-2025: Successively Hosting Major International Events Across Climate, Economy, Culture, and Peace-In 2025, Incheon emerged as a city the world watched.Major international events in diverse fields—climate change response, global economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and peace promotion—were held consecutively, establishing Incheon as a representative global city within the world, beyond Korea.This year alone, 18 international events were hosted in Incheon, each showcasing the city's innovation, cooperation, and sustainable future vision.Climate and Environment Sector: Steps Toward a Sustainable CityIncheon played a central role on the international stage in responding to the climate crisis.At the ‘12th International Climate Finance and Industry Conference (September 30, Songdo Convensia)’, representatives from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the World Bank, and UN agencies participated to explore industrial solutions for the carbon-neutral era under the theme ‘Just Transition and Strengthening Climate Resilience’.Additionally, the ‘5th International Low Carbon City Forum (August 25, UN Conference Center, Bangkok)’, the ‘Incheon International Environmental Technology Conpex (October 15-16, Songdo Convensia)’, and the ‘International Eco-Friendly Plastics Conference (September 17-18, Songdo Convensia)’.Notably, the Environmental Technology Conpex was selected for the ‘Global K-Convention Fostering Project’, securing national funding for the next six years and elevating Incheon's status as an eco-friendly future city.Economy Industry Sector: A City Hand in Hand with the Global EconomyIncheon's international competitiveness also shone brightly in the industrial and economic sectors.The ‘2025 Asia Biotechnology Conference and International Conference of the Korean Society for Biotechnology’ held at the Grand Hyatt Incheon from September 23 to 27 gathered 3,000 scientists from over 40 countries to discuss the future of the bioeconomy. The '

- Realistic 3D maps accessible to all citizens starting January 2026 -- Innovative mapping service enhancing administrative efficiency, smart city competitiveness, and citizen convenience –Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced it will launch a nationwide first drone-based 3D map service in January 2026 to provide citizens with enhanced access to urban information and improved daily convenience.This project aims to elevate map service quality by conducting 3cm-grade high-resolution drone photography across most urban areas (excluding no-fly zones like the Five West Sea Islands, northern Ganghwa, and airport control zones), completing a realistic 3D model covering all 687 km² of Incheon.The constructed 3D map will be integrated into Incheon City's geographic information system upon project completion this November. Starting January 2026, it will operate as a public service accessible via the city's internal administrative network and directly by citizens. Selected demonstration videos and pilot results have already been showcased at exhibitions and Citizen's Day promotional booths, receiving evaluations that its quality rivals top-tier private mapping services like Google and Naver.Lee Cheol, Director of the City Planning Bureau, stated, “This project will dramatically enhance the service quality of Incheon's spatial information platform, maximizing administrative efficiency and further strengthening our smart city competitiveness.” He added, “Above all, by providing high-quality 3D map services that citizens can directly experience, public 3D maps will play a core role across diverse fields such as urban planning, disaster safety, tourism, and real estate.” 

-Tangible welfare in daily life—housing, culture, food—equitably accessible to all-Incheon City is realizing tangible welfare in daily life through the symbolic unit of ‘one thousand won,’ setting an exemplary model of inclusive governance that bridges generations and social classes.Indeed, in a September resident satisfaction survey by a polling agency, Incheon recorded 64.6%, a 1.6 percentage point increase from the previous month, ranking 5th among 17 metropolitan cities and provincial governments, proving itself a city growing alongside its citizens. Furthermore, it was analyzed as ranking 2nd in the October 2025 big data analysis of the Korea City Brand Reputation*.*Announced by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute: 1st Seoul, 2nd Incheon, 3rd BusanThe ‘Incheon-style 1,000 Won Policy,’ represented by initiatives like ‘1,000 Won Housing,’ '1,000 Won Delivery,‘ '1,000 Won Breakfast,’ and ‘1,000 Won Culture Tickets,’ is not merely about price reductions. It is a policy realizing Incheon as a fair city where all citizens have equal opportunities.It also stands as a prime example of shifting administrative focus from system-centered to citizen-centered outcomes. By enabling everyone to access core welfare services at the same cost, it is evaluated as a ‘local government-led living policy experiment’ that achieves horizontal equity beyond vertical equality in welfare.‘One thousand won’ is not merely an amount; it is a unit of trust Incheon extends to its citizens. While insufficient for even a cup of coffee, Incheon City is using this thousand won to materialize the message that ‘every citizen can fairly enjoy welfare.’Thousand Won Housing: Youth Settlement, Birth BeginsThrough the ‘Thousand Won Housing’ project targeting newlyweds and prospective newlyweds, Incheon City provides a stable living environment for up to 6 years at a rent of 1,000 won per day (30,000 won per month).The One-Thousand-Won Housing (purchas

- Total investment of 6.6 billion won… Strengthening regional competitiveness centered on university innovation and future industry workforce development -To enhance Incheon's future competitiveness, the city is expanding its Regional Innovation-Centered University System (i-RISE) project in line with the new government's national policy direction. This includes AI workforce development and ultra-regional projects.Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it held the Incheon RISE Committee meeting on October 24th and deliberated on key agenda items including: ▲Utilization Plan for the 2025 Incheon Metropolitan City Phase 2 RISE Project Funds ▲Revision of RISE Project Fund Execution and Management Standards (Draft) ▲Whether to Establish a RISE Expert Committee.* The Incheon RISE Committee was launched on December 18, 2024, and is the highest decision-making body for the RISE project, comprising 21 members including the Mayor, City Council members, university presidents, the Superintendent of Education, representatives from the economic and industrial sectors, and relevant institutions.A total of 6.6 billion won (5.5 billion won in national funds, 1.1 billion won in city funds) will be invested in this second phase. The utilization plan focuses on: ▲ Expanding new projects such as AI talent development, solving regional issues, and designing ultra-regional projects ▲ Strengthening existing initiatives by increasing budgets for Incheon's flagship projects and ongoing programs ▲Strengthening universities' self-sustaining innovation capabilities by expanding participation opportunities for smaller institutions.Incheon City plans to conduct an additional call for RISE project participation among local universities in November. It will select participating universities through a fair and transparent process using a Selection Evaluation Committee composed of experts from academia, industry, and research institutions.Specifically, it plans

-World Korean Business Leaders Conference Held in Incheon from the 27th to the 30th-The 29th World Korean Business Convention and the 2025 Korea Business Expo Incheon will be held at Songdo Convensia in Incheon from the 27th to the 30th of this month.Incheon City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) was selected as the host city following an on-site inspection after applying to host the event last August. It was recognized for its △excellent international accessibility △diverse industries and infrastructure △international business environment and rich event experience.This event is the largest international economic gathering held since the Overseas Koreans Foundation opened in Incheon, with approximately 2,000 participants expected, including overseas Korean businesspeople, international buyers, and domestic entrepreneurs.Centered on the theme ‘Globalization of the Korean Economic Network and Sustainable Cooperation,’ the conference will feature diverse programs including △Trade Committee Meetings △Export Consultations △Investment Promotion Briefings △Global Startup Competition △Global Job Fair △Cultural Performances. It is expected to serve as a platform connecting the global capabilities of overseas Korean businesspeople with the competitiveness of domestic industries.Significance of Hosting the World Korean Economic Conference in IncheonHosting this World Korean Economic Conference in Incheon holds significant meaning in three aspects.First, it demonstrates tangible achievements in overseas Korean policies.Since the opening of the Overseas Koreans Agency in June 2023, Incheon City has laid diverse foundations to leap forward as the ‘central city for overseas Korean policies’ and the ‘hub city for the Korean network’.It has pursued core tasks such as establishing a business hub for overseas Koreans, attracting foreign investment, and expanding global employment opportunities for youth. As a result, it successfully secured the hosting rights for the

-Shorter intervals starting October 27... New M-Bus routes to Yeongjong and Songdo also in the works-Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that starting October 27, it will add three buses each to the M6457 and M6660 express routes. These routes run between Geomam Station Royal Park City Prugio 1 Complex and Geomdan Elementary School in Seo-gu, Incheon, and Seoul's Gangnam Station and Guro Digital Complex Station, respectively. This expansion will reduce the interval between buses.This expansion aims to reduce commuting times to central Seoul for residents of the Geomdan New Town and enhance transportation convenience. The M6457 route, opened in May 2024, connects ‘Geomam Station Royal Park City ~ Gangnam Station’ without transfers, while the M6660 route, opened this August, connects ‘Geomdan Elementary School ~ Guro Digital Complex Station’ without transfers.Initially, due to transportation worker recruitment issues, the M6457 operated only 3 out of 10 licensed buses (with a dispatch interval of 60-80 minutes), and the M6660 route operated only 4 out of 10 licensed buses (with a 50-70 minute interval). However, through close consultation between Incheon City and the transport companies, an additional 3 buses each were deployed, significantly reducing the interval. This is expected to make commuting to Seoul much more convenient for Geomdan residents.Incheon City plans to continue working closely with transport companies to promptly increase the number of buses operating not only the Metropolitan Express Bus (M-Bus) but also the Direct Seat Metropolitan Bus, striving continuously to enhance citizens' transportation convenience and improve their living environment.Furthermore, the city is continuing its cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Metropolitan Area Transport Committee to open a new Metropolitan Express Bus (M-Bus) route connecting Yeongjong and Songdo to Seoul.* (Planned New Routes) ➊(Starting Po

- Enjoy an Autumn Stroll in the City Center During the Chuseok Holiday at Incheon Grand Park -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the Incheon Grand Park Management Office will operate the park normally during the Chuseok holiday and has completed preparations to welcome visitors with autumn flowers in full bloom.The Incheon Grand Park Office plants diverse flowers suited to each season, allowing citizens to enjoy the park's changing charm throughout the year. It provides a pleasant resting space through regular maintenance and environmental upkeep.This autumn's flower planting features red spider lilies, cosmos, and crape myrtles as the main attractions. They add vibrant colors and liveliness throughout the park, offering citizens a rich autumn landscape.Around the lake, spider lilies are in full bloom, while cosmos and crape myrtles blossom brightly in the Harmony Garden, heightening the autumnal atmosphere. Autumn flower beds throughout the park offer citizens the chance to directly experience the changing seasons.The tree-lined paths, now tinged with yellow and red leaves, allow strolling citizens to experience the autumn scenery. Walking amidst the fallen leaves scattered here and there lets one feel the deepening seasonal mood.The Eoul Grand Plaza and Culture Plaza host various events every weekend, providing entertainment for citizens. The scenery, harmonized with seasonal flowers, has also gained popularity as a photo spot.Incheon Grand Park will remain open as usual during the Chuseok holiday period. However, the Arboretum, a park viewing facility, will be closed from the 5th to the 7th, and the Children's Zoo will be closed on Chuseok Day itself.An official from the Incheon Grand Park Management Office stated, “It is the perfect place to enjoy the scent of autumn within the city and relax with family,” adding, “We hope many citizens will visit during the Chuseok holiday period to share in the festive atmosphere together.”

-Applies to all vehicles on 341 city bus routes and over 2,600 buses starting September 30-Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced it will provide real-time (high-precision) bus location services via KakaoMap starting September 30.Citizens can easily access the service by activating the ‘High-Precision Bus’ feature in the menu bar (≡) next to the top search bar on KakaoMap's home screen.This service features real-time bus location tracking on a map alongside estimated arrival times. This allows users to directly monitor bus movements affected by traffic lights or congestion, alleviating the inconvenience and frustration citizens have experienced and significantly enhancing the reliability of bus operation information.The service covers the entire city of Incheon, encompassing all 2,600 vehicles across 341 city bus routes.The head of the Transportation Information Operations Division stated, “The implementation of the real-time (high-precision) bus location service will provide citizens with more accurate and reliable public transportation information,” adding, “We will continue to actively utilize cutting-edge technology to drive tangible transportation innovations that citizens can experience.” 

- Recognized for expanding flexible work in core industries... Leading the way in creating youth-friendly job environments -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced it won the top prize in the Outstanding Project category at the ‘2025 National Local Government Job Awards Ceremony’ held on September 8.The ‘Outstanding Project Category’ award, which Incheon received, recognizes local governments' regional job creation initiatives implemented throughout 2024, selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of creativity and employment generation effects.Incheon secured the top honor for its successful implementation of the “Project to Introduce and Expand Flexible Work Practices in Root Industries.” This initiative aimed to improve the rigid corporate culture prevalent across root industries.※ Root Industries: Industries producing parts or finished products using foundational manufacturing process technologies such as casting, molding, forming, welding, surface treatment, and heat treatment. These are core sectors supporting the competitiveness of Korea's key industries like automotive, shipbuilding, and IT.As of 2023, Incheon has 30,869 manufacturing businesses employing 246,065 workers. Among these, root industries comprise 5,861 businesses (18.9%) and 63,594 workers (25.8%).While the root industries form a major industrial cluster within manufacturing, the phenomenon of young people avoiding manufacturing is intensifying. Consequently, the number of young workers aged 30 and under is decreasing annually, while the proportion of older workers aged 50 and above is increasing. This is leading to a shortage of skilled labor and a weakening of industrial competitiveness.According to the Korea Labor Institute's “2024 Youth Employment Trends Survey,” young people prioritize wages, benefits, and work-life balance when choosing a job. They particularly view special leave (38.5%), flexible work arrangements (35.4%), and remote work (31.1%) as e

- Over 3,000 participants from 40+ countries… Strengthening its status as a global bio-leading city -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and Incheon Tourism Organization successfully hosted the '2025 Asian Federation of Biotechnology Congress and International Conference of the Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (KSBB-AFOB Conference) held at the Incheon Grand Hyatt from September 23 to 27.This conference, jointly hosted by the Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (KSBB) and the Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB) to commemorate KSBB's 40th anniversary, opened a platform for sharing international research achievements and industrial exchange under the theme “Frontiers in Bio-Manufacturing: Shaping a Sustainable Bioeconomy.”Notably, Incheon City operated four customized tourism programs for approximately 200 key foreign participants: ▲ Songdo Bio Cluster Industrial Tour ▲ Bio City Exploration ▲ Smart City Tour ▲ Port Opening Site History Tour ▲ Well-Medi Tour, achieving high participant satisfaction.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “The successful hosting of this KSBB-AFOB conference has further strengthened our status as a global bio-leading city,” adding, “We will continue to support attracting and successfully hosting international conferences to broaden opportunities for international academic and industrial exchange and establish ourselves as a world-class conference city.”