- Intergenerational public welfare projects, from birth to senior care,  designed to improve livelihoods through policy benefits -

The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is ushering in 2025 with diverse initiatives that align with its vision of becoming a “world-class city where citizens are happy.” These policies aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of citizens.

A comprehensive guidebook, “2025: A Better Life in Incheon,” will be published to inform citizens about the year’s major policies and initiatives. Available both online and offline, the guidebook ensures easy access to key information.

First, support for the economy and employment sector will be strengthened.  “Half-Price Courier Service” for small business owners will be expanded to include all 370,000 small business owners in Incheon. Up to KRW 400,000 will also be provided to support moving expenses for young people relocating to Incheon for education or employment. New support for sole proprietorships will be introduced to cover 10% of employment insurance premiums. Support for job-seeking women will also be enhanced through participation subsidies and expanded funding for internship.

In the transportation sector, the “Incheon i-Sea Pass” will be introduced, allowing Incheon residents to use passenger ferries at the cost of city bus fares (1,500 KRW), thus improving access to island regions. The “i-Plus Transit Fare Dream” initiative will also be fully implemented, offering subsidies of up to 70% for public transportation costs for children up to the age of seven. In addition, the toll for the Incheon Bridge will be significantly reduced from KRW 5,500 to KRW 2,000. The third bridge connecting Yeongjong and Cheongna will open in December, and the Incheon Metro Line 1 will be extended to Geomdan, significantly improving traffic flow and convenience.

In terms of health and welfare, the city will promote a “10,000 Steps a Day Challenge” for Incheon citizens. A hospital ship will be introduced to provide medical services for residents in island regions, including the five islands in the West Sea. Support for free meals at senior welfare centers will be increased, raising the cost per meal from KRW 3,500 to KRW 4,000. Welfare points for workers in social welfare facilities will also be increased, along with basic pension benefits for persons with disabilities.

Support for families and caregiving will also be expanded. The “i-Plus Home Dream” initiative will assist with homeownership, including the provision of low-cost housing options. Postpartum care expenses of up to KRW 1.5 million will be provided for mothers in vulnerable groups. New care services for children will be introduced through community care centers, offering support at nights and weekends for sick children. Moreover, meal subsidies for children from low-income families will be increased, and funding for menstrual products for disadvantaged female adolescents will also be increased.

In education, culture, and sports, new public libraries will be established in Jung-gu, Yeonsu-gu, and Seo-gu. The renovations of the Incheon Arts Center will be completed in the second half of 2025, providing citizens a more comfortable and pleasant environment for cultural experiences. A lifelong learning voucher worth KRW 350,000 per year will also be introduced for low-income households, and professional certification programs for enhancing the career capabilities of middle-aged individuals will be newly implemented.

Notable initiatives to improve the living conditions of residents and the environment will also be implemented. The living support allowance for residents of the West Sea’s five islands will be increased from KRW 160,000 to KRW 180,000. Community administrative and labor advisory services will be introduced through village administrators and labor consultants, ensuring administrative and labor-related support for all Incheon citizens.  Furthermore, a smart electrical safety system will be implemented in traditional markets in Incheon to prevent fires.

The guidebook, “2025: A Better Life in Incheon,” will be made available at district offices, administrative welfare centers, and public libraries. It will also be available online as an e-book via the official website of Incheon Metropolitan Government.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “In 2025, we will promote policies that citizens can experience firsthand, transform Incheon into the leading city for citizen happiness, and prepare for a sustainable future. We will continue to identify and implement policies that bring practical benefits to all citizens.”