 
Jayu Park, the first modern, Western-style park in Korea, was surveyed by Samatine
(a Russian civil engineer) in 1888. It has had many names, reflecting Korea's
history. Originally named Manguk Park (Park of All Nations), American, English, and
Chinese residents in Incheon built it together at the end of Joseon Dynasty. Its name
changed to Suh Park during the Japanese colonization of Korea. After the Korean War
it became Jayu (Freedom) Park. General MacArthur's statue here makes it one of the
most famous places in Incheon. It faces east, south, and west along the sea, and is
filled with the trees of long tradition.
Additionally, the twilight seascape with its reddish colored sea is an excellent view and attracts
many residents and visitors alike. The park has many large and small sculptures, including
the general MacArthur statue and the 100 anniversary tower commemorating the treaty of amity
between Korea and the U.S.A. Other buildings such as Sokjongru, Yonohjong, and others sites make
it a living historic educational spot of Incheon's history.
The area around Jayu Park contains many 'firsts' in Korea, resulting from the Joseon
Dynasty's enlightenment. To right of the ridge of the park is a white cylindrical building: Incheon
Meteorological Observatory, behind Jemulpo High School. It was the first modern meteorological
observatory in Korea, built by a Japanese who was in urgent need of meteorological information
during the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. It managed data from Busan, Wonsan, and even Manchuria and
Tientsin in China. Now it cooperates with the Japanese Central Meteorological Observatory and
Greenwich Astronomical Observatory. It even spotted Halley's Comet in 1910.
The observatory used to fire a cannon to inform people of meal times, shooting every noon. This gave
the hill the name of Mt. Opo (shooting cannon balls). The playground of Jemulpo High School in front of
the observatory was called 'Uteogol' and home to sports in Incheon with its natural stands. Many people
used to come for baseball, soccer, athletics, and cycling.
Jayu Park gives visitors a view that reminds them that Incheon is a harbor city. Many places in the park
offer great views over the city and the sea. Among them, the square that used to have a pigeon cage
provides the best view, and is worth the arduous trek. It offers the clearest and closest view of the
harbor and nearby islands through pay telescopes. From Seokjeongru, a two-story pavilion, visitors can
hear boat horns and whistles and see Incheon port dock, Wolmi Island,
Incheon International Airport, Changbong Island, and
other islands in the Yellow Sea. Another attractive with a nice is the park promenade behind Seokjeongru
and Jemulpo High School. Its curved corners offers many different views.
Upward of the promenade is a hill, the top of Jayu Park. On top stands a towering modern art work made
of bronze. The Centennial Monument commemorates the Amity and Trade Treaty signed between Korea and the
U.S. on May 22, 1882 in Hwadojin. The monument was built one hundred years later in 1982 where an
Englishman's villa used to stand. The grandiose dignity of the castle-like building has made it a
major landmark in Incheon. Down to Hongyemun from the park square is a 'Little Zoo' with 10 kinds of
birds, including peacocks, turkeys, and pigeons.
On the way to Nambu Educational Office from the zoo, the small building is the Incheon Cultural Center.
Although little, it contains a wealth of historical records, stretching back more than 100 years. First
built in 1901 as 'Jemulpo Club,' the social club of diplomats and businessmen, it has since been used by
the Japanese Veterans' Association and Women's club since 1913. For a brief time after Korea's independence
from Japanese rule, it was the officers' club for U. S. armed forces in Korea. Later, it even became a
wedding hall and a cafe run by the Korean Women's Association. During the Korean War, the building had no
consistent usage. One day it was the head office for the North Korean army, then the next day it became
a private soldiers' club of the U. N. forces. After the truce it has been favored by Incheon citizens as
the first public museum, Incheon Municipal Museum. In 1990 it became the Incheon Cultural Center, the
mecca of Incheon's cultural activities.
Admission: Free
Directions: Subway line 1, Dongincheon Station or Haincheon Station, about 10 minutes walking |
