In various corners along the borders of Incheon’s Chinatown, you can find “Paifang.” Each Paifang is given a different name and serves as a representative symbol of Chinatown.
“Paifang Found Throughout Chinatown”
The first Paifang, Jungwhaga (中華街), is a prominent symbol of Chinatown donated by Weihai, a sister city of Incheon. The name Jungwhaga reflects the concept of the central street for Chinese people at the center of the world. The second Paifang, Inhwamun, is located next to the Han-Chinese Cultural Center. Its name signifies a wish for the prosperity of Chinatown, with the bright and vibrant golden dragon motif shining brightly.
“Third Paifang: Sunlinmun”
The third Paifang, Sunlinmun, is situated at the entrance from Chinatown to Freedom Park. The name Sunlinmun conveys the idea of Koreans and Chinese living harmoniously as close neighbors.
“Fourth Paifang: Hanjungmun”
The fourth Paifang, Hanjungmun, is positioned at the entrance from Donghwa Village to Chinatown. It features a splendid combination of traditional red and golden colors. The name Hanjungmun signifies a gate within Korea that connects to China, symbolizing a small China within Korea.
With the completion of the fourth Paifang at the entrance of Songwol-dong Donghwa Village, Chinatown now boasts well-defined Paifang structures in all directions. These four Paifangs surrounding Chinatown serve not only as boundary markers indicating the beginning and end but also carry the hopes of the Chinese residents for the prosperity of Chinatown at each gate.