- Jung-gu and Dong-gu sign joint statement to cooperate on Jemulpo-gu’s launch -
- Deciding to cooperate on matters such as consultative organization, administration-driven establishment and regional development, and residents’ benefits and harmony -
Jung-gu and Dong-gu have joined forces to ensure the successful launch of Jemulpo-gu, set to be established on Jul. 1, 2026, with the merger of the inland areas of Jung-gu and Dong-gu as part of Incheon’s administrative district reorganization.
On Sep. 19, a joint statement signing ceremony for the launch of Jemulpo-gu was held at the video conference room in Incheon City Hall, bringing both districts together.
Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok poses for a commemorative photograph alongside officials from Jung-gu and Dong-gu after signing the joint statement on Sep. 19.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, along with Jung-gu's Kim Jung-heon and Dong-gu's Kim Chan-jin as well as district representatives, council members, and local community chairs.
The joint statement aims to establish a cooperative framework to address key issues related to the launch of Jemulpo-gu while making mutual efforts to promote regional development, improve resident convenience, and foster unity.
On this day, the two districts agreed to establish and operate an “administrative consultation organization” involving the metropolitan government, Jung-gu, and Dong-gu to collaboratively discuss and resolve matters related to Jemulpo-gu’s launch and prepare joint response plans for arising challenges. They also pledged to make joint efforts to enhance resident convenience and regional development by adjusting public facility layouts and infrastructure in response to changing administrative needs, ensuring the succession of properties and responsibilities, maintaining administrative continuity, and maximizing the use of welfare, cultural, and sports facilities.
Furthermore, both districts agreed to foster community cohesion by co-managing communication channels with residents and continue to identify and promote projects to establish Jemulpo-gu successfully.
Given the anticipated challenges of merging the two districts into one, mutual understanding and cooperation between the districts are of utmost importance. Therefore, the fully-fledged cooperaton of the consultative organization, according this joint statement, is expected to contribute significantly to resolving current issues and preparing for Jemulpo-gu’s launch through enhanced collaboration and communication.
Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said, “As these two regions have long shared the same living area and culture, they have a stronger sense of homogeneity and understanding than any other region.” He added, “From this point forward, I urge everyone to unite their hearts and strength, focusing solely on the successful launch of Jemulpo-gu and the region’s development.”
Jung-gu's Kim Jung-heon emphasized, “The launch of Jemulpo-gu must prioritize improving the quality of life for residents by considering their convenience above all else, and the launch process should be carried out rationally and efficiently. Starting with this joint statement, we will thoroughly prepare to ensure a smooth launch and provide an opportunity to revitalize the old city center.”
Dong-gu's Kim Chan-jin expressed, “The launch of Jemulpo-gu is a golden opportunity for Dong-gu and Jung-gu to re-emerge as the center of Incheon. Based on sufficient communication and cooperation with Jung-gu, we will make every effort to ensure a successful beginning for the new era of Jemulpo-gu, aligned with the interests of all residents.”
Meanwhile, Incheon’s administrative reorganization was finalized in January with the enactment of the “Act on the Establishment of Jemulpo-gu, Yeongjong-gu, and Geomdan-gu in Incheon Metropolitan City.” Under this law, effective Jul. 1, 2026, Jung-gu and Dong-gu will be integrated and reorganized into Jemulpo-gu and Yeongjong-gu, while Seo-gu will be newly established and separated from Seo-gu. This marks the first expansion of Incheon’s administrative district system in 31 years since 1995, increasing the number of counties and districts from two and eight to two and nine, respectively.
