Things to Do in Incheon in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Incheon

16°C (61°F) High Temp
4°C (39°F) Low Temp
45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall
65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect cherry blossom season - Incheon's Jayu Park and Grand Park bloom mid-to-late March with far fewer crowds than Seoul's famous spots
  • Ideal hiking weather with temperatures of 10-16°C (50-61°F) - comfortable for Ganghwado Island trails and Yeongjong Island coastal walks without summer heat
  • Peak yellow dust season hasn't arrived yet - March has cleaner air quality compared to April-May when Beijing dust storms hit Korea
  • Spring festival season begins with Ganghwa Ginseng Festival typically running late March, featuring local specialties at 30% lower prices than tourist areas

Considerations

  • Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can drop 8°C (14°F) overnight, requiring both t-shirts and warm jackets in the same day
  • Wet season begins with 8 rainy days averaging light drizzle that can turn Incheon's coastal wind into bone-chilling gusts
  • Many outdoor attractions like Wolmido amusement rides close early (6pm vs 9pm in summer) due to shorter daylight and cooler evening temperatures

Best Activities in March

Ganghwado Island Cultural Heritage Tours

March is perfect for exploring Ganghwado's dolmens and fortresses before summer crowds arrive. The cool weather makes the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walking routes between historical sites comfortable, and the island's famous ginseng is harvested fresh. Spring also brings clear views of North Korea from Yangdo observation post.

Booking Tip: Book day tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed cultural tour operators. Tours typically cost ₩45,000-65,000 per person and include transportation from Incheon Metro Line 1. Look for operators that provide English-speaking guides and include ginseng tasting.

Incheon Chinatown Food Walking Tours

March weather is ideal for walking Chinatown's steep streets without summer heat exhaustion. This is peak season for jjajangmyeon festivals, and local restaurants serve winter-to-spring specialties like warm gongguksu. The cool air makes outdoor street food more appealing than in freezing winter months.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 days ahead during weekdays for better prices (₩35,000-50,000 vs weekend rates of ₩55,000-70,000). Look for tours that include 5-6 food stops and finish before 3pm to avoid afternoon rain. See current options in booking section below.

Yeongjong Island Coastal Photography Tours

March offers dramatic skies and choppy seas perfect for coastal photography, plus cherry blossoms at Yeongjongdaegyo Bridge area. The island's seaside cafes are less crowded, and the famous Eulwangni Beach sunset shots benefit from March's cleaner air quality. Cool temperatures mean comfortable all-day shooting.

Booking Tip: Photography tours run ₩60,000-85,000 for 4-6 hours including equipment rental and transportation from Incheon International Airport Station. Book 10-14 days ahead for English-speaking guides. March tours focus on spring themes and dramatic weather.

Songdo Central Park Bike Tours

March is optimal for cycling Songdo's 40 km (25 miles) of bike paths before April's yellow dust season. The weather is perfect for the 2-hour rides around Central Park's man-made seawater canal, and early spring brings migrating birds to the nearby wetlands. International business district views are clearest in March's crisp air.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from Songdo operators for ₩15,000-25,000 per day, or join guided eco-tours for ₩40,000-55,000 including bike, helmet, and guide. Book weekend tours 1 week ahead. Electric bikes cost ₩8,000-12,000 more but help with Songdo's occasional hills.

Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Tours

Cool March weather makes the outdoor memorial complex comfortable for 3-4 hour historical tours. Spring timing coincides with Korean War commemoration events, and the nearby Freedom Park offers excellent views without summer haze. The educational walking routes are manageable in moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Historical tours cost ₩30,000-45,000 and often include transportation from Incheon Metro stations. Book through certified historical tour operators 5-7 days ahead. March tours may include special exhibitions marking historical anniversaries.

Wolmido Island Spring Festival Experience

March marks the beginning of Wolmido's festival season with fewer crowds than peak summer months. The amusement park rides operate in comfortable weather, and the island's seafood markets serve fresh spring catches. Cool evenings make the Wolmi Observatory Tower visits more pleasant for panoramic harbor views.

Booking Tip: Individual attraction tickets range ₩3,000-8,000, or purchase day passes for ₩25,000-35,000. Seafood market tours cost ₩20,000-30,000 per person. Book weekend activities 3-5 days ahead as locals start outdoor activities in March.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Ganghwa Ginseng Spring Festival

Local farmers showcase 6-year-aged red ginseng products at 30% below Seoul tourist prices. Features traditional medicine workshops, ginseng digging experiences, and spring mountain vegetable tastings unique to Ganghwado Island's climate.

Mid to Late March

Incheon Cherry Blossom Festival

Smaller and more intimate than Seoul's crowds, featuring Jayu Park's 150+ cherry trees planted in 1920s. Evening illuminations run 6pm-9pm with traditional performances and local food vendors serving Incheon-style jjajangmyeon variations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket - March drizzle combined with coastal wind creates penetrating dampness lasting 2-3 hours
Layering pieces - temperature swings of 8-12°C (14-22°F) between morning and afternoon require adaptable clothing
Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - Incheon's hilly terrain plus occasional wet streets make good footwear essential
SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 plus reflection off water and concrete in Songdo requires protection
Compact umbrella - lightweight for 8 rainy days of light precipitation that often starts suddenly
Warm evening layers - temperatures drop to 4°C (39°F) after sunset, especially near the waterfront
Breathable cotton or cotton-blend clothing - 65% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during walking tours
Portable phone charger - cooler weather drains batteries faster, especially important for navigation and translation apps
Cash in small bills - many local markets and traditional food stalls don't accept cards, especially during spring festivals
Light scarf or buff - protects neck from coastal wind that's particularly noticeable on Ganghwado and Yeongjong islands

Insider Knowledge

Take Incheon Metro Line 1 to avoid Incheon International Airport traffic - locals use it for 40% faster city access than buses, especially during March when airport crowds increase with spring travel
Visit Chinatown restaurants between 2-5pm for 'afternoon special' prices that are 20-30% lower than dinner rates - a local practice during shoulder season
March is prime time for Incheon's famous 'pension' (vacation rental) deals on Ganghwado Island - book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend rates 50% lower than summer
Local tip: Buy Incheon's specialty dried seaweed and salted seafood at traditional markets in March when spring harvests arrive - prices drop significantly before Seoul tourist season begins

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating coastal wind chill - Incheon's waterfront areas feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder than inland Seoul due to Yellow Sea breezes, catching visitors off-guard
Planning only indoor activities - March weather is actually ideal for Incheon's outdoor attractions, but many tourists assume it's too cold and miss the best hiking and cycling conditions
Booking accommodation near the airport instead of city center - March visitors often choose airport hotels for convenience but miss easy metro access to attractions and pay 40% more for comparable rooms

Explore Activities in Incheon