Jayu Park is the ideal warm weather destination in Incheon. Wander this spacious green area and pause often to gaze upon the wonderful sea vistas from many different points in the park. Pick out key landmarks such as Incheon International Airport, Changbong Island and Wolmido Island. Look at the various sculptures scattered throughout the park and climb the hill to Incheon Meteorological Observatory.
This park was one of South Korea’s earliest Western-style parks, with work beginning on it as early as 1888. It has had a number of different names over the decades. “Jayu,” which means freedom, was chosen in 1957 to mark the unveiling of a statue of General Douglas MacArthur. See the imposing statue of General MacArthur, who led U.N. troops during the Korean War. This is one of the park’s best-known features, along with the Centennial Monument. The monument was built in honour of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 1882 treaty between Korea and the U.S., which marked the beginning of an amicable relationship between the two countries.
See great views from many different elevated points within the park. However, for the very best and clearest views of the area, climb to the observatory on top of Mount Opo. The observatory first built on this spot in 1904 revolutionized meteorology in South Korea. Look through the telescopes here to see close-up perspectives of some of Incheon’s famous sites. If you ascend the hill at sunset, the views will be less clear but the skies will often be a beautiful shade of red.
Although Jayu Park offers lots to look at, it is also a wonderful place to come for a picnic or simply to relax. Join the many locals who walk, run and do other exercises in the park every day.
Jayu Park is conveniently located in downtown Incheon. From Seoul, get here on the subway in a little over 1 hour. Come in summer, when the park is at its prettiest, with its flowers in bloom and its green spaces filled with people relaxing.
