- Announcement of new global vision, goals, and six key strategies -
- Accelerating the city's “third port opening” to extend its global reach -
Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) hosted a municipal briefing session at Michuhol Tower’s Michuhol Hall on Jan. 16 under the theme of “Incheon, A Global Top 10 City.”
The city government organized this event so that the bureau head could directly brief the city’s key outlines to citizens—those most affected by municipal policies—and collect their feedback.
During the session, the city unveiled its vision, goals, “6G” strategies, and 22 actionable initiatives to transform Incheon into a “global top 10 city” representing South Korea as a leader on the world stage.
Incheon, which opened Korea's first seaways with the Port of Incheon in 1883 and airways with the Incheon International Airport in 2001, is preparing for its third port opening, envisioning its next phase with the symbolic step toward becoming a global top-ten city with an extensive global reach. The city will achieve this goal by identifying three primary objectives: attracting investments; revitalizing old urban areas; and establishing a global brand. The city seeks to implement lead-up programs, such as its “6G” strategies and actionable initiatives, based on these objectives.
Genesis: Realizing Jemulpo Renaissance Lead-Up Projects
“Genesis”—the first of 6G strategies—focuses on pushing the city's Jemulpo Renaissance projects forward. The redevelopment of Port of Incheon's Piers 1 and 8 entered full swing after an implementation agreement was signed with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in December 2022, with construction set to begin this year. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated Port of Incheon Inner Port Redevelopment Team within the ministry to ensure consistency in policy execution. The administrative procedures for Incheon Station’s integrated development project are in swift progress after being selected as a pilot site for urban innovation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in July 2022. Meanwhile, the Dongincheon Station area redevelopment project has finalized its designation as an urban development zone, and efforts are underway to diversify compensation measures and initiate concentrated block-based compensation, with demolition expected to begin this year.
Growth: Fostering Future Strategic Industries
“Growth”—the second of 6G strategies—aims to foster future strategic industries. Incheon plans to establish an industrial platform with a super-gap lead to support innovative growth in the bio mega-cluster and semiconductor sectors. Furthermore, to lead the global mobility industry, the city will accelerate the establishment of specialized clusters such as connected car cybersecurity centers and hydrogen-related facilities.
Ground: Expanding Foundations for Global City-Level Growth
“Ground”—the third of 6G strategies—seeks to expand the foundation for Incheon’s emergence as a global city. Incheon will stimulate growth in border areas with declining populations, Ganghwa and Ongjin, by designating them as special opportunity development zones, attracting large-scale investments and creating jobs. Additional short-term development sites, including southern Ganghwa and Ongjin’s Sido areas, are also being explored. Furthermore, the city plans to expand the designation of these areas as free economic zones to bolster investment. Strategic efforts to attract foreign investment and bring back domestic companies will also be prioritized.
Gathering: Establishing Incheon as a Hub for Global Networks
“Gathering”—the fourth of 6G strategies—aims to solidify Incheon’s role as a hub for global networks. Incheon is gearing up to host the 2025 APEC Summit successfully, further enhancing its reputation as a MICE city. Between Jul. 26 and Aug. 15, as well as in October, the city will host the third Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) and several ministerial meetings. Five of the eleven total ministerial meetings will take place in Incheon, and the city is working closely with related government agencies to ensure thorough preparation. Incheon will also promote the homecoming of and exchanges with overseas Koreans from 2025 to 2026 while developing its independent global urban indicators based on Incheon’s strengths to solidify its international credibility. To elevate Incheon’s brand value, promotional materials in English will be distributed to global urban indicator agencies, and the city will actively apply for international urban awards, such as the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize.
Glory: Creating a City of High-Quality Culture
“Glory”—the fifth of 6G strategies—focuses on transforming Incheon into a high-quality cultural city with unique attractions. Through the global branding of Incheon Gaehangjang (Open Port Area), the city government plans to turn this historic district into a world-renowned destination. This initiative includes operating specialized programs such as the Gaehangjang Festival and the 1901 Live Road Festa. Incheon will also expand the Jemulpo Wave Market and foster local creators to build sustainable local content. Specialized tourism initiatives will also target the Deokjeok Archipelago and Jawol Island to invigorate Incheon’s “Treasure Island” tour.
Geography: Innovating Spaces to Enhance Livability
“Geography”—the sixth of 6G strategies—aims to enhance livability through spatial innovation. Incheon will revise district-unit planning around Incheon-daero and address chronic traffic congestion by undergrounding the Gyeongin Expressway. The city will also promote future-oriented administrative reforms.
Through these “6G” strategies, Incheon is committed to realizing its vision of becoming a “global top 10 city” and ensuring sustainable urban development.
Mayor Yoo stated, “Incheon is a city that never ceases to create the future. We are determined to propel Incheon into a ‘global top 10 city’ that opens new horizons for Korea’s future.” He urged all public officials to approach the newly announced vision and policies with a strong sense of mission and passion to bring about tangible changes in citizens’ lives.
