News
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Incheon offering up to KRW 10.30 million in subsidies for each electric passenger vehicle
City investing a total of KRW 136 billion to add 12,429 electric vehicles to its roads Incheon is now accepting applications (from February 21) for the “2023 Electric Vehicle Project” which offers a subsidy to each newly purchased electric vehicle to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles. ▲ Incheon is now accepting applications (from February 21) for the “2023 Electric Vehicle Project” which offers a subsidy to each newly purchased electric vehicle to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles. The City will invest a total of KRW 136 billion, including KRW 88.1 billion from the central government, with the goal of putting 12,429 electric vehicles on its roads this year. By vehicle type, Incheon is hoping to add 10,080 electric passenger vehicles, 2,227 electric trucks, and 122 electric buses across either the first half or second half of the year. Electric vehicle subsidies (including government and city subsidies) will be available on a sliding scale depending on vehicle performance (fuel economy/energy consumption, range), etc. The maximum subsidy per vehicle has been confirmed at KRW 10.30 million for an electric passenger vehicle, KRW 18 million for an electric truck (small), and KRW 80 million for an electric bus (large). However, in the case of passenger vehicles, cars with a recommended consumer price of KRW 85 million or more will not be eligible for the subsidy. Also, electric taxis will get KRW 2 million in national (central government) subsidies, whereas lower-income households and low-income households will get 10% of the national subsidy when buying a small electric passenger vehicle or 20% when buying a micro electric passenger vehicle. An additional KRW 500,000in national subsidy will be offered to promote the use of micro electric vehicles as well. Small business owners or lower-income/low-income families will get 30% of the national subsidy when purchasing an electric truck, and an additional KRW 5 million when purchasing an electric bus
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- 2023-03-07
- 담당부서
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Incheon senior care initiative including hospitals now available to 65 and over residents on basic pension
9,000 more residents, including seniors living in Yeongjongdo and residents under customized care programs, could benefit from the initiative With Incheon’s senior care initiative featuring local hospitals selected by the “Residents’ Participatory Budget System,” the City Government plans on expanding its scope to cover more local residents. This senior care initiative, which began as a pilot project in 2022, will become a full-fledged program available across more districts in Incheon. The number of beneficiaries of the initiative is expected to reach 9,000 this year thanks to a lower eligible age (from 70 to 65, eligible seniors must be on basic pension support), and the inclusion of previously in eligible senior citizens (Yeongjongdo residents and seniors under customized care programs). The senior care initiative offered in collaboration with local hospitals is a one-stop service that helps the elderly access hospitals, including volunteers to transport them to and from hospitals, help seniors register at kiosks available at hospitals, and assist them with paying at hospitals. Eligible seniors can apply at their nearest Administrative and Welfare Center or their local Volunteer Center. Seniors must use local hospital-level medical institutions within Incheon’s jurisdiction on weekdays only (service unavailable on weekends and public holidays) and travel either by taxi or in a car driven by a volunteer for free. Volunteers are given a flatrate of KRW 20,000 if they use their own vehicles to transport seniors. As for taxis, Incheon will cover the actual fare paid. Yeongjongdo residents, however, will get an additional KRW 10,000 given its geographical limitations (toll fares are also subsidized). The initiative is a form of senior care network using volunteers, and is significant because it not only reduces labor costs, but also lays the groundwork for ordinary citizens to help solve issues their local communities are facing. In fact, compared to simila
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- 2023-03-07
- 담당부서
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Incheon pushing hard for stricter control over its water resources to provide cleaner tap water
Incheon establishes a comprehensive plan for eight water quality controls by 2023 Tap water in Incheon is about to get much cleaner. The Incheon Waterworks Headquarters is looking to establish a comprehensive water quality control plan in 2023 to develop a management system optimized for water purifying facilities. The new system will help Incheon control different aspects of its water resources, develop the capacity of technicians tasked with controlling the City’s water quality, and assess/evaluate facilities to keep water under stable control. ▲ The Incheon Waterworks Headquarters is looking to establish a comprehensive water quality control plan in 2023 to develop a management system optimized for water purifying facilities. The new system will help Incheon control different aspects of its water resources, develop the capacity of technicians tasked with controlling the City’s water quality, and assess/evaluate facilities to keep water under stable control. The image is a full view of the Waterworks Headquarters. This latest comprehensive plan from the Incheon Waterworks Headquarters includes a management system for each facet of water quality control, including the management of tap water production, water intake, and water supply, as well as strategies to improve public trust in tap water and encourage input from experts in policy decisions made by the City. The City will also establish a management plan for specific points of the year to help respond to changing water quality and remove algae, small organisms, etc. at the source, and a separate water quality management plan covering parts of the year where risk exposure to the City’s water resources grows such as holidays, the rainy season, and winter season to eliminate any dips in Incheon’s water quality throughout the entire year. ▲ Incheon Waterworks Headquarters will strengthen water quality inspections from the source to faucets at homes, and disclose the results to the Tap Water Evaluation
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- 2023-03-07
- 담당부서
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Incheon offering subsidy of KRW 3,700 for cars traveling on the top deck of Yeongjong Bridge
Yeongjong, Yongyu, and Bukdo-myeon (Ongjin-gun) residents only pay KRW 2,900 The subsidy currently available for Yeongjong, Yongyu, and Bukdo-myeon (Ongjin-gun) residents using the Airport Expressway to get to and from their homes is set to get a major upgrade. Starting on October 1 this year, Incheon will offer a subsidy worth KRW 3,700 in toll fees for vehicles registered to residents of Yeongjong, Yongyu, and Bukdo-myeon using the Incheon International Airport Expressway (Incheon Airport Toll Gate). A full fare costs KRW 6,600 per vehicle. Previously, a subsidy was given only to vehicles traveling to and from Incheon using the lower deck of Yeongjong Bridge, but from October, the offer will cover vehicles traveling to and from other regions, including Seoul, using the upper deck. ▲ The subsidy for cars traveling on Yeongjong Bridge’s upper deck was a pledge made by the Mayor last September during his visit to Yeongjongdo. The KRW 3,700 subsidy for cars driving on the upper deck of the Bridge means locals only have to pay KRW 2,900out of pocket. The subsidy for cars traveling on Yeongjong Bridge’s upper deck was a pledge made by the Mayor last September during his visit to Yeongjongdo. The KRW 3,700 subsidy for cars driving on the upper deck of the Bridge means locals only have to pay KRW 2,900out of pocket, which is on par with public expressways. With this new subsidy in place, local residents will no longer have to go through the hassle of usingthe Cheongna Interchange and getting on the lower deck of Yeongjong Bridge (via Bukincheon Toll Gate) to make sure they get the subsidy. Moreover, the subsidy is expected to help alleviate peak-hour traffic congestion caused by vehicles entering and exiting the Cheongna Interchange. In addition to this new subsidy, Incheon is pushing to install the first-ever Hi-Pass system in Korea exclusively designed to automatically deduct the subsidy from toll fares paid by locals. Currently, getting the subsidy requires the
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- 2023-03-07
- 담당부서
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Incheon developing tourism products to capture the hearts of transiting travelers and cruise liner passengers
12 cruise ships set sail for Incheon in March, helping the city’s overseas tourism industry recover faster The Incheon Metropolitan City Government and Incheon Tourism Organization are working together to develop intriguing new tourism products aimed at travelers either transiting through Incheon or sailing into the City on cruise liners. The strategy is to target the rapidly recovering market for inbound international travelers arriving in Incheon, promote some of the City’s major tourism resources, and prepare for future travelers by raising awareness of Incheon as a travel destination. Starting on March 19, a dozen cruise liners carrying 18,100 passengers are scheduled to arrive in Incheon, and major international airlines have announced their flight plans for this upcoming summer, which could reach upwards of 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Prospects of a major infusion of international travelers to Incheon are driving the inbound tourism market forward to a full recovery. ▲ The Incheon Metropolitan City Government and Incheon Tourism Organization are working together to develop intriguing new tourism products aimed at travelers transiting through Incheon or sailing into the City on cruise liners. Starting on March 19, a dozen cruise liners carrying 18,100 passengers are scheduled to arrive in Incheon, and major international airlines have announced their flight plans for this upcoming summer, which could reach upwards of 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Prospects of a major infusion of international travelers to Incheon are driving the inbound tourism market forward to a full recovery. Tourism in ports of call and transit cities, i.e. not the final destination for travelers, are often hamstrung by the fact that most travelers have only a few hours to spend in the city. Naturally, its share of the overall tourism market could seem rather unimpressive. Yet, it could have a massive impact in the future demand for tourism. In fact, analysis suggests that the ports of
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- 2023-03-07
- 담당부서
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Freezing public utility rates in the first half of this year, Incheon aggressive in coping with skyrocketing prices
Prices frozen for seven utility sectors, including city gas and public transportation... Discounts expected on the new sewerage rates during the first half of the year as well The Incheon Metropolitan City Government has made the decision to freeze public utility charges managed by the City in the first half of this year in order to ease the burden on its citizens suffering from the effects of a slower economy and skyrocketing prices. This decision is particularly note worthy as it comes on the heels of Seoul deciding to up its taxi fares and other utility rates. Incheon currently remains the only municipality to freeze its utility costs. ▲ The Incheon Metropolitan City Government has made the decision to freeze public utility charges managed by the City in the first half of this year in order to ease the burden on its citizens suffering from the effects of a slower economy and skyrocketingprices. Image of Incheon’s public transportation system. An official from the Incheon Metropolitan City Government said, “Although it will put pressure on the City’s finances, we made the decision to freeze all public utilities charges managed by the City in the first half of the year.” The official added, “This decision is aimed at stabilizing our local economy and relieving the anxiety building across the city and at-risk communities by keeping public utility rates, which are important pillars of our lives, as steady as possible.” The City believes that this decision will reduce the financial pressure on its citizens to the tune of KRW18.9 billion in City bus fares and KRW 5 billion in subway fares. Inparticular, sewerage rates, which the City had raised on January 1 of this year, will remain on a discount during the first half of the year, and this is expected to help Incheon ease the burden on its citizens caused by higher utility charges. Moreover, regarding hikes to the water and City gas bills that have been postponed to the second half of the year, the plan
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- 2023-02-22
- 담당부서
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Sartorius AG of Germany begins construction of biopharmaceutical production and research plant in Songdo
Plans to produce disposable products, cell culture media, pharmaceutical filters, etc. The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced on February 14 that Sartorius Korea Operations, the Korean branch of German biopharmaceutical supply company Sartorius AG, began construction of its production and research facilities in Songdo International City. The company, 100% invested by global corporation Sartorius AG, acquired its construction permit last month and aims to open its facilities, located inside the Songdo High-tech Industrial Cluster (B) industrial site (211-1, Songdo-dong, total area of 24,434 ㎡ ), for business sometime during the second half of 2025. ▲ The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced that Sartorius Korea Operations, a German biopharmaceutical raw material supplier, began construction of its production and research facilities in Songdo International City on February 14.Bird's-eyeview of Sartorius Korea Operations. Back in 2021, the company announced an investment worth USD 300 million in Songdo, and signed a land sale agreement with the Incheon Metropolitan City Government and the IFEZ Authority in October of last year for the construction of Sartorius’ biopharmaceutical core raw materials manufacturing and research facilities. The company plans on producing disposable bags, cell culture media, pharmaceutical filters, etc. at this facility, and ultimately grow Songdo into its base for global exporting operations. Moreover, Sartorius plans to promote RD and training programs in the field of biopharmaceutical processing to transfer its technology to thelocal industry and ensure shared growth across related industries. Established in Germany in 1870, Sartorius is the worldwide leader in bio research and processing. It supplies products and equipment mostly used in life science research and processes, and it offers related technical services as well. Sartorius operates production facilities, research centers, sales, education, logistics
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- 2023-02-22
- 담당부서
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Laundry pick-up and drop-off service for at-risk seniors over the age of 65
“Gonggam” laundry service to continue, administrative offices (Gu level) and welfare centers to take applications throughout the year In 2023, the Incheon Metropolitan City Government will continue its “Gonggam” laundry service forsenior citizens aged 65 and older living on basic livelihood security payments. This visiting laundry service is a unique initiative offered by the City since 2018 to support at-risk seniors and severely disabled citizens receiving basic livelihood support, and at the same time, it creates jobs and income for other disabled workers and “self-recovering” workers looking to earn a living. Incheon will receive applications from the Administrative Welfare Centers across eight of its Gu districts, and provide services by selecting applicants mostly from the at-risk cohort of the population, including senior citizens aged 65 or older, the severely disabled, and people living in doss houses. ▲In 2023, the Incheon Metropolitan City Government will continue its “Gonggam” laundry service forsenior citizens aged 65 and older living on basic livelihood security payments.This visiting laundry service (laundry pick-up and drop-off) is a unique initiative offered by the City since 2018 to support at-risk seniors and severely disabled citizens receiving basic livelihood support, and at the sametime, it creates jobs and income for other disabled workers and recovering workers looking to earn a living. The visiting laundry service will support up to KRW 100,000 for a single-person household, KRW 130,000 for at wo-person household, and KRW 150,000 for a household of three or more persons in laundry expenses. The list of washable items (11 items) includes duvets(microfiber duvets, duck down duvets, etc.), blankets, pads, mattress covers, cold-weather jackets, and curtains. Each Gu district office or Administrative Welfare Center near your place of residence will take and review applications, then collect, wash, and deliver laundry for eligi
- Date
- 2023-02-22
- 담당부서
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2,000 tourists from Taiwan and Thailand coming to Incheon in the first half
Incentive travel programs sending tourists to Gyeongwonjae in Songdo, Geumpung Brewery in Ganghwa With multiple incentive travel programs in Taiwan and Thailand sending employees on trips to Korea, combined with the easing of travel restrictions put in place to keep COVID-19 under control, Incheon is expecting an infusion of much-needed fresh blood into its tourism and MICE industries. ▲More than 2,000 tourists fromTaiwan and Thailand will travel to Incheon by June this year on incentive travel programs. Starting on February 19, a total of 350 executives and employees from a major Taiwanese automaker, divided into more than ten different groups, will visit Incheon. All groups will stay at the Gyeongwonjae Hotel (5-star) in Songdo, and their itinerary will include trips to the Geumpung Brewery, a Makgeolli factory and visitor’s center in Ganghwa.Hyundai Cruise dinner banquet The Incheon Metropolitan City Government and Incheon Tourism Organization announced that more than 2,000 tourists from Taiwan and Thailand will travel to Incheon by June this year on incentive travel programs. Starting on February 19, a total of 350 executives and employees from a major Taiwanese automaker, divided into more than ten different groups, will visit Incheon. All groups will stay at the Gyeongwonjae Hotel (5-star) in Songdo, and their itinerary will include trips to the Geumpung Brewery, a Makgeolli factory and visitor’s center in Ganghwa. Then, in June, more than 400 executives and employees from a Taiwanese health food company will visit a host of unique venues (venues for unique MICE events) in Incheon, and host their own event on board a Hyundai cruise ship. From April to June, 1,300 or so executives and employees of a Thai global marketing company and grocery company are scheduled to visit Incheon as well. Tourists from both companies will stay at a hotel in Incheon for 3 nights, and visit tourist attractions, including the Wolmi Sea Train and Ganghwa Jeondeungsa Temple, w
- Date
- 2023-02-22
- 담당부서
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Incheon's urban forest project delivers “eye-opening” results
New urban forest prevents heat build-up and heat waves in the city, and also blocks out traffic noise The urban forest project launched by Incheon as a countermeasure against climate change appears to be delivering some promising results in terms of mitigating heat build-up and reducing dust particulates polluting the city. Results from the Urban Forest Functionality Survey done by the Incheon Health and Environment Research Institute (Incheon HER) revealed that urban forests had higher amounts of phytoncide and anions than the urban control group, while keeping temperature and ambient noise levels lower than the control group. The Incheon HER studied eight urban forests from May to October, including forests in Freedom Park, SubongPark, Cheongnyangsan Forest Recreation Park, Songdo Sunrise Park, Jungang Park,Hambong Park, Gyeyang Park, and Cheongna Lake Park for its Urban Forest Functionality Survey. ▲ Quoting results from its Urban Forest Functionality Survey, the Incheon Health and Environment Research Institute (Incheon HER) revealed that urban forests had higher amounts of phytoncide and anions than the urban control group, while keeping temperature and ambient noise levels lower than the control group. Image of the “Urban Wind Forest Groundbreaking Ceremony” at Sungui Station on the Suin Line in Michuhol-gu (2021). Monthly measurements of eight different phytoncides, anions, ambient noise levels, temperature, and humidity, the average concentration of phytoncide in eight urban forests was 259pptv, which was 3.1 times higher than the control location at 84pptv. As for temperature and humidity, the temperature was 2.9℃ lower on average, whereas humidity was 12.3% higher than the control location, meaning the urban forests were indeed effective in improving the thermal environment in the city center. Anionic water and ambient noise levels were 2 times higher on average and 8.5dB lower, respectively, compared to the control location. Overall, the results
- Date
- 2023-02-14
- 담당부서