:For the film, see Inchon (film).
Incheon is a metropolitan city and a major seaport on the west coast of South Korea, near Seoul. Its geographical location is .
Human settlement at the location goes back to the Neolithic. In modern times Incheon became important because its location on an estuary made it a good harbor; when the port was founded in 1883, the city, then called Chemulpo (hangul: 제물포, hanja: 濟物浦, revised: Jemulpo), had a population of only 4,700. Incheon is now home to almost 2.5 million people, and is also under the control of one of the two free economic zone authorities in Korea, aimed at attracting foreign investment; the city aims to turn itself into a financial and corporate hub along with the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority.
The city boundaries include an area of 964.53 km², of which 21 percent is rice paddies and another 44 percent is forested.
Incheon is regarded as part of the greater Seoul metropolitan area due to its close proximity to the capital, and the fact that the Seoul Metropolitan Subway and the Incheon Subway systems are linked. Incheon is, however, a major city in its own right and is a separate jurisdiction from Seoul.
History
The first historical record of the Incheon area dates back to 475 A.D. during the reign of King Jangsu of Goguryeo by the name of Michuhol. The area underwent several name changes with successive kingdoms and dynasties. The current name was established in 1413 A.D. during the reign of King Taejong of Joseon. The name Jemulpo was not widely used until the opening of the port in 1883.
The city was the site of a Japanese POW camp during World War II.
On September 15, 1950, during the Korean War, Incheon was the site of the Battle of Incheon, when United States troops landed to relieve pressure on the Pusan Perimeter and to launch a United Nations offensive northward. The USS Inchon (MCS-12) was named after the tide-turning battle that ensued.
Incheon was originally part of Gyeonggi Province, but was granted Municipality status on July 1, 1981.
See also: Battle of Chemulpo Bay
Education
On February 27, 2007, Incheon declared itself an "English City," and inaugurated the "Incheon Free English Zone" program. The goal of the program is to make Incheon as much an English speaking city as Hong Kong and Singapore are. This is for the ultimate purpose of establishing Incheon as a commercial and business hub of northeast Asia (see Free Economic Zone below). The official slogan of the program is "Smile with English."
Higher education
Incheon is home to several colleges and universities:
Sports
The city is home to K-League soccer team Incheon United, the KBL basketball team Inchon ET Land Blackslamers, and KBO baseball team SK Wyverns. Incheon was also one of the venues for the 2002 Football World Cup.
On April 19, 2007, Incheon was selected as the host city for the 2014 Asian Games, beating out New Delhi.
Munhak Sports Complex is the location of the baseball stadium and soccer stadium of their respective pro teams.
Transportation
Incheon is a major domestic and international transportation hub for Korea.
Free Economic Zone
Incheon is home to the Incheon Free Economic Zone. Based on Professor Jack Kasarda's concept of the aerotropolis, a city built around a major airport, the zone, now under construction, aspires to play a central role in Northeast Asian trade.
Administrative divisions
Incheon is divided into 8 wards ("gu") and 2 counties ("gun").
Points of interest
Bupyeong Station is where the Seoul Subway Line 1 and Incheon subway line intersect. There is a large under ground shopping center there mostly selling trendy women's clothing and cell phones. Above ground, there are many restaurants, additional shops, and a Lotte Mart.
A number of Korea's western islands, including Ganghwa Island, Yeongjong Island, and Baengnyeong Island are also administered by Incheon. Baengnyeong Island is South Korea's westernmost point.
Jayu (Freedom) Park- The statue of General MacArthur as well as a memorial to the centennial anniversary of U.S. and Korea relations is located within.
Korea's only official Chinatown is located in Incheon, nearby Jayu Park.
Wolmido- Location of Green Beach, one of the landing sites for MacArthur's invasion force. It is now a local tourist attraction with a boardwalk, an amusement park and many raw fish restaurants.
Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall- A plaza and small museum dedicated to the Landing. Weapons and artifacts from the war and operation are displayed.
People from Incheon
Sister cities
See also
External links
