*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Korea related questions directly!
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. After traveling to South Korea over a dozen times, these are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip. For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to South Korea. Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to have a copy of your international driver's permit with you! I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform and tend to focus on the Asia-Pacific region. To keep cell phone service, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country. Lastly, my essential packing list when traveling. Getting to Wolmido & Planning Your Trip
No matter where you're coming from in the Seoul area, Wolmido is very easy to get to, however because Wolmido is located on the western coast of South Korea near Incheon International Airport, it might take you a while on public transportation.
On the subway, you'll want to connect to either the Dark Blue #1 Line or the Golden Yellow SuinBundang Line and take it all the way to Incheon Station. When you exit you'll be right at the entrance to Incheon's Chinatown - and from here you can either take a bus or the Wolmido Sea Train onto Wolmido Island.
As you plan your trip to Wolmido, I recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, bringing extra sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course your camera to capture the beautiful coastal views! You'll also want to come with an empty stomach to enjoy the delicious local restaurants. It's also worth noting that during summer months many people visit Wolmido as a quick getaway or date day from Seoul, and so you can expect lots of couples and Seoul locals.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay near Wolmido, I recommend this Holiday Inn near Central Park! Best Things to Do in Wolmido
1. Enjoy the Carnival Rides
As soon as you walk around Wolmido you'll notice this area is filled with not just the Wolmi Theme Park but also random rides in the area that you can enjoy! Two of the most popular in Korea are the "Disco Pang Pang" where riders attempt to sit around a circular arena as the announcer tries to bounce them off, and the second is "The Viking" - a pirate boat that swings up and down. You can choose to get a day pass or pay for each ride individually at the ticket booths.
2. Play Some Carnival Games
The more you walk, you'll also notice plenty of small shops with all kinds of Carnival Games inside! Currently, the most popular is the dart throw to pop balloons - it's really quite easy but you'll have to buy a lot of rounds to actually win a large prize.
3. Enjoy the Local Cafes
Although there's a number of cafe's throughout all of South Korea, one of my personal favorites on Wolmido is the Orange Cafe. They have a super comfortable interior with adorable macarons and drinks, and when I visited the owner had her adorable puppy running around as well. Plus, because it's on the second floor the views of the ocean are stunning!
4. Look For K-Drama Filming Locations
My husband and I were lucky when we visited and there were multiple filmings going on along the main street, however this is a fairly popular spot to film K-Drama scenes so chances are pretty good you'll see one too if you're lucky! Descendants of the Sun, 19/20, and Hotel Del Luna all had scenes filmed on Wolmido!
5. Visit the Incheon Chinatown
Not technically on Wolmido, but this Chinatown is the most popular and well known throughout Korea. As you exit the Incheon subway station, you'll simply have to cross the street and you'll find yourself right at the beginning! I highly recommend trying some Chinese-Korean cuisine, specifically a black noodle dish called "jajangmyeon" (자장면) that is only found in Korea. You can also walk up the hill to the Emperor Stairs for a fantastic view.
6. Try the Local Seafood
Because Wolmido is located right on the coast, it's also lined with plenty of local seafood restaurants - and although they'll all beckon you in as you walk by - don't feel any pressure! Honestly they're all serving the same dishes, so I would go into the one that looks the busiest! If you don't feel like seafood, there's an excellent traditional Korean Udon restaurant off the main road that serves some awesome King Dumplings!
7. Ride the Wolmido Sea Train
This is hands down the best way to experience the incredible views of Wolmido and the ocean - plus, by taking the Sea Train you'll save your legs and feet from walking around the entire island! Included in the your ticket you get one chance to get off and get back on, so I recommend doing that at the beginning of the Culture Street and walking down to the next station. If you're wanting to plan your Wolmido trip in more detail, I have an entire post sharing details about riding the Wolmido Sea Train.
8. Walk the Wolmi Culture Street
As you walk down the main street of Wolmido, dubbed the Wolmi Culture Street, you'll find all sorts of entertainment. From musical fountains, to local fishermen, to beautiful ocean views and even the chance to buy some shrimp chips to feed the seagulls - there's plenty to do! This is also where you'll see all the carnival games and rides in addition to the local cafes and restaurants.
9. Lock Gate Exhibition Center
This exhibition center on Wolmido shares all about the Port - how and why it started, how it's changed into what it's become today, and even future plans for the port area!
10. Wolmi Observatory
You'll have to hike up a few stairs for this observatory, but if you want some more epic views overlooking Wolmido then this is your second best bet aside from the Sea Train! You can also catch your breathe here at the local cafe!
11. Walk through Wolmi Park
This large park has plenty of paved trails for a nice walk and even has traditional Korean gardens. You can also find the Maritime Police Ship and the Wolmi Observatory here in the park!
12. Take the Wolmido Ferry
The Wolmido Ferry is 80 minutes long and takes you from the Wolmido Port around the Yeongjongdo Bridge and the Ara Waterway. It has incredible views of the islands in the area and the coastline, and costs about $15 a person. 13. Incheon National Maritime Museum Having just opened earlier in the year, the National Maritime Museum was created to share exhibitions and galleries that showcase the "magnificent world of the ocean". Entry is free, so it's an excellent idea if you're looking to cool down in the AC or get out of the rain!
Watch my Wolmido Adventures here!
Other Korea Blog Posts you might be interested in :
-> 25 Street Foods to Try in Korea -> Han River Cruise Foreigner's Guide
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Annyeong👋🏼I'm Deborah! A Korean-American millennial that's visited South Korea over 15 times. I've created this blog to help share advice, tips, cultural differences and hidden gems to help make your trip to Korea the best it can be! Use this link
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