-Hwang Hyo-jin, Deputy Mayor for Global City Affairs, meets with Li Zhen, Deputy Mayor of Weihai-Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on August 1 that Deputy Mayor Hwang Hyo-jin (hereinafter referred to as Deputy Mayor) met with Deputy Mayor Li Jian of Weihai City, Shandong Province, China, who visited Incheon, and discussed ways to strengthen local economic cooperation between the two cities under the Korea-China FTA.During the meeting, Deputy Mayor Li Jian stated, “The Chinese Weihai Representative Office in Incheon is scheduled to relocate to Songdo Buyeong Tower on September 3 and reopen,” adding, “We hope that active exchanges between the two cities will continue, including high-level exchanges and business linkages in key industries.”Since being selected as pilot cities for local economic cooperation under the FTA in 2015, Incheon and Weihai have signed a “Local Economic Cooperation Strengthening Agreement” in the same year, held the “Incheon-Weihai Local Economic Cooperation Joint Committee” annually, and established representative offices in each other's cities, consistently promoting regional industrial expansion, cultural exchange, and human resource exchange.Incheon City plans to use Vice Mayor Li Zhen's visit as an opportunity to further strengthen high-level exchanges between the two cities and actively utilize cooperation platforms such as forums and expos to explore ways to promote business matching and practical cooperation in leading industrial fields.Vice Mayor Hwang Hyo-jin responded, “For the successful implementation and tangible results of the Korea-China FTA pilot city initiative, comprehensive cooperation between the two cities is crucial. Let us create a business cooperation model based on the industrial strengths of both cities.”He also requested Weihai City's active participation in the “2025 InChina Forum International Conference” and the “8th Incheon-Weihai Local Economic Cooperation Joint C

- Pentaport 20th: An Unforgettable Summer Finale -- Three Days of Global Artists, Successful Closing -Hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and co-organized by Incheon Tourism Organization and Kyunggi Daily, the 2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival with KB Kookmin Card Star Shop (hereinafter referred to as the 2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival) celebrated its 20th anniversary and was successfully held at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park from August 1 to 3.The 20th anniversary of the “2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival” has been evaluated as having transformed the event from a representative festival symbolizing South Korea into a world-class festival, establishing Incheon as the hub of K-Rock.The 20th anniversary of the “2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival” featured performances by Pulp, the iconic British pop band; Beck, the king of alternative rock; Asian Kung-Fu Generation; Audrey Nuna; Omoinotake, Jaurim, Crying Nut, Hyukoh X Sunset Rollercoaster, Little Simz, Babo, QWER, and 58 other top-notch acts from both domestic and international music scenes heated up the stage in the sweltering heat.This year, in particular, overseas artists were featured as headliners for three consecutive days, completing a truly global lineup. This was an unusual arrangement even among domestic festivals, proving that it is a representative global cultural tourism festival that attracts music fans from around the world.On the first day, August 1 (Fri), ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION headlined the stage with their signature delicate sensibility and energy. Additionally, artists spanning various genres, including Jang Ki-ha, Little Simz, Touched, and Crying Nut, filled the stage, and the festival officially kicked off with the opening declaration and a drone show illuminating the night sky.On the second day, August 2 (Sat), the legendary British pop band Pulp made their first official appearance in Asia, performing their hit songs such as “Common People” an

- World Korean Business Leaders Association President Bang In visits on the 25th... Discussions on promotion strategies and strengthening cooperation systems –Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it has begun full-scale preparations for the successful hosting of the 29th World Korean Economic Conference to be held in October this year.The city reported that Park Jong-beom, chairman of the World Korean Economic Trade Association (World OKTA), visited Incheon on July 25 to discuss strategies for promoting the conference.Incheon was selected as the host city for the next conference at the 28th World Korean Economic Conference held in Vienna, Austria, last October. The mayor of the host city will actively participate in the conference as co-chair.The World Korean Economic Conference is a representative global business platform where Korean economic leaders and overseas buyers belonging to the World Korean Economic and Trade Association (hereinafter referred to as World OKTA), which has 150 branches in 71 countries around the world, gather to support the overseas expansion of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises.The conference, which will be held from October 27 to 30, is the largest economic event since the opening of the Overseas Koreans Foundation in Incheon, bringing together more than 2,000 overseas Korean businesspeople and overseas buyers from around the world. The “Korea Business Expo Incheon,” in which more than 500 export-oriented SMEs from across the country will participate, is also scheduled to be held at the Songdo Convention Center Exhibition Hall.Incheon City is preparing programs such as ▲investment attraction briefings and business meetings, ▲global employment briefings linked to overseas Korean businesses, ▲industrial tours and tourism programs, and ▲Korean dance performances by the municipal dance company, with the goal of becoming a global business city through this event.In particular, with the goal of ac

- Providing a forum for communication between residents, city officials, district council members, and other stakeholders –Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on July 25 that it held a “Geomdan District Launching Residents' Briefing Session” at the Geomdan Welfare Center Auditorium in Seo-gu, attended by approximately 200 people, including residents of the Geomdan area, city and district council members, and officials from departments related to administrative restructuring.The briefing session was organized as a platform for gathering on-site opinions to facilitate communication with residents of the Geumdan area* and strengthen regional cooperation, aiming for the stable establishment of the newly established Geumdan District, which will be launched on July 1, 2026.* The area north of the Gyeongin Ara River, covering 47.7 square kilometers, includes seven districts: Geumdan, Burodaegok, Wondang, Dangha, Oryuwanggil, Majon, and Ara.At the residents' briefing session, the direction and significance of the Incheon-style administrative system reform, as well as the implementation process, were explained. Additionally, details regarding the establishment of the new Geumdan District, including the temporary district office, the expansion of living SOC facilities, and changes to administrative district boundaries, were presented. A question-and-answer session was also held to listen to residents' opinions.The issues discussed at the briefing will be actively reflected in the future administrative system reform preparation process, with plans to promote harmonious and balanced development of the Seo-gu and Geumdan areas centered on the Northern Region Comprehensive Development Plan.Incheon City has selected 19 tasks across three areas—administration, financial support, and infrastructure construction—and established dedicated organizations, operating task-specific working groups on an ongoing basis to conduct systematic preparation for the

- Proposed to expand economic, cultural, educational, and tourism cooperation based on sisterhood ties.Hosted a meeting with Atlanta Korean businessmen to promote the World Korean American Businessmen's CongressIncheon Metropolitan City announced that Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, who has been visiting the U.S. state of Georgia since July 9, met with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in Atlanta on July 10 (local time), the second day of his visit, to discuss plans for full-scale exchange and cooperation between the two regions.The meeting was the first step in exchanges to substantially promote the sisterhood between Incheon and Georgia, and was organized to explore the possibility of cooperation in various fields such as economy, culture, education, and tourism, and to enhance mutual understanding.In March, the Georgia State Assembly passed a resolution to designate Incheon Metropolitan City as a Sister City-State of Georgia, and in April, the Incheon City Council voted to establish the sisterhood. This prompted Incheon to organize this visit, and Mayor Yoo Jung-bok explained the necessity and expectations of establishing a sister city with Georgia and proposed expanding practical cooperation in the future.Incheon expects the visit to be more than just an exchange of goodwill, but an opportunity to lay the foundation for practical cooperation with Georgia and materialize various projects that can be jointly pursued in the future. In addition, the city plans to expand strategic partnerships with major cities and state governments around the world, including North America, and continue to promote international cooperation activities to become a global city.Mayor Yoo Jung-bok said, "This visit is the beginning of a practical partnership based on trust between Incheon and Georgia, and we will actively work together to grow together in various fields such as economy, culture, and education by utilizing each other's strengths."On the same day, Mayor Yoo held a meeting with Korean busin

- Expanded direct flights between Incheon and major U.S. cities and joint marketing efforts- Expected to attract global investment in conjunction with the Incheon Free Economic Zone.- Mayor Yoo says, "Cooperation with Delta Air Lines will strengthen Incheon's status as a global city" -The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on July 10 (local time) that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Delta Air Lines, a leading U.S. airline, in Atlanta, U.S.A., for mutual cooperation, including the promotion of tourism.The MOU aims to strengthen the global air network connecting Incheon to the Americas and lay the strategic foundation for Incheon to become a major tourism hub in Asia.Under the MOU, Incheon City and Delta Air Lines will strengthen strategic cooperation in various areas, including expanding direct flights between Incheon and major U.S. cities, joint promotion and global marketing efforts to attract international tourists.The city plans to further solidify the foundation for public-private partnerships with global airlines, and to accelerate the global recognition of Incheon's tourism brand. By leveraging Delta Air Lines' network of major U.S. hubs and extensive marketing capabilities, Incheon will be able to launch a full-scale tourist attraction campaign targeting the Americas. In addition, the city plans to develop tourism products in conjunction with the nonstop flights to expand tourism demand.In addition, the MOU is expected to attract foreign investment in related industries such as aviation, logistics, and MICE through strategic linkages with the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ). The combination of the IFEZ's competitive location, centered around Incheon International Airport in the international city of Yeongjong, and Delta's aviation expertise will create synergies in a variety of areas."Incheon is one of Asia's most strategic aviation hubs," said Alan Velemar, Delta's Chief Operating Officer and President of Int

- Only metropolitan municipality in the country to be recognized for leading the way on population issues.- Expected to spread nationwide as a leading model for national population policyIncheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jung-bok) was the only metropolitan local government in the country to receive the Presidential Institutional Commendation for its contribution to responding to population issues at the 14th Population Day 2025 commemoration event hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.The award is given to individuals, corporations, and organizations that have contributed to the spread of population policies and raised awareness of the importance of demographic changes such as the declining birthrate and aging population. Incheon was honored for its innovative population policies that proactively responded to the ultra-low birthrate crisis.The city has been actively responding to the changing demographics through customized support policies that cover the entire life cycle, from meeting young people to marriage, childbirth, and child rearing, centered on the Incheon-style low birthrate policy, including the I-Plus 100 Million Dream and I-Plus Year Dream.The results of these policy efforts are reflected in actual population growth. According to the city, as of June 2025, Incheon's resident population stood at 3,039,450, an increase of 2,401 from the previous month, the largest increase among the seven special and metropolitan areas amid a nationwide trend of population decline."The 'Incheon Low Birthrate Policy' is becoming a leading model for national population policy," said Mayor Yoo Jung-bok. "We will further expand the scope of the policy and share it with other local governments to spread it as a national best practice."

-Institute of Health and Environment findings confirm normal range and emphasize continued monitoringThe City of Incheon (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on July 8 that it has received a report from the Incheon Institute of Health and Environment on the analysis results of samples collected from North Korea's nuclear wastewater and confirmed its stability."As a result of the Incheon Institute of Health and Environment's investigation, all readings were found to be in the normal range, and it is believed that the situation that citizens are concerned about has not occurred," Mayor Yoo said. "Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor and follow up on the situation," he added.Earlier, in response to ongoing allegations of unauthorized discharge of nuclear wastewater from a uranium refinery in Pyongsan County, North Hwanghae Province, the Nuclear Safety Commission announced that the results of surveillance network measurements at 244 locations nationwide were within normal limits. However, as public anxiety remained unabated after the NSC's announcement, the Nuclear and Maritime Authority only conducted a special survey on the fourth of this month, the results of which will be released after about two weeks of analysis.However, Mayor Yoo Jung-bok ordered an immediate investigation immediately after the news broke, and the Incheon Institute of Health and Environment began collecting seawater from the waters southwest of Jumun Island, the southern end of the Gyodong Bridge, and the northern part of Seogum Island on March 3, and launched an urgent water quality survey, which allowed the central government to identify the situation more quickly."An inter-ministerial 'West Sea Environmental Monitoring Special Team' involving the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Nuclear Safety Commission should be formed as soon as possible," Mayor Yoo said, adding, "The central government should deploy additional mobile radiation monitoring equipment near Incheon's waters." He also su

-Calls for uninterrupted progress on key projects such as the submarine pipeline, the Third Yeonyuk Bridge, and the Peace RoadIncheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on July 7 that he visited major projects in Yeongjong, Jung-gu, to inspect their progress and communicate with local residents and officials from related organizations.The visit began with a breakthrough ceremony for the construction of the submarine pipeline, followed by inspections of the construction sites of the 3rd Yeonyuk Bridge and Yeongjong~Shindo Peace Road, and encouraging visits to the Unseo 119 Safety Center and Airport District.Mayor Yoo attended the breakthrough ceremony for the submarine water pipeline construction. This project is a large-scale project to build a double-track water pipeline to supply stable tap water to Incheon International Airport and Yeongjong International City, with a diameter of 3 meters and a total length of 2.54 kilometers installed 53 to 60 meters below the seabed.After the groundbreaking in October 2021, full-scale excavation work using TBM equipment has been carried out since September 2023, and this penetration ceremony is significant in that it is the first case of successfully penetrating a submarine tunnel in 21 months, since the establishment of the Water Supply Division in 1989. Mayor Yoo Jung-bok inspected the site and encouraged the workers, saying, "Do your best to complete the construction without any safety accidents and complete the project by December 2026."Once the submarine water tunnel is completed, it is expected to provide a more stable water supply to Incheon International Airport and Yeongjong International City through the re-routing of the water pipeline, and enable scientific and systematic maintenance, including early detection of leaks through real-time monitoring of water quality and flow.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok then visited the construction site of the 3rd Yeonyukgyo Bridge, where he received a report on the status of t

-- Cooperation with Seoul Metropolitan Government and Airport Corporation to crack down on unfair fares and solicitation in the Arena and Airport Terminal areasThe Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it has begun a large-scale joint guidance and crackdown in cooperation with related organizations this month to eradicate illegal activities of some taxis in the Incheon Airport Taxi Joint Business Area, which allows taxis to operate in Incheon, Seoul, and Gyeonggi (Goyang, Gimpo, Bucheon, and Gwangmyeong).The city of Incheon has been discussing solutions with Jung-gu Office and Incheon International Airport Corporation since April to solve the problem of long-term parking and illegal solicitation at the airport terminal. In response, preliminary publicity was conducted through the airport corporation from May to June, and from July, each district office will promptly take administrative action against illegal activities detected by airport corporation enforcement officers.In addition to the airport terminal, the Incheon Airport Taxi Joint Business Area includes the Inspire Arena, a large-scale performance facility. Recently, whenever a famous K-Pop group performs at the venue, there have been numerous reports of unfair taxi fares for the crowds that gather after the performance.Inspire operates 10 to 15 free shuttle buses to Terminal 2, depending on the size of the concert, but the demand for taxis remains high due to long waiting times. Illegal activities such as unfair fare demands by some taxis that take advantage of this can give a negative image of Incheon to foreign tourists, so it is necessary to take active measures.In response, Incheon City conducted an on-site inspection in June, interviewed Inspire officials, and conducted a joint late-night guidance and crackdown with Jung-gu Office on the 21st. As many of the taxis waiting near the arena were identified as Seoul Taxi, the city requested Seoul's cooperation, and on July 5, the cit