- Not to be confused with Incheon.
Icheon is a small city south east of Seoul in Gyeonggi-do Province. Icheon is a center for Korean ceramics and holds the annual Icheon Ceramic festival - the largest ceramic culture festival in Korea.
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]The history of Icheon began as a small state within the Mahan confederacy. During the Three Kingdoms period, it was a strategic military point, and part of Baekje's territory before being successively occupied by Goguryeo and Silla. The name 'Icheon' was bestowed by Taejo of Goryeo; after a victory in the area on his way to conquer Later Baekje, he named it Icheon (利川), combining the Hanja characters for 'beneficial' (利) and 'stream' (川). During the Joseon Dynasty, Icheon gained fame as a center for ceramics and high-quality rice. It solidified its identity as the 'home of pottery' by supplying exceptional white porcelain to the royal court. The reputation of Icheon rice, which was also presented to the king, began during this period. After enduring the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, Icheon was elevated to city status in 1996 and has since grown into a key city in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Today, it is a city where its traditional legacy in ceramics and rice thrives alongside modern, high-tech industries such as semiconductors.
Climate
[edit]Icheon has four distinct seasons and a very large annual temperature range. In the summer, it is hot and humid, with rainfall concentrated during the monsoon season. In the winter, is persistently cold and dry with snowfall. Spring and autumn are generally clear and pleasant, making them ideal for outdoor activities due to migratory anticyclones. You can experience the diverse changes of nature in each season.
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Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]There is an intercity coach service between Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Metro Line 3) and Icheon Bus Terminal. The journey is ₩2300 each way (as of May 2015), with a bus departing every 30 minutes and takes just over an hour if you can avoid the heavy traffic period. You can pick up tickets at the ticket office if needed as the ticket machines only present locations in Hangeul and there are plenty of refreshments and food available at the station for travelers who skipped breakfast that morning.
1 Icheon Bus Terminal (이천버스터미널), 1200, Iseopdaecheon-ro, ☏ +82 31-635-5431. 
By taxi
[edit]- You can take a taxi at the taxi stand. The taxi stand is usually near the bus stop.
- As of July 2023, the basic fare for regular taxis is ₩4,800 (₩5,800 at night), with a surcharge of ₩100 applied according to time and distance. (The basic fare is up to 1.6 km (1 mi), plus ₩100 per 135 m.)
Maps
[edit]There is a well stocked tourist information center at the entrance of Seolbong Park with maps available in English, Korean or Chinese.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Icheon
By bus
[edit]Icheon's traveling spots are not so far from its terminal. Cycling term is not so long in the center of Icheon. So, bus can be one option.
To get to Janghowon-eup, buses leave from DongSeoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station, Line 2) and Janghowon Bus Stop. The travel time is 1 hour 35 minutes. The buses usually run every 30 to 50 minutes.
See
[edit]- 1 Seolbong Park and Lake (설봉공원), 408-3 Gwan-go-dong, ☏ +82 31-644-2682. Found at the base of Seolbongsan mountain, the park is a medium size space that also plays host to the city's many traditional festivals. Year round there are some small ceramic based exhibitions, two museums and a sculpture garden to meander through. The park itself is 20 minutes walk from the town center or an even less demanding 5-minute cab ride. Entrance is free although the museums will charge a small fee. Free.
- 2 Icheon Ceramics Village (이천도자기마을), 24 Gyeongchung-daero 2993beon-gil. Over 300 small shops and workshops sharing the goal to pass on Korean Ceramic making traditions onto the next generation. You can experience ceramic making itself or purchase a few unique pieces.
- 3 Starlight Garden Space (별빛정원우주), 287-76, Deoki-ro 154beon-gil, Majang-myeon, ☏ +82 31 645 0002. 17:00~23:00. It is a place where various images of the universe are displayed, and you can take pictures in many photo zones. Over 14 years old ₩12,000, 3-13 years old ₩6,000.
- 4 The Pig Museum (돼지박물관), Pig Theme Park 129-7 Imosan-ro 372beon-gil, Yul-myeon, ☏ +82 507 1366 7540. 10:00~17:00 (closed on Monday). This is an educational farm where you can learn about life and environmental love. Adult ₩7,000, teenager ₩6,000.
- 5 Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum (덕평공룡수목원), Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum, 282, Jakchon-ro, Majang-myeon, ☏ +82 31-633-5029. Daily 09:00-18:00. Icheon Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum is a dinosaur-themed arboretum that combines dinosaur and insect themes with the arboretum in a fir forest of 80,000 pyeong at the foot of the arterial mountain in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do.
- 6 Cornelian Cherry Village (산수유마을), 17, Wonjeok-ro 775, Baeksa-myeon (driving: 'Sansuyu Village' or 'Sansuyu Love Chae' on the navigation, Subway: 10 minutes by bus number 281 or taxi from Sindundo Yechon Station on the Gyeonggang Line), ☏ +82 31-632-4304. 10:00-18:00. Cornelian Cherry Village, where the Cornelian Cherry Flower Festival is held every spring according to the flowering season, offers Cornelian cherry theme experience (chocolate, soap making) using Cornelian Cherry, traditional play experience, pressed flower experience linked to the village, and flower tea blend experience. At the entrance is Hanok Cornelian Cherry Sarangchae, which is open in the village, where family and group hanok experience and accommodation are always possible, and the Lovers' Road and Sangsuyudulegil (Cornelian cherry road) are a comfortable walkway and are a good course to cleanse the mind and body in nature. Free.
- 7 Muryangsa temple (무량사), 128-19, boksoongahro 158beon-gil, Janghowon-eup, ☏ +82 31-641-4026. The Muryangsa Temple was greatly expanded by Monk Bowon after 1986. As an independent temple aiming to be a center for spiritual practice, its grounds include a stone pagoda, the Geungnakbojeon (Hall of Supreme Bliss), an Iljumun (One Pillar Gate), a Cheonwangmun (Gate of the Heavenly Kings), and a Sansingak (Mountain Spirit Shrine). The temple is also famous as the 'Golden Temple' because it is painted in a brilliant golden color throughout.
- 8 Shinheungsa temple (신흥사), 930-2 Seoneup-ri, Janghowon-eup, ☏ +82 31-645-3654. Sinheungsa Temple, a traditional Gyeonggi Province temple with a long history, is located midway up Seolseongsan Mountain in Icheon. Within its grounds are various halls, including Geungnakbojeon Hall, and it also encompasses Seolseongsanseong Fortress, built during the Silla Dynasty. At the foot of the mountain stands the Seoneup-ri Standing Stone Buddha, adding to the temple's rich cultural heritage. A stroll through the charming temple grounds offers a healing experience for both body and mind. The refreshing, panoramic view from the summit is a highlight for visitors.
- 9 Eonong Catholic Shrine (천주교 어농 성지), 51, Eonong-ro 62beon-gil, Moga-myeon, ☏ +82 31-636-4061, [email protected]. 11:00. Eonong Catholic Shrine honors Father Zhou Wen-mo and 17 early martyrs, holding the highest number of Blessed martyrs in Korea. It serves as a "Youth Shrine," dedicating itself to educating young people on the spirit of martyrdom. Free.
- 10 Seolbong Seowon (설봉 서원), 276, Gyeongchung-daero 2709beon-gil, ☏ +82 31-632-6564, [email protected]. Seolbong Seowon is a restored Neo-Confucian academy from the Joseon Dynasty that honors four prominent scholars, including Seo Hui. Today, it serves as a cultural center offering programs on traditional etiquette and Confucian teachings. free.
- 11 (원적산), 427-1, Gyeongsa-ri, Baeksa-myeon. 24 hours. Wonjeoksan is the highest mountain in Icheon, often called the "Alps of Icheon" for its beautiful ridge line. It is a popular destination for hiking and backpacking, offering panoramic views.
Do
[edit]- 1 Baekjok mountain, 309-109, Eoseok-ro 48beongil, Janghowon-eup. The mountain where the name Baekjok (百足, 白足) originated from a centipede legend. As the guardian mountain of Janghowon-eup, there is a "Centipede Cave" at its 402-meter peak where a centipede with a hundred feet is said to have lived. The name Baekjok is said to have originated from this centipede legend.
- 2 Hatsare Janghowon Peach Festival, 117, Seodong-daero 8759beon-gil, Janghowon-eup (after boarding bus 525 at Icheon Station, get off at Janghowon St. Mary's Hospital), ☏ +82 31-641-5215. 10:00-18:00. The peach harvest period in the Janghowon area is generally from July to early October, and various varieties of peaches are shipped from early to mid- to late-term varieties, but the best peach among them is "Janghowon Hwangdo," which is gaining the most popularity from consumers for its sugar content and aroma, and will be introduced to consumers around mid-September. The festival also offers a variety of hands-on activities, such as making peach desserts and picking peaches, as well as stage performances like concerts by guest singers and a local singing contest. Free.
- 3 Donkey Starz (동키스타즈), 154, Dongsan-ro, Hobeop-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1315-4578, [email protected]. 10:00-18:00. Donkey Starz is a large farm offering animal interactions, such as donkey riding and feeding, in a natural setting. It features a cafe and rest areas, providing a relaxing healing space for families. 8,000.
- 4 Wow Ranch (와우 목장), 278-2, Geumdang-ri, Seolseong-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1320-3367. 10:30-14:30. Wow Ranch is an experiential dairy farm offering activities like cow milking, calf feeding, and cheese making in a nature-friendly setting. 15,000-26,000.
- 5 Noseongsan Umusil Village (노승산 우무실 마을), 34-8, Jinsangmi-ro 867beon-gil, Seolseong-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1354-5607, [email protected]. 10:00-17:30. Noseongsan Umusil Village is a rural experience village located at the foot of Noseongsan Mountain, offering eco-friendly activities such as seasonal harvesting, traditional rice cake making, and mudfish catching. ₩5,000-28,000.
- 6 Termeden (테르메덴), 984, Sasil-ro, Moga-myeon, ☏ +82 31-645-2000. 09:00-19:00. Icheon Termeden is a large thermal complex located in a forest, offering various indoor and outdoor hot spring pools year-round. 18,000~49,000.
- 7 Icheon Agricultural Theme Park (이천 농업 테마 공원), 48, Gongwon-ro, Moga-myeon (Located right near Namicheon IC), ☏ +82 31-632-6607. 09:30-18:30. Icheon Agricultural Theme Park is a cultural space celebrating local rice heritage, offering nostalgia for adults and hands-on farming education for children. 1,000~20,000.
Buy
[edit]- Rice: Icheon is the most famous city for rice in the South Korea.
- Peach (Janghowon yellow peach). It is a mutant variety grafted onto a yellow-fleshed peach tree introduced from Japan and was discovered in the farm of Choi Sang-yong, a farmer in Janghowon. It was selected and named by the Fruit Research Institute in 1993, and in addition to Janghowon Hwangdo, Janghowon cultivates various peach varieties introduced from Japan and other countries. Peaches are shipped under the joint brand name 'Haetsare' in cooperation with neighboring regions such as Gamgok and Eumseong.
- 1 Lotte Premium Outlet Icheon Branch (롯데 프리미엄 아울렛 이천점), 177-74 Premium Outlet-ro, ☏ +82 31-638-1000. The Lotte Premium Outlet Icheon is a large open-air shopping complex featuring more than 350 global and Korean brands, offering discounts year-round. It’s one of the most popular shopping destinations in the southern Gyeonggi region. The outlet includes fashion stores, cafés, restaurants, and playgrounds — ideal for families and couples.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Ei Jin shop (이진상회), 648, Seoicheon-ro, Majang-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1497-8882. Daily 09:00-21:30. Binary Sanghoe Coffee, Binary Sanghoe Bakery, The Binary, and Complex Cultural Space. 16,500 m² of walking trail, coffee from a high-end roasting process, You can find a bakery with fresh ingredients, Filming and venue rental and various cultural events are regularly operated.
- 2 Cavaliere (까발리에), 14-10 Onam-ri, Janghowon-eup, ☏ +82 507-1305-5615. 11:30-22:00. This is an Italian Mediterranean restaurant located in Janghowon Traditional Market that offers a variety of pasta dishes and course meals.
- 3 Janggamro Gyeongyangsik (장감로경양식), 114-16 Janghowon-ri, Janghowon-eup, ☏ +82 31-642-9068. 11:00-20:00. This is a Western-style restaurant specializing in tonkatsu and soba, with an old-fashioned interior and cozy atmosphere.
- 4 Kang Min-joo’s Deulbab (강민주의 들밥), 17 Jisan-ro 22beon-gil. Traditional Korean restaurant famous for Icheon rice, grilled dried yellow corvina, and soy-marinated crab. Cozy rural atmosphere and set menus.
- 5 Icheon Dolsotbap (이천돌솥밥), 3194 Gyeongchung-daero. Serves classic stone-pot rice (dolsotbap) with soybean stew and assorted sides. Simple, hearty, and affordable local meal.
- 6 Hoemori (회모리), 48 Jungnicheon-ro 97beon-gil. Sashimi restaurant offering fresh raw fish and spicy stew (maeuntang). Clean interior and generous portions.
- 7 Naranim Icheon Ssalbap (나랏님이천쌀밥), 629-10, Saeum-dong, ☏ 031-636-9900. 10:30-20:30. A rice restaurant, providing a spacious venue and diverse Korean traditional set menus (Hanjeongsik).
Drink
[edit]- 1 Cafe Anuban (카페 아누반), Cafe Anuban, 109-42, Seocheon-ro 320beon-gil, Majang-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1367-7759. Daily 10:00-21:00. Icheon Cafe Anuban is within a minute of Icheon Lotte Premium Outlet car. It is equipped with a parking lot that can accommodate 100 vehicles. It is free of charge to all visitors without any time limit.
- 2 Jukyo (적요), 857 Seoljang-ro, Janghowon-eup, ☏ +82 507-1325-3249. 10:30-20:00. This is a coffee shop that stands out for its spacious parking and aesthetic interior, providing a comfortable atmosphere for visitors with a minimalist design that harmonizes with the natural scenery.
- 3 Acme roastery cafe (아크미 로스터리 카페), 309 Janghowon-ri, Janghowon-eup, ☏ +82 70-8800-3991. 11:30-17:00. This is a coffee shop where you can taste coffee made from beans roasted in-house.
- 4 Cafe Jinri (카페 진리), 94 Gyeongchung-daero 2481beon-gil. 11:00 - 20:00. Cafe Jinri is a calm, countryside-view café surrounded by rice fields and open sky. Its large windows face the fields, making it perfect for quiet reading or reflection. Popular desserts include injeolmi crêpes and seasonal fruit cakes. The atmosphere is minimalist and serene, often described as “a perfect stop for slow coffee and peace."
- 5 The Barn Organic (더반올가닉), 89 Bubaljungang-ro 221beon-gil, ☏ +82 31-631-1987. 10:30-20:00. Farm-style brunch café beside a blueberry field. Serves organic brunches and desserts in a bright, rustic setting.
- 6 Take Green Coffee (테이크그린커피), 1878-beon-gil 18. 10:00-20:00. Eco-themed café with garden tents and outdoor seating. Known for vanilla cream latte and black sesame cream latte.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Eden Paradise Hotel, 449-79 Seoicheon-ro, Majang-myeon, ☏ +82 31-645-9100, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A hotel with spacious and clean rooms, and a delicious breakfast featuring a diverse menu.
- 2 Intrada Icheon Hotel, 23 Gyeongchungdaero 2092beon-gil, Bubal-eup, ☏ 1644-2322. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A hotel with friendly staff, spacious and comfortable rooms, and a public bath facility.
- 3 Golden Planet Hotel, 67-23, Aeryeonjeong-ro, ☏ +82 31-631-0061, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A hotel located right in front of the local attractions, Anheungji Pond and Seolbong Hot Spring Land.
- 4 Icheon Skysun Hotel, 126, Jungnicheon-ro, ☏ +82 31-634-4440, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A hotel suitable for long-term stays, as the in-room amenities are well-equipped.
- 5 Hotel The Class, 126-19, Jungnicheon-ro, ☏ +82 31-637-3325. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Hotel The Class in Icheon features comfortable, well-equipped rooms and practical amenities including complimentary parking, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour service.
- 6 L'Art De La Vie Art & Resorts, 220, Jinsangmi-ro 1163beon-gil, Moga-myeon, [email protected]. Check-in: 18:00, check-out: 12:00. This Icheon accommodation offers cozy, modern rooms and essential facilities for a comfortable stay.
Connect
[edit]Telephone
[edit]- The area code for Icheon is 031. International calls require the country code +82.
Internet
[edit]- PC Bang (Internet Cafe): Establishments known as "PC Bangs" are prevalent throughout the city's commercial districts. These venues provide high-performance computers with high-speed internet connections. The standard hourly usage fee typically ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 KRW.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi access is standard in the majority of cafes, restaurants, and public facilities. Access credentials are typically provided on purchase receipts or signage within the establishment.
Post
[edit]- Icheon Post Office (이천우체국): Located at 16 Jungri-cheon-ro, this is the primary postal facility in the city. Comprehensive services, including domestic mail and international shipping (EMS), are available. Standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 09:00 to 18:00.
Go next
[edit]- Yeoju - Located just east of Icheon, Yeoju is another major hub for Korean ceramics. It is a popular destination for shopping at the Yeoju Premium Outlets and for visiting historical sites such as Silleuksa Temple and the Tomb of King Sejong the Great.
- Suwon - The provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, accessible by intercity bus from Icheon. It is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage site Hwaseong Fortress, which encircles the city center.
- Yongin - Located to the west, Yongin is a major entertainment hub. It is home to Everland, South Korea's largest theme park, and the Korean Folk Village, where you can experience traditional life.
- Yangpyeong - A scenic county to the north, known for Dumulmeori where the North and South Han Rivers meet and outdoor activities at Yongmunsan Mountain.