Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it will construct public parking lots with a total capacity of 800 spaces by utilizing the underground space of existing public facilities, such as parks, to alleviate parking shortages in the historic downtown area and improve parking convenience for residents.This project targets the city center, where securing parking spaces is difficult, by constructing parking facilities in the underground spaces of public facilities—such as parks adjacent to residential areas—with the aim of expanding parking capacity while reducing the burden of securing separate land.The city plans to first target the city centers of its eight districts, constructing one public parking facility per district—for a total of eight locations—with a capacity of approximately 800 spaces. The total project cost is 104 billion won, with the cost per parking space estimated at approximately 130 million won. The project is scheduled to be implemented in phases from 2027 to 2030.Project sites will be selected based on a comprehensive review of location conditions and project feasibility. To this end, the city formulated a related plan last July and plans to allocate funds for site selection and feasibility studies in the 2027 main budget. The city has currently requested a review of the study proposal from the relevant departments.Following preliminary procedures such as the study review and budget allocation, the city plans to conduct the site selection and feasibility studies for approximately six months starting in January 2027. Based on the results of the study, the city will select project sites and then proceed with the projects sequentially, following preliminary administrative procedures and detailed design based on the conditions of each site.The Director of the Transportation Policy Bureau stated, “The lack of parking spaces in the old downtown area is a major inconvenience closely tied to citizens’ daily lives,” adding, “We will do our

Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it will enhance vehicle safety and convenience, and expand special transportation services and voucher taxis to strengthen the mobility rights of people with limited mobility and reduce gaps in mobility support services.[2026: Enhancing Safety and Improving User Convenience]This year, the city plans to add three new vehicles to its special transportation fleet, increasing the total from 276 to 279, and replace 10 aging vehicles. This initiative aims to reduce service interruptions caused by aging vehicles and ensure a stable operational foundation.Additionally, the city will continue installing pedal misapplication prevention devices to enhance vehicle safety. Following the installation of these devices on 100 vehicles last year, the city plans to install them on an additional 50 vehicles by October of this year, bringing the total to 150.Mobility conditions in the Yeongjong area have also been improved. Following the increase in special transportation vehicles from 5 to 7 last July, operating hours were extended from the previous 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to 24 hours starting in October.[2027: Expanding Transportation Options and Eligible Users]By the end of this year, Incheon City plans to introduce, for the first time, one multi-passenger special transportation vehicle capable of carrying three wheelchairs and three caregivers, with service scheduled to begin in January 2027. Through this initiative, the city aims to enhance mobility for people with limited mobility, enabling them to participate together in educational, cultural, and leisure activities or travel with family members and caregivers.In 2027, the city will add five more special transportation vehicles, bringing the total to 284—an increase of 111.4% compared to the legally mandated quota of 255. The number of voucher taxis will also be increased by 20, from the current 330 to 350, to broaden the range of transportation options available to people with mobility

Incheon is accelerating efforts to build a future innovation ecosystem that goes beyond the production-centered bio-industry paradigm to integrate research and development (RD) with the cultivation of specialized talent.Incheon Metropolitan City announced on the 12th that it held the “12th Incheon Bio-Health Valley Promotion Council” meeting at City Hall.The Incheon Bio-Health Valley Promotion Council, a consultative body tasked with reviewing and advising on key policies and comprehensive plans for the fostering and development of Incheon’s bio-health industry, consists of 19 members, including representatives from companies, universities, hospitals, research institutions, associations, the City Council, and relevant city officials.At this meeting, the council gathered in-depth expert opinions on the mid- to long-term development direction of Incheon’s bio-industry and the major pending issues, and explored future policy directions.Key agenda items for the meeting included: ▲ an interim report and consultation on the “Research Project for the Formulation of the Incheon City Comprehensive Plan for the Promotion of the Bio and Digital Health Industry (2027–2031)”; ▲ gathering opinions on operational plans for the Incheon Bio Forum; and ▲ discussions on the direction for establishing the Incheon Institute of Bio-Science and Technology.First, Incheon City shared the interim results of the “Comprehensive Plan for Fostering the Bio and Digital Health Industry” research project currently underway. This research project, running from May to December 2026, focuses on establishing a strategic framework and formulating a mid- to long-term comprehensive plan to enhance the competitiveness of Incheon’s bio and digital health industries.At the meeting, experts from industry, academia, research institutes, and hospitals conducted a multifaceted analysis of industrial conditions and the policy environment, presenting practical alternatives for the mid- to

Incheon City has embarked on full-scale diplomatic efforts on the international stage to secure the hosting rights for the G20 Summit.Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it attended the “2026 First Global Challenge*” reception held on the 7th at Gyeongwonjae by Walker Hill in Songdo, where it explained the rationale for hosting the G20 Summit in Incheon to the ambassadors from 16 countries in attendance and requested their support.*An international robotics competition attended by 4,500 participants, including youth from 185 countries worldwideOn that day, Incheon City engaged directly with diplomatic envoys to introduce Incheon’s vision as an international city and its capabilities as a host. In particular, the city focused on explaining its practical strengths as a candidate city for the G20 Summit, including its accumulated experience in international exchanges, excellent accessibility, and MICE infrastructure.The city has already demonstrated its ability to manage large-scale international events without a hitch through the successful hosting and smooth on-site operation of the “2026 First Global Challenge,” which involved participants from 185 countries worldwide. Building on this competitiveness, the city plans to further accelerate its efforts to attract international events.The Mayor of Incheon stated, “This event was a meaningful opportunity to meet directly with ambassadors to South Korea and explain Incheon’s capabilities as an international city and the necessity of hosting the G20,” adding, “We will continue to actively promote Incheon’s strengths by leveraging various international exchange opportunities and expand international consensus and support for hosting the G20 in Incheon.”Meanwhile, alongside these diplomatic efforts, the city is devoting its full energy to comprehensive bid activities both domestically and internationally. This includes launching an online and offline petition campaign—in conjunction with the rec

To address the growing problems of deaths from loneliness and social isolation—exacerbated by the rise in single-person households—Incheon City is accelerating efforts to establish a comprehensive prevention system tailored to the region’s characteristics.Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it held the “Incheon Metropolitan City Advisory Meeting on the Social Isolation Prevention System” on the 8th in the City Hall’s Gonggam Conference Room, where it sought input from experts across various fields and frontline workers regarding the metropolitan-level implementation framework, roles, and functions for preventing social isolation.As the central government has recently shifted its policy paradigm from post-hoc prevention of deaths from loneliness to proactive prevention of social isolation, Incheon City is also taking steps to establish an effective, region-specific prevention system in line with this shift.The meeting was attended by relevant officials from the city, counties, and districts, as well as representatives from the Incheon Research Institute, academic experts, and related organizations such as family centers, comprehensive social welfare centers, the Youth Future Center, and mental health and suicide prevention centers.During the meeting, participants shared the current status of isolation prevention policies at both the central government and Incheon City levels, and the Incheon Research Institute presented its study titled “Plan for Establishing an Implementation Framework for Incheon’s Loneliness Policy.” The subsequent discussion focused on metropolitan-level functions and roles for establishing a social isolation prevention framework, the division of responsibilities among relevant agencies, and the creation of a sustainable public-private partnership system.In particular, based on practical insights from relevant agencies implementing field projects and expert recommendations from academia and researchers, the meeting examined

As the importance of responding to natural disasters caused by climate change grows, Incheon City and the Seoul Metropolitan Area Meteorological Administration are launching a permanent communication channel to facilitate close cooperation in disaster prevention.Incheon Metropolitan City announced on the 7th that it established a “Working-Level Consultative Committee” at the Seoul Metropolitan Area Meteorological Administration in Suwon to strengthen cooperation on policies related to weather and climate, as well as to respond to hazardous weather conditions such as heavy snow, cold waves, heat waves, torrential rain, and typhoons, and held its first meeting.This council was established in response to the sharp increase in hazardous weather events in the Incheon area due to climate change, with the aim of further systematizing the existing cooperation framework between the two organizations and proactively preparing for natural disasters such as heavy snowfall and cold waves this coming winter.Key operational officials from both organizations will serve as co-chairs of the newly established Working-Level Council to enhance its effectiveness. The Seoul Metropolitan Area Meteorological Office will be represented by the heads of the Forecast Division, Observation Division, and Climate Services Division, while Incheon City will be represented by the head of the Natural Disaster Division. Administrative officers and team leaders responsible for each sector will join as working-level members to closely coordinate mutual cooperation strategies.In particular, during the meeting, the two organizations agreed to establish a dedicated hotline to secure the critical “golden time” for rapid response during hazardous weather events. Utilizing a dedicated communication network, the system will operate via an “automatic connection” mechanism that establishes an immediate link when hazardous weather is forecasted. This is expected to enable immediate and precise situatio

The Incheon Metropolitan City Free Economic Zone Authority announced that it held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 30 for the K-Bio Lab Hub—a comprehensive support infrastructure for bio-startups—at the construction site (162-1 Songdo-dong) within Yonsei University’s International Campus.Approximately 200 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including the Mayor of Incheon, the Minister of SMEs and Startups, the Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, the President of Yonsei University, members of the National Assembly, city council members, and representatives from bio-related organizations. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to the successful establishment of the K-Bio Lab Hub and the advancement of South Korea’s bio industry.Modeled after LabCentral—a bio-startup support organization in Boston, U.S.—the K-Bio Lab Hub is a national-level hub for bio-startup support being established to provide intensive support throughout the entire growth cycle of bio-startups.Songdo, Incheon, was selected as the project site through a 2021 public solicitation by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. In February 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed in which the Ministry of SMEs and Startups would oversee the project, Incheon Metropolitan City would construct the research facilities, and Yonsei University would provide the land free of charge. Subsequently, architectural design began in July 2024, and relevant administrative procedures—including building permits and various reviews—were completed. In July 2026, a construction contractor was selected, and construction commenced.The K-Bio Lab Hub will be developed with a total project budget of 224 billion won (national government: 102.1 billion; Incheon Metropolitan City: 93 billion; Yonsei University: 20.8 billion; private sector: 8.1 billion), covering a site area of 13,169 square meters and a total floor area of 20,375 square meters. It will be constructed as an educa

Incheon City is now entering the final stage toward the dawn of the high-speed rail era—a long-cherished dream of its 3.05 million residents.On the 16th, Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it had received notification from the Korea National Railway that “comprehensive test runs”—the final phase before the launch of the Incheon-departing KTX—are scheduled to begin on the 17th.The comprehensive test runs being conducted this time are intended to ensure the safety of train operations under conditions identical to actual commercial service and to comprehensively inspect everything from core railway systems—such as signaling and power—to passenger amenities, including stations and platforms.The operation schedule is set to proceed strictly in stages, beginning with preliminary inspections on the 17th, followed by facility verification tests in October, and then commercial trial runs.The Incheon-KTX Direct Connection Project involves constructing a new 3.19-kilometer section connecting the Suin Line and the Gyeongbu High-Speed Line, as well as expanding three existing stations: Songdo Station, Choryeong Station, and Eocheon Station. As of September 16, the project is approximately 86% complete; major construction work—including subgrade, track, and systems—was completed by August, and the project is proceeding on schedule with the goal of opening by the end of the year.However, the Korea National Railway Corporation has stated that if any issues requiring corrective action arise during test runs or safety inspections, it will thoroughly implement the necessary measures in accordance with the principle of “citizen safety first.” Accordingly, the corporation is leaving open the possibility that the opening schedule may be adjusted slightly (by 1–2 months) depending on the results of future detailed inspections.In addition, a specific train operation plan to support actual commercial service will be finalized shortly. The Korea National Railwa

Incheon has created an opportunity for foreign workers to overcome language barriers, share the importance of workplace safety, and strengthen their ability to prevent accidents.Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Chan-dae) announced that it celebrated the “2026 Foreign Workers’ Safety Quiz Competition - Challenge! Safety Golden Bell” on September 6 at the auditorium of the Incheon Support Center for Foreign Workers (ICFF), with about 200 foreign workers as participants.The event was held as part of the support project to eliminate blind spots in the prevention of major industrial accidents in local communities, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and Incheon Metropolitan City. It was designed to prevent industrial accidents among foreign workers, who can be particularly vulnerable to safety blind spots due to language and cultural differences, and to raise their safety awareness.The competition focused on industrial safety, everyday safety, fire prevention, and first aid measures that participants should be familiar with both at work and in their daily lives. In particular, the event increased participant engagement through a variety of question formats, including true-or-false questions in which participants physically moved to the area representing their chosen answer, as well as multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Immediately after each question, detailed explanations of relevant safety rules and accident response procedures were provided, delivering practical educational benefits.Participants who had prepared using the safety education materials distributed in advance competed enthusiastically, and a total of 10 participants from Myanmar were honored with awards following the preliminary and final rounds.In addition to the quiz competition, the event featured a variety of programs, including a K-Pop performance, an awards ceremony, and a lucky draw, which received an enthusiastic response from participants.Incheon Metropo

Incheon is creating an opportunity for young people aspiring to work at international organizations to gain practical career guidance and firsthand insights from the field.Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Chan-dae) announced that it will host the “2026 19th International Organization Career Academy” on September 16 at the Grand Auditorium of G-Tower in Songdo.Now in its 19th year, the academy has been reformed to reflect changing recruitment trends at international organizations and help young people establish concrete career paths. Moving beyond simply providing recruitment information, the program focuses on firsthand experiences and real-life success stories to help participants identify their strengths and apply them on the global stage.The event will consist of three sessions featuring highly practical programs. In the first session, a current employee of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia, located in Songdo, Incheon, will take the stage to provide an in-depth introduction to the latest recruitment environment and the actual work carried out at an international organization.In the second session, employees of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (UNAPCICT), who successfully secured jobs after completing Incheon Metropolitan City’s “International Organization Career Experience Program,” will share firsthand experiences from the field and practical tips for securing employment at international organizations.In the final session, Cho Yong-min, CEO of Unbound LabDev, will deliver a lecture drawing on his extensive experience at global companies, including Google Korea and IBM. He will offer practical insights into the core competencies required on the international stage and outstanding career strategies. A detailed QA session will also be held i