Here are a few Incheon newtro places famous on SNS (Photography by Cafe Valor)

Newtro is a new trend, a new word created by combining the words ‘New’ and ‘Retro’, referring to a new way of enjoying retro. Whereas retro is feeling nostalgia through what was once a fad in the past, newtro is providing a whole new experience to those who enjoy things from the past. These days, traveling with the theme of newtro is a new fad in travels. Incheon, where the Hyundai Steel factory is located, is a city well known for its well-preserved modern culture. There are many things to see as numerous old buildings are revamped or renovated to new cultural spaces.

Take a look at the 19th century modern culture in Daebul Hotel

Daebul Hotel Exhibition Center allows you to take newtro photos with its Enlightenment period items (Photography by Incheon Metropolitan City Jung-gu Office)

In the 19th century port opening times, a foreigner who got off the boat in Incheon would have had to ride the horse for over a full day to get to Seoul. This is how the accommodation business stated to flourish in Incheon. Daebul Hotel is the first Western hotel built in Korea in 1888. Unlike the tatami floor Yeogwans, the rooms had beds, and Western food was served at the restaurant. It was a luxurious hotel with staff fluent in Korean, Japanese and English. When Kyungin Line opened up in 1899 and the transit time between Incheon and Seoul was much shortened, the hotel closed, but in 2018, it reopened as an exhibition center at the very location it first opened.

You can take a peek into the lifestyles of 1960s~1970s as well as the history of Daebul Hotel (Photography by Incheon Metropolitan City Jung-gu Office)

There are 2 sections in the exhibition center. Exhibition Center 1 shows the history of Daebul Hotel whereas Exhibition Center 2 displays the lifestyle of the 1960s~1970s, recreating the housing, hairdresser shops, etc., that existed back in those times. Near the exhibition enter, there are also places such as Jemulpo Club, Modern Architecture Exhibition Center, etc., where you can experience the Enlightenment culture. Visit with your friends and family and make a special day out of it.

Address: 97, Sinpo-ro 93beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Telephone: 032-766-2202
Opening Hours: 09:00~18:00

From an abandoned factory to a cultural space, Cosmo 40

The vast space that once was an abandoned factory now carries out various cultural programs such as art exhibition, etc (Photography by Cosmo 40)

Cosmo 40 is a remodeled regeneration building which once was 40 units of Cosmo Chemical Factory Complex’s refinery that turned into a multi-cultural space. Original building was preserved as much as possible, and all facilities required for operation were newly created. The place that was filled with tanks and effectors was emptied, and thus there was a huge space that could be used for anything and everything. Cosmo 40 makes great use of the space to have art exhibitions and shows, many cultural programs for the general public.

Cafe sells various menus including coffee, bakery, pizza, and beer (Photography by Cosmo 40)

This place pursues ‘the space of inspiration without borders’. It was designed so that the old and new buildings would go well together, and the programs are held without any borders. For instance, if there is an exhibition in the old building, there would be a skateboard event right next to it. Thanks to Cosmo 40’s free atmosphere, the visitors can enjoy many programs that take place in numerous spots at the same time and have an enriching time.

Address: 9, Janggogae-ro 231beon-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Telephone: 032-575-2319
Opening Hours: 12:00~21:30, Mondays and Tuesdays closed

Back to the Retro, bringing back memories of the games of the past

KRW 500 is all you need to play your childhood game (Photography by Back to the Retro)

Back to the Retro is a must visit electronic game room if you are into games. This place opened near the Gaehangjang road with the intention of preserving the disappearing modern culture in Incheon. You can play games that were popular in the 90s and early 00s such as Galaga, Super Mario, and Tekken. It only costs KRW 500 per game, so for game manias, it will be the perfect place to relive the happy old days with just a 500 won coin.

Back to the Retro also sells toys and snacks of the past (Photography by Back to the Retro)

There are old movie posters, record players and paper tags, all the things that are reminiscent of the past here are there to arouse nostalgia to the 7080 generation and a sense of curiosity to the millennials. Those items go very well with the game machines and create an original, unique image rather than a vintage mood. Old toys sold at a corner of the game room make the atmosphere here much brighter and more fun.

Address: 101, Sinpo-ro 27beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Telephone: 070-7382-5600
Opening Hours: 10:00~21:00, open all year around

A cup of coffee in an antique setting, Cafe Valor

Cafe Valor’s vintage furniture and interior items create a sophisticated mood (Photography by Cafe Valor)

Those of you who have seen the movie ‘Beauty Inside’ may recall that this place was used as the movie’s background. Cafe Valor used to be an abandoned factory and has 2 branches. The first branch was used as the movie set and is still used as a set while the second branch is operated as a cafe. The first branch is popular as movie and music video sets as there are many antique furniture and vintage items. If you bring the receipt from the cafe after purchasing a drink and visit the first branch, you can have a look around the studio for free. *Note that you will have to pay 10,000 KRW if you bring a DSLR camera.

Workers from nearby factory can get a discount on all Cafe Valor drinks (Photography by Cafe Valor)

The second branch also is equipped with warm lighting and vintage items like the first branch and boasts an analogue atmosphere. The interior of the cafe is divided into several spaces which are all differently decorated, it’s like experiencing many cafes at the same time. There’s also a furniture exhibition space next to the cashier where you can take a look at vintage furniture. Some of the furniture on display in the first and second branches is for sale, so maybe you can pick out something for your home.

Address: 47, Baekbeom-ro 578beon-gil, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Telephone: 032-577-3214
Opening Hours: 10:00~19:00 (1st branch), 10:00~21:30 (2nd branch), Sundays closed