- Around 2,000 youth participants from 200 countries expected to compete in October -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Tourism Organization (President Yoo Ji-sang) announced that the FIRST Global Challenge 2026, the world’s largest international robotics competition for teenagers, will be held in Incheon this October.The FIRST Global Challenge is an international robotics competition organized by FIRST Global, a U.S.-based non-profit organization. It is the largest robotics education event in the world, bringing together approximately 2,000 young participants from around 200 countries, along with about 3,000 family members and related personnel. Participants compete by designing and building robots and completing mission-based challenges, demonstrating international collaboration and creative problem-solving skills.On January 19, Incheon Metropolitan City signed an MOU at City Hall with FIRST Global and the Incheon Tourism Organization to ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge. Under the agreement, Incheon will provide administrative and financial support as well as international promotion, while the FIRST Global Foundation will officially designate Incheon as the host city and cooperate with the city throughout all stages of the competition.The official announcement of Incheon as the next host city was made on March 4 (local time) during the “2026 FIRST Global Leadership Reception,” held at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. The event welcomed ambassadors to the United States from about 200 countries, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from global companies. At the reception, the head of Incheon’s Tourism and MICE Division delivered congratulatory remarks, stating, “We are delighted to welcome young people from around the world to Incheon, an innovative city where future technologies and tourism converge. We will strive to ensure the successful hosting of the competition.”The succ

- 310-meter treetop trail offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding nature -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the skywalk being built at Subong Neighborhood Park will be completed and fully opened to the public in mid-March.The project features a structure 1.8 meters in width and 310 meters in total length and is one of the key pledges under the mayor’s 10 major policy initiatives of the 8th municipal administration. The total project cost is KRW 5.5 billion. The city government expects the skywalk project to fulfill its commitment to citizens while enhancing the value of Subong Park, an iconic green space located in one of Incheon’s original historic downtown districts.The skywalk was initially planned as a tower-type observation deck, but after reflecting public feedback and in an effort to minimize landscape disruption, the plan was revised to a treetop trail design that makes the most of the natural terrain and allows visitors to view the city from the upper area of the park. Construction is currently in its final stages and is progressing smoothly.Depending on the terrain, the structure can reach heights of up to 20 meters, allowing visitors to feel as if they are walking in the air. Offering 360-degree panoramic views of both natural scenery and Incheon’s urban landscape, the facility is expected to become a popular relaxation spot within the city. Together with existing attractions, such as nighttime landscape lighting and an artificial waterfall, the skywalk is expected to develop into a local landmark that offers scenic experiences.Yoo Gwang-jo, Director of Incheon’s Urban Balance Bureau, stated, “The Subong Park Skywalk is more than just a new facility. It is a space created so that citizens can enjoy nature more closely in their daily lives. We hope it will become a new destination for relaxation and panoramic views at this symbolic location that preserves Incheon’s modern and contemporary history.”

- Financial crime prevention training conducted with Shinhan Bank and NongHyup Bank to prevent illegal currency exchange and voice phishing -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it held a financial education program for international students on March 3 at the auditorium of the Chungwoon University’s Incheon Campus in cooperation with Shinhan Bank. The aim of the program was to foster a more foreigner-friendly environment, helping Incheon move closer to becoming a top global city.Currently, around 169,000 foreign residents live in Incheon, ranking fourth* nationwide in terms of foreign resident population.*Number of foreign residents (as of November 2024): Gyeonggi-do: 845,074, Seoul: 450,888, Chuncheongnam-do: 169,245, Incheon: 169,219)According to data from the Financial Supervisory Service, financial crimes targeting Korean nationals have declined due to stronger enforcement, while those targeting foreign residents in Korea have increased.The number of international student accounts reported in fraud cases rose from 141 in 2020 to 515 in 2021 and 1,267 in 2022.In particular, damage from illegal currency exchange transactions targeting foreign residents continues to occur. When foreigners transfer money to illegal currency brokers, the account may later receive funds related to voice phishing scams. In such cases, the account holder may face restrictions on financial transactions for up to three years, and a criminal record related to such activity could negatively affect visa extensions.To address these issues, Incheon signed a “Mutual Cooperation Agreement for Improving Living Conditions to Build a Global Top 10 City” with financial institutions—including Shinhan Bank and NongHyup Bank—last November and has been promoting financial education for foreign residents through public–private cooperation.The training program covered basic financial information, introducing ways to open a bank account, using debit cards and ATMs, ut

- Sharing cases using AI and IoT, as well as strengthening cooperation with local districts -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it held a district cooperation meeting on the prevention and management of lonely deaths and social isolation on March 3 to share the central government’s policy directions for expansion and discuss key issues.The increase in single-person households has led to intensified concerns about lonely deaths and social isolation, highlighting the growing need for policies that both prevent and respond to these challenges. In response, Incheon launched the Loneliness Care Bureau in January this year and established a Single-Person Household Support Team, creating a dedicated organizational structure responsible for the entire process—from prevention and identification to service connection and ongoing care.The meeting was chaired by the head of the City’s Loneliness Care Bureau and attended by department heads from Incheon and its district governments. Participants discussed policy directions and cooperative measures for preventing lonely deaths and social isolation. Attendees shared the current status of related programs, reviewed cooperation matters related to the operation of the Lonely Death Crisis Response System and listened to presentations of best practices and policy suggestions from districts and counties.In particular, the city government reviewed the operation of the Lonely Death Crisis Response System—introduced and implemented in 2026—and requested active cooperation from local districts to ensure that at-risk or socially isolated individuals are identified and connected with services within the intensive operation period (January 20–March 31).Given the rising importance of preventing and managing social isolation using information and communication technologies (ICT), such as AI and IoT, the city government also shared successful cases related to its Care Plug service, introduced in 2021, and A

- Service begins February 28, connecting Gangnam station and Yangjae Flower Market to improve access to Seoul -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that at 2 PM on February 27, an opening ceremony was held in the plaza inside ePyeonhansesang Yeongjong Sky City in Yeongjong International City for the metropolitan express (M) bus route M6463, which connects Yeongjong International City with the Gangnam area of Seoul.The ceremony was hosted by the bus operator Mirae Bus Co., Ltd., and attended by members of the National Assembly representing the area, Incheon City Council members, officials from Incheon City and Jung-gu, as well as local residents, who gathered to celebrate the launch of the new metropolitan express bus service.Route M6463 begins at ePyeonhansesang Yeongjong Sky City, passes through Unseo Station, the Incheon International Airport Expressway, and Olympic-daero, and then connects to the areas around Gangnam Station and the Yangjae Flower Market. Full service will begin on February 28, with the first bus departing at 5 AM.The new route is the second metropolitan express bus line connecting Yeongjong International City and Seoul’s Gangnam area, following the launch of route M6462 in December 2024. The service is expected to further strengthen access to Seoul for Yeongjong residents and improve conditions for long-distance commuters.At the initial stage of the service, three buses will run on the route, including two regular buses and one chartered bus, given current vehicle supply conditions. Based on future passenger demand and vehicle availability, the number of buses will increase in phases.With the opening of the route, Incheon plans to gradually expand the metropolitan transport network serving Yeongjong and continue improving mobility convenience resident’s daily lives. Building on Incheon’s semi-public management system for metropolitan buses, the city will improve service stability and operating quality. In cooperation w

- 12 local universities participate in sharing 2025 innovation outcomes -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 26, the city held the Incheon RISE Results Sharing Conference at Songdo Convensia, attended by around 200 participants from Incheon, local universities, and related institutions.The conference provided a platform to share the first-year (2025) outcomes from the Regional Innovation-led University Support System (RISE) project, which brings together 12 universities in the Incheon region. The event also aimed to spread outstanding practices from each university.Held under the theme “Incheon RISE – Results of Innovation, Promising for the Future”, the conference was hosted by Incheon City with Incheon Technopark serving as the organizer. The program included the 2025 RISE awards for contributors, a report on the progress of Incheon’s RISE initiative, presentations of best practices from each university, and an exhibition of results.During the first session, awards were presented to 10 contributors who supported the stable establishment and activation of Incheon RISE over the past year. In the following session, Director General Shin Seung-yeol of the city’s Planning and Coordination Office delivered a presentation titled “Progress and Future Direction of Incheon’s RISE Initiative”, sharing the regional innovation foundation and key outcomes built through cooperation between the city and local universities.During the second half of the conference, 12 universities participating in Incheon RISE presented best practices that reflect the characteristics and strengths of each institution while introducing regional innovation models that connect local government, industry, and academia.Major examples included Gachon University’s “Digital Job Transition for Working Nurses,” Inha University’s “Moduin Platform for Talent Development,” Inha Technical College’s “Virtuous Cycle Industry–Academia Cooperat

- Participation by the private sector and experts supports policy sustainability through advisory input on the management and operation of the 1,000 Won Happiness FundIncheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 25, the city established the “2026 First 1,000 Won Happiness Fund Operations Review Committee” and held its inaugural deliberation meeting, along with an appointment ceremony.The committee consists of ten members, with the Administrative Vice Mayor serving as chair. The group includes three ex-official members, one member of the Incheon City Council, and five other experts from academia and related fields.The 1,000 Won Happiness Fund was created to secure financial resources that support the stable implementation of Incheon’s flagship livelihood policy, the 1,000 Won Policy. The committee will provide advice on the efficient management and operation of the fund.Incheon has designated this year as the first year of fund formation and will prepare a financial base that includes private donations. At the same time, the city plans to identify new projects that strengthen the effectiveness of the 1,000 Won Policy, thereby increasing the extent to which residents can feel its impact.At the first deliberation meeting held that day, the committee reviewed the overall operating plan for the 1000 Won Happiness Fund. The 1,000 Won Happiness Fund has been established to ensure the stable implementation of Incheon’s flagship 1,000 Won Policy and to support systematic planning and the identification of follow-up initiatives.Based on the committee’s deliberations, the fund will be used to select subsequent 1,000 Won Policies and to support their implementation.Incheon Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Ha Byeong-pil stated, “We will continue to identify 1,000 Won initiatives that residents can feel in their daily lives. Our goal is for the policy to take firm root, helping build a city where KRW 1,000 is enough and where happi

- Incheon Metropolitan Government, the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (Incheon Regional Federation), and Incheon Technopark sign cooperation agreement -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 25, a business agreement titled “Agreement to Revitalize the Incheon Science and Technology Network” was signed with the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies and its Incheon Regional Federation, as well as with Incheon Technopark.This agreement serves as a follow-up measure that provides institutional support for the operational foundation of the Incheon Science and Technology Innovation Network (i-connect). The network was launched in October last year with the participation of 14 institutions.Up to now, exchanges in regional science and technology have been run separately by institution or project. This structure has limited efforts to build a permanent cooperation system. As a result, the need for a sustainable cooperation platform led by researchers has been repeatedly raised. Since the launch of the network, the city has secured a budget for related projects. Based on this, the city will now begin full-scale efforts to build a cooperative foundation that supports stable operations and tangible outcomes.Under this agreement, the parties will cooperate in several areas, including laying the foundation for revitalizing the network, strengthening Incheon’s science, technology, and RD competitiveness, promoting regular exchanges among local science and technology professionals, and organizing joint seminars and forums.In particular, network operations led by the private sector are expected to expand opportunities for local science and technology professionals to participate in policymaking, while also yielding practical outcomes such as joint research planning and the identification of linked projects.Director General of the Future Industry Bureau Lee Nam-joo stated, “If the launch of the network

- Living-based services, including free medical care every Sunday, and community spaces -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 25, it held an opening ceremony for a new branch of the Incheon Foreign Resident Support Center and will begin the full-scale provision of living-based support services to help foreign residents settle more stably in the local community.The opening of the branch stems from the settlement support agreement for foreign residents that the city and Hana Bank signed in October last year. The project has been made possible through Hana Bank’s Culture Bank social contribution program. Hana Bank will provide vacant space free of charge, while Incheon will use the space to operate comprehensive support services for foreign residents.Around 170,000 foreign residents currently live in Incheon, serving as key members of the community across industry, the economy, and culture. However, many foreign residents still experience difficulties during settlement due to differences in language, systems, and access to everyday information.In response, the Incheon Support Center for Foreign Residents plans to expand settlement support programs, including Korean language education. The branch will also promote projects that improve daily convenience for foreign residents and strengthen connections with the local community, such as providing free medical services every Sunday and operating a multipurpose community space. In addition, public communication activities that encourage respect for cultural diversity and improve public awareness will receive support.Incheon Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Ha Byeong-pil stated, “The branch is the result of joint efforts by Incheon City and the private sector to move one step closer to the daily lives of foreign residents.” He added, “It will serve as a reliable base in daily life that supports settlement in daily life and as a channel that connects foreign residents with

-Appointment Ceremony and First Deliberation Meeting Held… Discussed Development Plans for Yeokgol and Sinteuri Neighborhood Parks-Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it newly formed the ‘11th Urban Park Committee’ on February 20 at the video conference room of Incheon City Hall, holding both the appointment ceremony and the first deliberation meeting.The 11th Urban Park Committee was reconstituted following the expiration of the 10th committee's term in January. The committee comprises 18 members: 2 public officials, 1 city council member, and 15 experts in fields such as parks and landscaping, urban planning, and environment/ecology.Notably, to ensure continuity and enhance expertise in committee operations, one city council member and six private-sector members were newly appointed, while the remaining nine members were reappointed to maintain stability in existing policy direction.Over the next two years, the committee will set the mid-to-long-term direction for Incheon's park and green space policies and provide consultation and deliberation on various park development plans.At the first meeting held immediately after the appointment ceremony, in-depth discussions and QA sessions took place regarding the ▲Initial Plan for Yeokgol Neighborhood Park Development and the ▲Revised Plan for Sinteuri Neighborhood Park Development. The agenda items were approved after reflecting the diverse opinions of the committee members.Yoo Kwang-jo, Director of the City's Urban Balance Bureau (Committee Chair), stated, “The expertise and experience of the committee members will play a crucial role in creating a dignified green city that meets citizens' expectations,” adding, “We request your active participation and valuable insights to help Incheon's park and green space policies take a significant leap forward.”