with traditional markets like Icheon Jungang Market. International products are limited compared to Seoul.

Card payments are common and widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed for daily spending.

ATMs are easy to find in banks, subway stations, and convenience stores. Major banks include KB Kookmin, Shinhan, and Woori. Fees for international cards vary.

Local Korean schools are common. International schools are mostly in Seoul or suburbs. Korean is the language of instruction.

Icheon has a very small nomad community; most are in Seoul.

Icheon offers good green spaces including parks and riverside areas.

Safe running paths exist in Seolbong Park and streams. Air quality varies, especially in spring.

Several gyms and sports centers cater to fitness enthusiasts.

Tennis courts are available publicly and privately; booking usually required.

Padel is not common in Icheon or South Korea.

Several yoga studios offer common styles. English-speaking instructors are rare.

Multiple dojos teach Korean martial arts like Taekwondo and Hapkido. English instruction is limited.

Jisan Forest Resort offers ski slopes for all levels with rentals available. Runs from December to March.

Limited water sports due to lack of large bodies of water.

No surfing options due to inland location.

No diving or snorkeling in or near Icheon.

Healthcare is high quality with some English speakers at major hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available with basic advice.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, though many locals use filters or bottled water.

There are public playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, and baby supplies in stores. Attractions include Ceramics Village and spas suitable for families.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low, reflecting wider societal conservatism outside big cities.

Pet policies vary; some cafes and parks allow pets. Veterinary care is available.