- Fares go up for the first time in eight years: subway fares now start from KRW 1,400 (up KRW 150), blue buses start from KRW 1,500 (up KRW 250) -- Bigger deficit of the public transportation network due to rising prices, and the need to replace old infrastructure drive the decision to adjust fares -Incheon is upping its subway and bus fares for the first time in eight years.Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor: Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the City’s subway and bus fares will increase by KRW 150 and KRW 250, respectively, starting from the first train on October 7 (Sat).For an adult passenger paying by credit card, the base fare for the Incheon subway network will go from KRW 1,250 to KRW 1,400, and fares for the blue bus will go from KRW 1,250 to KRW 1,500. The ferry fare for local islanders will also increase to KRW 1,500.Meanwhile, Incheon has been preparing to increase its public transportation fares in line with the central government’s policies to adjust the prices of public services across the country. The City, however, trying to avoid steep adjustments in order to keep the impact on locals to a minimum given how the surge in prices has worsened the financial pressure on families over the past couple of years.Metropolitan area subway fares, along with Incheon subway lines 1 and 2, are also set to go up from KRW 1,250 to KRW 1,400 when paying by credit card (adult passengers) on October 7. The integrated transfer discount system and additional fares tied to traveling distance will remain unchanged.Bus fares when using a credit card (adult passengers) will go from KRW 1,250 to KRW 1,500 for inter-city (blue) buses, from KRW 950 to KRW 1,200 for intra-city (green) buses, from KRW 1,300 to KRW 1,550 for seated inter-city buses, and from KRW 1,650 to KRW 1,900 for buses traveling to and from Yeongjong-do Island (increase of KRW 250 each).As for seated buses to and from Yeongjong-do, local residents of Yeongjong-do are eligible for a special discount to offer b

- 73rd anniversary event commemorating the Battle of Incheon ends in great success with more than 1,600 guests, including war veterans, members of the armed forces, and locals -- Commemorative event focused on the journey toward the “light of freedom and peace” instead of dwelling on the shadows of war –The 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Incheon and victory day celebrations hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy got underway with great fanfare early on September 15 just off the coast of Incheon Port and Palmido Island.Street parade for patriots and veterans on September 15 (Fri), 2023The event - focused on finding the “light of freedom and peace” instead of dwelling on the shadows of war - invited more than 1,600 guests, including veterans of the Korean War, members of the Korean armed forces, military attachés from countries that served as part of the UN Forces in the Korean War, and the general public, to remember this day 73 years ago.The commemorative event included a shipboard victory ceremony, a demonstration of the Battle of Incheon, and a Navy maritime parade.73rd Anniversary of the Battle of Incheon and Victory Day Celebrations - Navy maritime parade on September 15 (Fri), 2023Just off the coast of Incheon, the Korean Navy, which deployed 25 vessels, 15 aircraft, and seven heavy equipment units, along with the US Navy’s Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) vessel and the Canadian Navy’s HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) worked together to reenact the Battle of Incheon that involved more than 75,000 soldiers on 261 vessels from eight countries 73 years ago.In particular, the finale of the event, a maritime parade led by the Korean Navy and Korea Coast Guard vessels, earned plenty of applause from the audience.At the ceremony, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said, “It is our duty to remember and express our gratitude to the heroes who devoted themselves to the freedom and peace of humankind. It is also our mission to protect freedom and peace.” He added, “To tha

Incheon Metropolitan City is recruiting a group to monitor its foreign language website services in order to provide more reliable and useful information to foreigners using the City's websites and services available in foreign languages. The City would like to ask all foreigners interested in Incheon City and its website to join the monitoring group. Recruitment information Applications: September 18 (Mon) ~ September 29 (Fri), 2023 Eligibility: Foreign nationals residing either in Korea or abroad whose native language is the foreign language subject to recruitment. Available positions: 15 (5 for English, 5 for Japanese, 5 for Simplified Chinese) Description of activities Activity duration: October 10 (Tue) ~ November 3 (Fri), 2023 Activities: Monitor foreign language websites and services operated by Incheon Metropolitan City, and submit reports Inspect Incheon’s foreign language websites for erroneous content Provide feedback on how Incheon can improve its foreign language websites Inspect Incheon’s foreign language websites for malfunctions and errors Benefits and incentives: Amazon gift card Detailed criteria for benefits and incentives 표정보 Sort No. of persons Incentive type Most Outstanding Award 1 person Amazon giftcard ($150) Identify and provide a minimum of 10 errors and recommendations Provide the highest number of errors and recommendations Provide an excellent idea Outstanding Award 1 person Amazon giftcard ($100) Identify and provide a minimum of 10 errors and opinions Provide the second-highest number of errors and recommendations Provide an excellent idea Excellence Award Max. 13 persons Amazon giftcard ($10) Identify and provide a minimum of 10 errors and opinions Application instructions url :https://forms.gle/fGsftS6knotZHhK8A Announcing of results: October 10 (Tue), 2023 (expect individual e-mail notifications) ※Alien residents in Korea will also be notified via MMS. Inquiries: Incheon Metropolitan City Informatization Division (☎0

- Incheon Research Institute analysis suggests greater social benefits and a rise in tourism demand resulting from lower toll fares -As of October 1, the economic ripple effect of exempting Yeongjong, Yongyu, and Bukdo-myeon (Ongjin-gun) residents from paying tolls levied on Yeongjong Daegyo and Incheon Daegyo Bridges is expected to reach KRW 5.5 trillion and also generate more than 20,000 new jobs.Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor: Yoo Jeong-bok) says that from October 2023 to the end of 2039, lowering and altogether eliminating toll fares for Yeongjong and Incheon Daegyo Bridges could yield social and economic benefits of up to KRW 5.5 trillion and more than 20,000 new jobs driven mostly by a sharp increase in demand for leisure and tourism on Yeongjongdo Island.February 18 (Tue), 2023 - Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok hosts a press conference on toll fares for Yeongjong/Incheon Daegyo Bridges at the Seoul Government ComplexThe City used the insights it gleaned from simulations on future traffic volume once the toll fares were either lowered or abolished for the locals, and it also used credit card transaction data in the Yeongjongdo area to forecast how much added production, added value, and employment it can expect going forward.Incheon says user toll savings and leisure/tourism sector-induced demand on industrial production could yield KRW 2.5 trillion and KRW 1.9 trillion, respectively, in economic benefits. Tourism sales could grow by KRW 940 billion, and social benefits stemming from using more efficient routes could be as high as KRW 160 billion. Analysis showed that getting rid of toll fares could generate 21,000 new jobs as well.Incheon City Transportation Director Kim Jun-seong said, “Thanks to our recent research, we were able to get a more concrete idea of what type of direct and indirect socio-economic benefits our decision to lower and eliminate toll fares could bring to the local community.” Kim added, “We plan on promoting the fact that people ca

- Incheon to co-host victory day celebrations across the City with the Navy from September 1 to 19 - - Celebrations will focus on reexamining the historical significance and value of the Battle of Incheon, and commemorate the sacrifice and determination of UN forces that fought in Korea - ◦Incheon Metropolitan City and the Navy are co-hosting the “73rd Anniversary and Victory Day Celebrations for the Battle of Incheon” across the City and on the waterfront near Incheon Port from September 1 to 19. On September 15, 2022, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok gives a congratulatory speech at the victory day celebrations on the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Incheon ◦This year’s victory day celebrations also mark the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement and the ROK-US alliance, shed new light on the historical significance and value of the Battle of Incheon, and commemorate the sacrifice and determination of the UN forces to promote peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and serve as a venue for international collaboration and unity. ◦As part of the victory day celebrations, the Navy will lead victory celebrations on the water at Incheon Port and reenact the Battle of Incheon. Meanwhile, Incheon will host an international forum and a variety of other events focusing on national security and patriotism for the general public. ◦Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said, “The Battle of Incheon was more than just a victory during the Korean War. It was a landmark moment that saved the Republic of Korea from a desperate crisis.” He explained, “My administration will work to shed new light on the historical significance and importance of the Battle of Incheon, and help Incheon establish itself as a city of international peace and diplomacy. And to do that, we plan on taking the necessary steps to grow and expand our victory day celebrations for the Battle of Incheon.” ◦The Mayor continued, “In 2025, we are going to invite the heads of state from eight c

- Mayor visits Soraepogu Fish Market to inspect how the market keeps its seafood safe and to encourage the consumption of seafood -- Incheon will expand the scope of its radiation testing, focus on cracking down fake origin labels, offer special discounts, and open a direct-to-consumer market -Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited the Soraepogu Traditional Fish Market in Namdong-gu on August 27 to ensure the safety of locally traded seafood. He also promised prompt and thorough radiation testing and other support to prevent the general public from cutting down on their seafood consumption.The Mayor headed down to the Soraepogu Fish Market to just how safe the market keeps its seafood and met with local seafood business owners as part of the City’s drive to allay any concerns over the safety of local seafood given Japan’s decision to discharge contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear power plant on August 24 and also to gather feedback from locals.Inspecting the safety and promoting the consumption of local seafoodInspecting the safety and promoting the consumption of local seafoodAs part of a preemptive strategy to keep seafood safe, Incheon established a task force exclusively assigned to devise safety measures for local seafood and has worked with the fishery product safety countermeasure team with the Incheon Fisheries Technology Support Center, Institute of Health and Environment, the special judicial police, and local counties and districts under its jurisdiction since 2021 when the Japanese government announced its decision to discharge water from Fukushima.The Incheon Fisheries Technology Support Center plans to increase the number of radiation testing before distributing fishery products to 200 by the end of the year, and also promote a new pilot project - “Safe Seafood Town” project - to conduct radiation inspections more thoroughly at the farm-level.Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Province Institute of Health and Environment plans to open an on-site ins

- Free toll policy followed by the early opening of KTX and GTX-B and political party banner clean up - - Incheon surveys 10,079 people to gauge approval rating for ten major projects - Among the more noteworthy projects launched by Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and his administration, the free toll for Yeongjong Daegyo and Incheon Daegyo Bridges earned the highest approval from the local public. The Incheon Metropolitan City Office (Mayor: Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the results of a survey where it asked the general public for some important feedback on major projects throughout the first year of the 8th democratically elected administration, and to reflect results in the future administration of the City. To a question asking which of the ten major projects launched over the last year they were most happy with (multiple responses allowed), the free toll for Yeongjong Daegyo and Incheon Daegyo Bridges (5,781 responses, 19.1%), early opening of the KTX (scheduled in 2025) and GTX-B (scheduled in 2030) from Incheon (4,077 responses, 13.5%), and the political party banner clean up (3,179 responses, 10.5%) earned the highest approval rates. Locals were also happy with the expansion of national and public daycare centers (3,137 responses, 10.4%), special support for infertility treatment costs and heating cost subsidies for at-risk households (3,128 responses, 10.3%), and the opening of the Overseas Koreans Agency in Incheon (2,779 responses, 9.2%). The reorganization of the administrative districts into Jemulpo-gu/Yeongjong-gu and Seo-gu/Geomdan-gu (1,548 responses, 5.1%) as well as the new National Museum of World Writing Systems and Incheon National Maritime Museum (1,471 responses, 4.9%) rounded out the rankings. Overall, the public appeared to approve more of projects with a larger impact on their day-to-day lives. The survey was conducted on the Incheon Metropolitan City website and official blog for three weeks from July 21 to August 11. A total of 10,079 respondents (total

- Festival brings in 150,000 people in just three days from August 4 to 6… 54 teams, including top stars as well as emerging new artists, bring the heat to Inchon - - Incheon had heat shelters and medical staff on standby to prevent heat-related ailments and other accidents... City also arranged 12 “heat shelter buses” to keep visitors cool - One of Korea's largest music festivals, the “2023 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival” brought the heat to Incheon’s midsummer night. Hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor: Yoo Jeong-bok), the 2023 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, considered by many the best music festival in Korea, brought in 150,000 or so visitors for a chance to immerse themselves in some genuine rock music. This year's Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival got under way at the Songdo Moonlight Festival Park for three days, starting on August 4. The Festival, which celebrated its 18th anniversary this year, featured a total of 54 teams, including top rock bands like The Strokes from all over the world. The Festival also had new artists that made the top-6 in the “Penta Super Rookie” competition. On the first day of the Festival (August 4), Adios Audio, George, Green Flame Boys, cotoba, Romantic Punch, THE VOLUNTEERS, Kim Yuna, KIRINJI, Chang Kiha, and No Brain took the stage. Japanese punk rock band ELLEGARDEN, who returned with a new album, was the last to perform and received enthusiastic cheers from the audience. On August 5, Bosudong Cooler feat. BXH, Silica Gel, Kim Neuk, Crackberry, Lee Seung Yoon, The Black Skirts, OTOBOKE BEAVER, Idiotape, 250, etc. took the stage. Headliner for the day was The Strokes, a world-famous rock band from New York, USA, who was at the forefront of the post-punk craze in the early 2000s. While it was the band’s first time back in Korea in 17 years, The Strokes pushed the weekend night to a whole new level. On the last day, August 6, Nerd Connection, Kwon Jin Ah, Moskva Surfing Club, THE FIX, Home Slice, HITSUJ

- Mayor visits Yonsei University International Campus to inspect conditions and meet with officials – Incheon did an on-site inspection and met with officials tasked with supporting Scouts who had relocated from the 2023 World Scout Jamboree camp to accommodation facilities in Incheon. On August 9, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited Yonsei University International Campus, where Jamboree Scouts from Belgium and others were now staying, to inspect dormitories and support the medical staff on standby to help potential patients. Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with Jamboree Scouts at Yonsei University International Campus on August 9. The Belgian Ambassador to Korea François Bontemps, Yonsei University International Campus Vice President Lee Jin Woo, and Ghent University President Han Taejun met at Yonsei University to discuss how they expect the Belgian Scouts to spend time in Incheon. They also took a tour of the dormitory to check in with the Scouts. Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok talks with the Belgian Ambassador François Bontemps and Jamboree Scouts at Yonsei University International Campus on August 9. Currently, 1,729 Scouts from 28 countries have set up camp inside the Yonsei University International Campus dormitories. The largest contingent, 1,197 Scouts, are from Belgium. To support Jamboree Scouts, the City formed a dedicated task force (TF) led by the Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs to leverage all of the necessary administrative systems, and focused on organizing immersive cultural and tourism programs while ensuring the safety of all Scouts. Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said, “Incheon and Belgium have a special relationship. A large contingent of Belgian soldiers fought for us in the Korean War, and we have established strong ties, especially through Ghent University, over the past few decades. I hope this gives us a chance to work closer together and sustain our cooperative relationship going forward.” The Mayor added, “I hope everyone can wrap up

- Six of Incheon’s Food Companies participated in the Imported Food Fair held in Shandong, China - Products exhibition, presentation, and buyer talks held, 50 talks and 774 million-won-worth export deals signed. Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that six of Incheon’s food companies participated in the 3rd Korea (Shandong) Imported Food Fair held in the Weihai International Economic and Trade Exchange Center, Shandong, China, which is a city that participates in the pilot program for regional level economic cooperation, promoting the superior quality of the food of Incheon. The fair was hosted by the People’s Government of Weihai, the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province, and the Consular Office of South Korea in Qingdao, over the five days from July 28 to August 1. In this event, a total of seventeen companies from Incheon participated, including six food companies, foods processing companies. Other participating Incheon businesses included cosmetics and household goods companies. The participating companies were Haenaeum Food (CEO Jingoo Kim), Jangsu Food (processed seafoods, Gyosung Geum), Woorichan (other food products, Sookja Kang,) Haengbok Life FB (rice cakes, Boyeong Gong,) Walsun Ajime (processed agricultural food products, Wolsook Choi,) and Bethel Food (teas, Soonsam Park), etc. During the fair, ‘Hanpum Hanmat Buyer Talk’ and ‘Hanpung Hanpum Buyer Talk’ were held to hold exportation consultation meetings between the participating businesses, Weihai Imported Goods Association, and other Chinese buyers. Also, a strategic meeting, organized by the Qingdao AT Logistics, was held to discuss Incheon businesses’ expansion to the Chinese market. Also, they proceeded with the efforts to find new export business opportunities in China by participating in various product presentation meetings, buyer talks, and seminars. Also, in order to attract the interest of the visitors and buyers at the scene on the foods from Inch