- Aiming to attract over 20,000 tourists through more than 10 cruise arrivals -- Promoting Korea-China cruise economic cooperation with prospects of generating around KRW 5.4 billion in economic benefits -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city government signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dalian City, China, on May 18 during the 34th Acacia Flowers Festival held in Dalian, to foster the development of the cruise industry.This agreement aims to strengthen cruise marketing cooperation between the two cities in order to increase cruise tourist arrivals and revitalize the local economies of both regions.The MOU signing ceremony took place at the Culture City East Asia (CCEA), hosted by Dalian. Key officials attending included Lee Dong-woo, Director General of Incheon Maritime Affairs and Aviation, and Shen Meina, Director of Dalian’s Culture and Tourism Bureau.Under the terms of the agreement, both cities will enhance administrative and marketing support for attracting cruise ships on the Incheon-Dalian route, explore options for launching competitive cruise lines, and seek long-term cooperation strategies. They will also strengthen cooperation on all aspects of cruise tourism, including passenger exchanges.Based on this agreement, Incheon plans to attract more than 10 cruise ship arrivals originating from Dalian, aiming to bring approximately 20,000 tourists to the city. This initiative is expected to generate an economic impact of about KRW 5.4 billion and elevate Incheon’s global city image through enhanced international cooperation with its sister city, Dalian.Lee Dong-woo, Director General of Incheon’s Maritime Affairs and Aviation Bureau, stated, “Dalian is a key Chinese port city and a sister city to Incheon. This agreement with the city will serve as a milestone not only for the cruise industry but also for strengthening Incheon’s global tourism competitiveness.” He added, “We will continue to

- Temporary mobile clinics to begin on June 20–21 at Baengnyeong-myeon and Daecheong-myeon -- Expanded service areas and medical departments, enabling coverage of all remote islands -The Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that its new hospital ship, Geongang Ongjin-ho, will commence temporary mobile clinic services on June 20 and 21 for residents of Baengnyeong-myeon and Daecheong-myeon—areas that previously had limited hospital ship access.This is the first time a hospital ship has docked at Baengnyeong-myeon, made possible by expanding the service target to six myeon-level districts in Ongjin-gun. Baengnyeongdo Island had been difficult to reach with the aging hospital ship, Incheon 531, which was unable to travel to such distant locations.During the two days of temporary operation, around 200 residents of Baengnyeong-myeon and Daecheong-myeon are expected to receive medical care.Due to safety concerns over the aging, 25-year-old Incheon 531, the city decided to build a new hospital ship in 2021.Launched in April 2025, Geongang Ongjin-ho measures 47.2 meters in length, 8.4 meters in width, and 3.6 meters in depth, with a maximum capacity of 44 passengers. At 270 tons, Geongang Ongjin-ho is more than twice the size of the previous 108-ton vessel and can reach speeds of up to 46 km/h.The increased size allows it to reach more remote islands, and its higher speed enhances its capacity to serve as an emergency evacuation vessel capable of transporting multiple critical patients.Unlike the Incheon 531, which mainly served three myeon-level districts and nine island areas1) of Ongjin-gun without medical facilities, the new Geongang Ongjin-ho covers six myeon-level areas and 17 island regions2), enabling medical services to all non-connected islands within the jurisdiction. The service areas include:1) Deokjeok-myeon (Baega, Mungap, Uldo, Jido, Gureop), Jawol-myeon (Seungbong, Daeijak, Soijak), Yeonpyeong-myeon (Soyeonpyeong)2) Baengnyeong-myeo

- Published in six languages, including Chinese and Vietnamese, and available at facilities frequently visited by foreigners -- Offering detailed guidance on tax payment methods and potential penalties for delinquencies -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) has announced the production and distribution of informational leaflets in six languages to support foreign residents’ convenient tax payment.As of March 2025, approximately 95,000 foreigners are registered as residents in Incheon. The largest groups by nationality are Chinese (37.6%), Vietnamese (10.8%), Myanmar nationals (5.3%), Uzbeks (4.4%), and Mongolians (3.3%). Foreign residents with tax delinquencies also represent a broad range of nationalities.To assist these residents, the city has published a local tax guide in six languages—Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Uzbek. The leaflet provides clear explanations of key local taxes such as the resident tax and vehicle tax, outlines payment methods, and warns of potential penalties for non-payment, including restrictions on visa extensions, seizure of assets and bonds, and impoundment of vehicle license plates.To improve accessibility, the leaflets will be distributed at institutions frequently visited by foreigners, such as Multicultural Family Support Centers and Foreigner Support Centers.Incheon has also implemented the “Local Tax Delinquency Verification System Prior to Visa Extension,” which restricts visa extensions for delinquent foreign taxpayers. The city is actively pursuing delinquencies with the same level of enforcement applied to Korean nationals, including the garnishment of foreign worker insurance benefits (such as departure maturity payments and return travel funds) and dormant insurance funds.Seong Ha-yeong, Director of Incheon’s Office of Finance and Budget, stated, “At a time when our foreign population is steadily growing, we are implementing various initiatives to help foreign residents better under

- Incheon Metropolitan City Dance Theatre Presents, Dancing City Incheon 2025 -From June 7 to 21, the Incheon Metropolitan City Dance Theatre (Artistic Director Yun Seong-ju) will present Dancing City Incheon 2025, a three-week celebration where dancers and audiences come together to create a city infused with the spirit of dance.First launched in 2008, Dancing City Incheon is a dedicated dance festival that embraces open stages and shared artistic experiences. Its mission is to bring the joy and beauty of dance into everyday life, offering “dance that is always close by.” This year’s program features an outdoor performance series and a high-caliber closing performance, transforming urban spaces into vibrant artistic venues.The outdoor performances, Early Summer in Songdo and A Day in the Grand Park are large-scale, audience-friendly events staged in high-traffic areas to heighten the festival atmosphere. At landmark sites such as Songdo Central Park and Incheon Grand Park, the Incheon Metropolitan City Dance Theatre will showcase signature pieces from its traditional Korean dance repertoire.The final week culminates with Iconic Selection – Dokbo, a sophisticated theater production for dance enthusiasts. This performance highlights artistic excellence and offers a poignant conclusion to the festival.Week 1. A Grand Opening on the Outdoor Stage, Early Summer in SongdoThe first week of Dancing City Incheon 2025 kicks off with Early Summer in Songdo, a performance staged outdoors. The special stage, set in a bustling area, breaks down the barriers between performers and the audience, inviting everyone to experience the exhilaration of moving in sync with the rhythm of dance.Now a signature event of the festival, the Songdo Central Park outdoor performance has become an annual tradition that draws both residents and tourists. On June 7, two distinct performances will be presented: a sunlit afternoon performance filled with vivid choreography and a mesmerizing ev

- UNESCO officially notifies receipt of North Korea’s objection -- Process suspended in accordance with UNESCO Global Geopark guidelines -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) has officially confirmed the temporary suspension of its bid to designate the Baengnyeong-Daecheong area as a UNESCO Global Geopark.The suspension follows formal notification from the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) on May 22, confirming that it had received a written objection from North Korea.Under Paragraph (iv) of Article 5.4 of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Guidelines, “If a written objection is received from a Member State, the nomination will not proceed to scientific evaluation and it will be up to the Member States concerned to seek a resolution to the issue.” Accordingly, the on-site evaluation, originally scheduled for June 2025, has been put on hold.Incheon has been working closely with local communities and geological experts to demonstrate the region’s geological significance, while also investing in related infrastructure and fostering active community participation.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “This is a deeply regrettable situation. However, we will cooperate with the central government to identify the specific grounds for the objection and pursue diplomatic channels to seek a resolution. In the meantime, the infrastructure and programs we have developed will serve as a foundation for continued engagement with the local community.”

- Establishes a cooperative network with local broadcasters and related agencies, expected to play a pivotal role in disaster broadcasting -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “Disaster information is a lifeline, requiring a system for swift and accurate information delivery” -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on May 14 the establishment of the Disaster Broadcasting Committee and held its inaugural meeting to enhance the efficiency of disaster broadcasting.The committee is chaired by the Director of Incheon’s Citizens Safety Headquarters, with the city spokesperson serving as vice chairperson. Members include representatives from six local broadcasters and related organizations in the Incheon area.In line with the Framework Ordinance of the Incheon Metropolitan City Disaster and Safety Management, the committee aims to effectively disseminate disaster-related broadcasts, including forecasting, warnings, notifications, emergency responses, and management protocols. It also seeks to define role-sharing and build a cooperative framework between the city and local broadcasters.The inaugural meeting commenced with the appointment ceremony, where certificates of appointment were awarded to committee members. The session continued with a report on the committee’s formation and operational plans, followed by deliberations on strategies for effectively disseminating disaster broadcasts to the public. Notably, in-depth discussions were held on establishing disaster broadcasting standards tailored specifically to Incheon, distinguishing them from national-level broadcasts, as well as clarifying the responsibilities of each institution.During the appointment ceremony, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok remarked, “In disaster situations, delivering prompt and accurate information to citizens is paramount. I urge the committee to collaborate closely with broadcasters and related organizations to build a trusted disaster broadcasting system, which will prevent social confusi

- Hosting of special exhibition, “Unwritten History, Names to Be Remembered” -- 65 artifacts, including photographs, diaries, labor contracts, and more from Hawaii’s first-generation Korean immigrants on display from April to August -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city government is hosting a special exhibition titled “Unwritten History, Names to Be Remembered,” shedding light on the lives and legacies of the first generation of Korean immigrants from Incheon who settled in Hawaii, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.Held from April 30 to August 31 at the Former Jemulpo Club, the exhibition vividly portrays the spirit and experiences of Korean immigrants in the early 1900s who left their homeland to live in unfamiliar, often isolating conditions abroad, through a vast collection of records and personal belongings that they left behind.A total of 65 artifacts are on display, including photographs, diaries, labor contracts, and everyday items that capture the daily life and struggles of the Korean immigrant community in Hawaii. These items represent a rich cultural heritage of the first-generation immigrants and serve as invaluable materials for reflecting on their hardships and historical significance.Notably, tombstone rubbings and photographs of immigrants from Incheon, taken directly from the Korean cemetery in Hawaii, offer a poignant record of those who passed away anonymously overseas—reviving long-forgotten names and stories.Alongside this special exhibition, a companion exhibit titled “Diaspora’s Gaze, Connected Through Art” features eight artists affiliated with the Korean Artists Association of Hawaii and the Washington Art Association. This exhibit explores the migratory history and identity of the Korean diaspora through various artistic expressions, providing a deeply moving experience for visitors.Yoon Do-young, Director of Incheon’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau,

- 1,906 applications for 500 units, recording a 3.81 to 1 competition ratio -- Final tenant selection to be announced on July 31 after income and asset screening; move-ins to begin in August -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “We will build a city where no one worries about housing, and our effective housing initiatives will continue” -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on May 16 that the recruitment of prospective tenants for the ₩1,000 Housing Program’s housing lease units, which began on May 12, has concluded with outstanding results.The ₩1,000 Housing Program is Incheon’s unique housing policy that offers newlyweds and others a stable living environment at an affordable rent of KRW 1,000 per day and KRW 30,000 per month. Since its announcement, the program has drawn attention as a practical solution to alleviate housing cost burdens. Earlier in March, Incheon successfully completed recruitment for the ₩1,000 Housing Program’s purchase rental units.Applications for the program’s lease units began modestly, with 170 applicants on the first day, but steadily increased, reaching 616 on the final day. In total, 1,906 households applied for 500 available units, resulting in a competitive ratio of 3.81 to 1.An Incheon city official explained, “The initial low number of applications was due to a pre-interview survey conducted to reduce applicant inconveniences, which spread out submissions over several days. Because housing leases require upfront funds such as deposits, applicants tended to be genuine users with relatively higher incomes, resulting in a slightly smaller applicant pool compared to purchase rentals.”Following this preliminary recruitment, Incheon will conduct income and asset verifications and announce the final list of tenants after July 31 via the Incheon Housing City Development Corporation’s website.Selected tenants will locate private housing units (with a floor area of 85 square meters or less) and apply through t

- A panorama of multicultural harmony, drawing around 2,000 participants -- Deputy Mayor Ha Byung-pil: “We will build a true community through communication and inclusion” -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city government successfully hosted the 18th Together Day celebration on May 17 at Aetteul Square, located in front of the City Hall.Together Day, held annually on May 20, was established as a national commemorative day in 2007 to foster a multicultural society where people of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds can better understand and coexist with one another. This year marked the 18th anniversary of the event.Around 2,000 participants gathered at the event, including members of the Incheon Vietnamese Community, the Pakistan Business Association, the Incheon Bangladeshi Community, the Korea-China Multicultural Exchange Association, and various other foreign resident organizations. The festivities began with cultural performances, including an erhu recital—a traditional Chinese string instrument—and a dynamic traditional Mongolian dance, setting a vibrant tone for the event.At the official ceremony, awards were given to individuals and exemplary foreign workers who have contributed notably to helping foreign residents integrate into the local community. The performances were followed by a “harmony gourd-breaking” event, where guests and foreign residents cracked gourds together while attendees waved international flags to celebrate Together Day. The event concluded with a special performance by the Global Children’s Choir, composed of children from multicultural families and local Korean children.Throughout the venue, visitors had the opportunity to explore cultural booths featuring traditional games and costume experiences from 11 countries, including Madagascar, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Indonesia—providing hands-on engagement with global cultures. Additional attractions such as traditional Korean game

- Awards presented to 25 teenagers and 10 youth leaders -- A wide range of programs offered, including career lectures and magic shows -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it successfully hosted the “2025 Youth Month Commemorative Event” on May 17 in the Grand Conference Room at City Hall.Held in celebration of Youth Month, the event aimed to boost teenagers’ self-esteem and offer an opportunity to gain practical motivation to support their future aspirations. More than 250 attendees, including teenagers and youth leaders, participated in the meaningful occasion.As part of the program, commendations were awarded to exemplary youth and youth leaders who serve as role models in their communities. The honorees included 25 young individuals recognized for their academic excellence, volunteer work, and club activities, as well as 10 youth leaders acknowledged for their steadfast dedication and mentorship. These awards were presented as a token of appreciation and encouragement for their commitment and efforts.To add to the celebratory spirit, a magic performance was staged, adding a vibrant and engaging touch for the youth in attendance. In addition, popular YouTuber “DDotty” delivered a special career lecture designed to guide young people navigate potential career paths. The session received an enthusiastic response from both students and parents.The lecture provided valuable insights into today's rapidly evolving job landscape, helping participants broaden their perspectives on future career paths. Attendees were particularly impressed by the realistic career advice and the emphasis placed on proactive planning for a successful future.Incheon Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Ha Byeong-pil stated, “We celebrate Youth Month in May to reaffirm the importance of supporting teenagers’ sound development and their rights, as well as to encourage their dreams. The city government will continue to lead the way in creating an envi