Chinatown in Korea?

Day 32. Considering that China is merely across a small sea, it's a little surprising that Korea doesn't have more Chinatowns.  It's due to some past history that few Chinese people live in Chinatowns, resulting in many Korean-run businesses and restaurants.  Still, authenticity or none, we took the train to the end of the Incheon line, greeted by this rather grand arch.

My roommate gazes upon... the traffic passing by, determined not to let us be run over.

And just in case you were left in any doubt...

Yep, you're in Chinatown.

Our first order of business was to find a restaurant for lunch, as it was well past noon by then.  We passed several restaurants, including one bearing this sign.  We kept going...

Just in case you were looking for someplace tourist-approved.

Past something that kept reminding us of lunch...

Cute!

Past these intimidating stairs...

Oh, and you thought the hills stopped in Seoul?  Hehehe...

We finally stopped at a place that didn't seem too foreboding or expensive.

Yup, this was one of the quieter places...

And were greeted by some very Korean side dishes.

Clockwise from top: pickled daikon, black spicy sauce, raw onion.

And some delicious Chinese food!  It was rather better than expected.

Clockwise from top left: Soup, fried dumplings, beef and broccoli, shrimp fried rice.

We left, but not without a photo with a guardian lion first.

Then a stop at a quiet little rest place, and a rare shot of the three of us!

Thank you, camera timer, you are my friend.

A stop at a souvenir shop.  Oooh, replica weapons!

From bows to swords to axes...  I believe the jewelry was on the other end of the table.

Afterwards, we wandered away from official Chinatown to a park nearby.  We passed by this intimidating statue while we labored up the stairs.  It was hot and humid that day, like most days during the Korean summer...

I should probably know, but to be honest, I don't know who this is.  Anyone know?

I played with the friendliest feral cat in all of Korea.

Flopping down on its side to ask for attention.

Old men playing Go in the shade of the trees.

This would be a lot more exciting if I knew the rules.

Mandatory flattering photo amidst the trees!

(Never mind the mosquitoes)

Two of us took a swing (or 16) at the batting cages.

Hit a home run into the opposite wall!  You can do it!

After wandering some back alleys, side streets and quiet, rural neighborhoods, we managed to find our way back to Chinatown, where the tourists are supposed to go.  We were greeted again by a nice arch.

When in Korea, do as the Koreans do...  Display that peace sign proudly!

On the way back, we passed by another station on the line, Bupyeong. 

We spend a lot of time on the Korean train and subway system.

There are underground markets and a department store called Lottemart, similar to the E-Mart.  Sweet treats to be had in Korea include frozen yogurts and smoothies.  We have Red Mango in the States, Korea has:

Along with more traditional goodies, like kimchi soup, one stall over.

That's the big trip of the weekend!  More adventures to be posted soon.