“Celebrating the First Anniversary of the 8th Term of Elected Office, Aiming for Great Heights and Vast Horizons”

Since assuming the role of mayor for the 8th term 

of elected office on July 1, 2022, it has been a year of tireless effort. 

I embark anew with the heart to make a fresh start in city administration.

As the Mayor, I’ve dedicated all my efforts to realizing 

the vision of ‘Incheon’s Dream, South Korea’s Future,’ 

and I pledged to transform it into a world-class city.

Anchored in the three core philosophies of Balance, Creation, and Communication, 

the past year has been dedicated solely to Incheon, its citizens, and the future. 

Time has flown, but it was a year of gratification 

and tangible achievements, leaving no room for regret.

As I gear up for the second year, with heightened resolve and objectives, 

I would like to share reflections on the past year, along with unveiling a new vision.

1. We have addressed the long-standing projects desired by our citizens, one at a time.

We made substantial reductions in the tolls for the Yeongjong-Incheon Bridge, 

even making it completely free for the residents of Yeongjong island. 

Incheon Daero (Road) has been improved 

by introducing underground sections to alleviate traffic congestion, 

thereby freeing up space on the surface for public use.

Finalizing the construction of Baek-ryeong Airport has laid a tangible foundation 

for enhancing accessibility to the West Sea islands and fostering the airport's economic zone. 

It is also gratifying to see that previously halted projects, 

such as the Songdo Landmark Tower in Songdo’s 6 & 8 districts and the Cheongna City Tower, 

have regained momentum and are progressing smoothly.

Above all, during the 7th term of elected office, 

we have reactivated the stalled Metropolitan Landfill Site four-party consultation, 

allowing us to resume substantive discussions and return to a normal process.

To solve the complicated, tangled problems, 

I leveraged all of my public service experience, using every available resource. 

I visited numerous sites and central government offices 

and met with key individuals to find solutions.

2. We have successfully taken the initial steps towards transforming into a world-class city.

Securing the Overseas Koreans Agency is more than just acquiring another government agency. 

It marks the beginning of a new era for Incheon, 

positioning it as a central hub in the global network of 7.5 million Koreans, 

and an emotional homeland, reinforcing its role as a core city in South Korea's global outreach.

In May of this year, we hosted the ADB Annual Meeting, 

receiving unprecedented accolades and demonstrating to the world 

Incheon’s exceptional ability to organize international conferences of the highest standard.

Encouraged by this success and united with our citizens, 

we are embarking on another ambitious journey – bidding to host the 2025 APEC Summit. 

Our continuous efforts are aimed at transforming Incheon

into a globally recognized city that draws attention and visitors from across the world.

3. We have propelled industries that are the engines of future growth.

Incheon has solidified its position as a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry. 

We have successfully secured investment agreements with industry giants 

such as Samsung Biologics, Sartorius, and Lotte Biologics. 

Additionally, SK Biosciences has inaugurated its Global R&PD Center in Incheon.

Collaborating with Yonsei University, we have commenced several promising projects, 

such as the Songdo Severance Hospital and the Biotech Workforce Development Center, 

amplifying anticipation in the biotech cluster through enhanced synergy 

between industry, academia, research, and the medical sector.

In the realm of future mobility, significant strides have been made, 

exemplified by our MOU with Germany's BMW for the construction of an R&D center in Cheongna, 

as well as the formation of a global collaborative network 

for urban aerial traffic with Los Angeles, Île-de-France, and Munich.

By securing investments for projects like the establishment of an aircraft maintenance center 

with Israel’s IAI and America’s Atlas, we have laid the groundwork 

for building a global MRO industrial ecosystem. 

We will continuously discover new sources of growth 

and secure strong driving forces for future prosperity.

4. We are enhancing the happiness and well-being of our citizens.

To prioritize the well-being of our citizens, 

we have set up the Citizen Safety Committee 

and launched the Future Readiness Committee, 

establishing mid-to-long-term strategies for Incheon.

To curb excessive public wage hikes and protect the vulnerable, 

we have swiftly allocated approximately 16.2 billion won. 

From July, financial support for infertility treatments will be provided, 

alleviating economic strains on affected couples and fostering a conducive childbirth environment. 

We are rolling out tangible, citizen-focused policies that genuinely address everyday lives.

Furthermore, Starfield Cheongna, 

representing the world’s first integration of a domed stadium with a shopping and entertainment complex, 

now offers citizens a singular space in which sports, culture, leisure, and shopping converge. 

Additionally, the Songdo Severance Hospital, 

which began construction last December, will further expand medical services available to our citizens.

5. We are aiming to elevate Incheon among the top ten cities globally.

To ascend among the world's premier cities, a multitude of elements, 

including international infrastructure, economy, culture, transportation, and safety, must be meticulously cultivated.

Upon assuming office, I actively engaged with the APEC Secretary-General, 

advocating for Incheon’s eligibility to host the 2025 APEC Summit. 

I have fervently participated in initiatives aimed at securing specialized semiconductor areas, 

the WHO Biocampus, the Incheon High Court, and the Incheon Maritime Court.

I am diligently coordinating with the central government to inaugurate the GTX-B route by 2030 

and endeavoring to unveil the Incheon-starting KTX by 2025. 

Efforts are being amplified to subterraneanize the Gyeongin railway and highways, 

reinforcing our commitment to unfolding a comprehensive railway network.

Moreover, I am determined to elevate the September 15 Incheon Landing Operation commemoration into a national event, 

spotlighting its historical magnitude. 

The establishment of the Incheon Integrated Patriots and Veterans Welfare Center, 

consolidating thirteen veterans’ organizations within Incheon, 

signifies our unwavering dedication to perpetuating 

an unparalleled national legacy of patriotism and veterans’ welfare.

We are vigorously establishing the Incheon Museum Park 

as the country's inaugural multifaceted cultural facility. 

This, along with the expansion of Art Center Incheon Phase 2, 

the construction of the National Incheon Maritime Museum, 

and the new Incheon Social Welfare Center, underlines our dedication to broadening spaces 

where all citizens can engage deeply in culture and welfare.

Work on the Incheon Recreation Project has commenced, 

targeting the revitalization of the original city center. 

Core projects, such as the Jeomulpo Renaissance, New Hong Kong City, 

and the Comprehensive Development Plan for the Northern Region, 

which are crucial for Incheon’s balanced development, are progressing steadfastly.

Our forward-thinking approach encompasses strategic enhancements 

in administrative services to bolster citizen well-being. 

Key initiatives include a systematic administrative overhaul, affirming judicial sovereignty 

through the introduction of esteemed establishments like the Incheon High Court 

and a specialized Maritime Court, and the construction of innovative government buildings.

Together with the citizens, we are resolutely committed to embarking on a transformative journey 

to elevate Incheon among the world's top ten cities.

Only a year has passed. 

We should take a moment to reflect on the past and then set our sights far into the future. 

We have exerted every effort towards the happiness of our citizens and the future of Incheon, 

and in return, we have seen gratifying accomplishments. 

However, there are three years left in the 8th term, 

and a multitude of tasks still lie ahead in our quest to 

elevate Incheon among the top ten cities in the world. 

Despite advice to pace ourselves in order to avoid exhaustion,

 there is no pausing in our relentless journey towards achieving happiness for our citizens.

The tide continues to rise, and I only ask for your strong support and effort, 

using me, Yoo Jungbok, as your paddle. 

During the 6th administrative term, Incheon overcame a significant burden of debt 

and the stigma of being called a 'debtor city.' 

It has transformed, emerging as a central economic city in the 'Seoul-Incheon-Busan-Daegu' region. 

Now, in its 8th term, Incheon navigates with steadfast dedication 

toward becoming a global city where citizens flourish in happiness and prosperity.

Reflecting on the past year’s achievements and looking ahead to the next three, 

I encapsulate our journey in the phrase 'Soaring like the Peng Bird over Nine Thousand Miles 

(Aiming for Great Heights and Vast Horizons).' 

Much like the peng bird that can travel nine thousand miles in a single day, 

we will relentlessly dedicate ourselves to the happiness and well-being of our citizens.