The 5th Regional Economic Cooperation Joint Committee Meeting Held to Announce 13 Agenda Incheon and Weihai of China, which are the pilot areas for the South Korea and China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), continue their economic cooperation. Incheon held the 5th Regional Economic Cooperation Joint Committee meeting in the new city hall building with the delegation from the city of Weihai, China, on the 5th. After the signing of the South Korea and China Free Trade Agreement in June 2015, Incheon and Weihai has been designated as the pilot areas for the said free trade agreement and, in July of the same year, signed the Agreement on Strengthening the Regional Economic Cooperation between Incheon and Weihai. After the signing of this agreement, the two cities selected seven areas with a total of 41 key projects, covering trade, e-commerce, tourism, and sports, etc., signing further agreements for the subsectors and having been engaged invarious pilot programs. Until now, the two cities have been discussing how they would strengthen their economic cooperation and the meeting today was the fifth meeting of the committee. Due to the spread of COVID-19, the meeting was conducted online. ▲ Incheon held the 5th Regional Economic Cooperation Joint Committee meeting with the delegation from Weihai, China, in the new city hall building on 5th. Until now, the two cities have been discussing the strategies to strengthen their cooperation, and the meeting held on that day was the fifth of meeting of the committee. The meeting was attended by the officials from eight departments of Incheon, including the Department of Industrial Promotion of Incheon and ten related departments of Weihai, including the Commerce Department, to announce the thirteen proposed projects covering trade, logistics, intellectual property rights, health, medicine, and tourism, etc., and discussed the promotion strategies for each of these areas. Especially, for the first time since the beginning of the meet

Seaside Park will feature state-of-the-art multimedia technology... Incheon to renovate Songsan Park as well The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) says it is ready to add some cutting-edge multimedia technology to the Seaside Park at Yeongjong International City as part of its “Light City Incheon Night View” project. The unique combination of multimedia technology and a beautiful natural environment at Seaside Park will turn the Park into a popular hop spot in the evening. IFEZ plans to use the natural landscape of the Seaside Park, which is already a local favorite in Yeongjong International City, and install interactive light fixtures to offer unique nightscapes available nowhere else in Korea. To this end, IFEZ submitted a proposal for the “Seaside Park Media Art Production, Installation, and Operation System Construction” worth around KRW 2 billion. If approved, the proposal will create tourism demand in connection with nearby recreational facilities, including local rail bike systems. The proposal was also disclosed on the Korea ON-Line E-Procurement System run by the Public Procurement Service. ▲ The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) says it is ready to add some cutting-edge multimedia technology to the Seaside Park at Yeongjong International City as part of its“Light City Incheon Night View” project. The unique combination of multimedia technology and a beautiful natural environment at Seaside Park will turn the Park into a popular hop spot in the evening. Image is a rendering of the nightview at Seaside Park after the successful conclusion of phase-1 of the project. Specifically, this latest proposal by IFEZ outlines the city’s plans to build a story representing the identity of Yeongjong International City, to develop, produce and install original and unique nighttime tourism content using media art, and to present immersive and interactive tourism programs using various other nightscapes and lighting production techniques as well as light

The Incheon Metropolitan City Government, in partnership with Inha University, will train experts in the future space industry who can play a leading role in the space industry going forward, promote space exploration, and take on core space technology development projects that could be utilized in expeditions to the moon in search of space resources. On July 25, Incheon hosted an opening ceremony for the “Future Space Exploration and Space Resource Utilization Technology Research Center” at the Institute for Aerospace Industry-Academia Collaboration (IIACI). Officials from 24 industry, academia, research, and government institutes participating in the consortium for the Research Center attended the event. The opening ceremony was followed by a brief introduction of the Research Center, and a workshop on how RD and training will proceed. During the workshop, research personnel from various industry, academia, and research institutions that will participate in the Research Center’s operations shared research initiatives expected to be carried out over the next five years. Meanwhile, for the Future Space Exploration and Space Resource Utilization Technology Research Center project, a new industry, academia, and research consortium was established to propose the Research Center for the “Future Space Education Center Project” promoted and approved by the Ministry of Science and ICT on April 11. In particular, the Future Space Exploration and Space Resource Utilization Technology Research Center will provide practical research and training in the field of space exploration and space resource utilization. To do so, a total of 23 local organizations and companies, including industry, academia, and research institutions based in Incheon (Inha University, Incheon National University, State University of New York, Korea Polar Research Institute of Marine Research Placement, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, and Dawin Friction) will participate in the projec

The Incheon Metropolitan City Government has agreed to a real estate deal with Samsung Biologics (CEO:John Rim) at Incheon City Hall on July 18. ▲ On July 28, KimYeon-joo, Assistant Director of New Bio Industry at the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Authority, held a press conference following the “Signing Ceremony for the Investment Contract between Incheon and Samsung Biologics” at the Briefing Room inside the City Hall building. According to the terms of the contract, Incheon and Samsung Biologics will look to attract new research and manufacturing facilities with the right capacity to lead the global high-tech medicine field to block no. 11 (430, Songdo-dong; a high-tech industrial cluster (C) at Songdo International City. The contract worth KRW 426 billion(land area: 357,366 ㎡ ) was signed by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, acting Deputy Commissioner of the IFEZ Authority Seong Yong-won, and Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim. The was previously assigned to attract facilities and institutions from across the globe and create an ecosystem for the high-tech industry. IFEZ's new development plan to build a bio industry cluster was approved by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in July 2019. Then, in September 2020, IFEZ established a new strategy aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Korea's biopharmaceutical industry on the global stage and bringing in companies that can help develops mall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as venture corporations in Korea. IFEZ embarked on an open round of recruiting business operators in October of last year, and ultimately selected Samsung Biologics as its preferred bidder in December 2021. ▲ Map of block 11 in Songdo purchased by Samsung Biologics. With the development and supply of vaccines and therapeutics emerging as a top national priority for countries around the world since the outbreak of COVID-19, this new deal between Incheon and Samsung Biologics is expected to help Korea’s biopharmaceuti

Outstanding public technology and research capability Open to special zone companies The Seo-gu Innopolis in Incheon has declared itself an “innovation cluster” for environmental science in Korea. On July 14, the Incheon Metropolitan City Government, together with Incheon National University (INU)and the Incheon Housing and City Development Corporation, hosted a “Vision Proclamation Ceremony for the Seo-gu Innopolis in Incheon” at INU’s campus in Songdo (auditorium). ▲ The RD Innopolis(hereinafter referred to as “Innopolis”) initiative is based upon a whole new model for research and development zones that involves establishing small-scale, high-density technology hubs equipped to commercialize new technology. Each Innopolis is led by institutions with relevant core technologies and sufficient capacity for innovation. Earlier in June, the Ministry of Science and ICT designated and announced the Seo-gu area of Incheon as an Innopolis specializing in the environmental field. In the photo, Incheon Metropolitan City Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is declaring the vision for Seo-gu’s Innopolis going forward at the “Vision Proclamation Ceremony for the Seo-gu Innopolis in Incheon” at INU on July 14. The RD Innopolis(hereinafter referred to as “Innopolis”) initiative is based upon a whole new model for research and development zones that involves establishing small-scale, high-density technology hubs equipped to commercialize new technology. Each Innopolis is led by institutions with relevant core technologies and sufficient capacity for innovation. Earlier in June, the Ministry of Science and ICT designated and announced the Seo-gu area of Incheon as an Innopolis specializing in the environmental field. The Seo-gu Innopolis project in Incheon is aimed at establishing a new hub to address environmental pollution and create technology capable of managing the environment with information and communication technology (ICT). INU will be featured as the core tec

In front of Hanagae Beach; includes a cabin in the woods, trail, and wood craft experience center. Now, there is a national recreation forest in front of Hanagae Beach. The National Muui Recreation Forest. The city held the opening ceremony for the first-ever national recreation forest within the city, 'National Muui Recreation Forest' on 12th. ▲ There are currently a total of 45 national recreation forests. However, there were none of them, not even one, in Incheon and Seoul. The city made countless visits to Korea Forest Service and the National Assembly to develop a national recreation forest in the city. As a result, Muui-do Island is now the home of the 46th national recreation forest of the country. There are currently a total of 45 national recreation forests. However, there were none of them, not even one, in Incheon and Seoul. The city made countless visits to Korea Forest Service and the National Assembly to develop a national recreation forest in the city. As a result, Muui-do Island is now the home of the 46th national recreation forest of the country. There are two theories about the origin of the island's name, 'Muui-do Island.' One is that it resembles a war general in his official uniform dancing. And the other theory is that a heavenly woman descended onto the island to dance. Truly, the island commands a spectacular view to make even a heavenly woman dance. It is close to Horyonggoksan Mountain, Guksabong, Hanagae Beach, and Keunmuri Beach, along with the amusement part in Silmi-do Island, which also have plenty of forest resources and hiking routes. All these recreational resources make the area a popular destination for tourists. ▲ A bird-eye view of the National Muui Recreation Forest The development area of the recreation forest equals 137 soccer fields (137 ha), in which there are 11 cabins in the woods and two buildings of multi-unit residences (eight rooms), totaling to 19 rooms available, 2km of trails, an information center, and a woo

Pedestrian-centered principles to make school zones safe - in line with the revised Road Traffic Act to take effect from the 12th Incheon laid its foundation to become the No. 1 city in terms of the children's traffic safety through the implementation of its School Zone Safety program. The city announced that with the School Zone Safety program it launched this year, the number of traffic accidents involving children in a School Zone dropped by 50%, and the number of casualties by 100%. ▲ Incheon laid its foundation to become the No. 1 city in terms of the children's traffic safety through the implementation of its School Zone Safety program. Image: the road markings for school zone. According to the tentative statistics by the Incheon Metropolitan Police, which were announced on the 25th, the number of traffic accidents in a School Zone reduced from 28 in the preceding year to 14, and the casualty from 1 to zero. The number of injured victims also reduced from 27 in the preceding year to 14 this year. The city is boosting the traffic safety within school zones by installing customized traffic safety installations, reinforcing the lightings at crosswalks, and installing unmanned road enforcement equipment reflecting the characteristics of pediatric pedestrians and safety hazards. ▲ The road safety installations near a school zone - Yellow Carpet (Yellow Footprints) So far, the city has designated 693 school zones (as of June 2022) and plans to install customized traffic safety installations in 415 locations near the commuting routes of the children, crosswalk illuminating devices in 121 locations, and 133 unmanned road enforcement devices. In addition, the city plans to designate32 school zones as the comprehensive improvement areas to improve the signs, road markings, and speed bumps in these children protection area. The School Zone Safety program of the city is in line with the revised Road Traffic Act that will come into effect from the 12th (See Attachment

▲ The Carbon Neutrality Support Center supports the transition to a carbon-neutral society and the progress of the Green Growth by means of establishing and executing plans on Incheon-style carbon neutrality and Green Growth, in accordance with the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Coping with Climate Crisis. Incheon opened its 'Carbon Neutrality Support Center' which will play the pivotal roles of the leading city in carbon neutrality to overcome the global climate crisis. The center supports the transition to a carbon-neutral society and the progress of the Green Growth by means of establishing and executing plans on Incheon-style carbon neutrality and Green Growth, in accordance with the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Coping with Climate Crisis. The city decided to designate the center under Incheon Institute as a result of the public call for proposals and documentary/field reviews to designate the 'Carbon Neutrality Support Center.'The center will be provided with a total budget of 200 million won, which includes 100 million won from the central government funding. The scope of services of the center willbe including; ▲ supporting the planning and executing evaluation for carbon neutrality; ▲ developing and promoting carbon neutrality models; ▲ managing greenhouse gases; ▲ supporting the establishment and execution of the countermeasures to adapt to the climate crisis in the region; ▲ partnership with domestic and international partners for carbon neutrality; and ▲ expanding carbon-neutral areas. 173 New Jobs Created, with 23 Businesses of Excellency Named Incheon named 23 small-and-medium-sized enterprises that contributed to the creation of jobs and stabilization of employment during the economic difficulties due to COVID-19 as the 'Excellent Job-Creating Businesses of 2022.' A total of 48 candidates applied for the designation through a public call in April. Of these candidates, 23 companies inclu

Meokreogichon of Hakik Law Firm Town and other streets named to enhance hygiene, taste, and services The Incheon announced that it would select seven streets among its Food-Specialized Streets to focus its support. The Incheon designated seven food-specialized streets in order to invigorate these streets that are highly populated by eateries and announced that they will commence an invigoration project including the improvement of taste, hygiene, service levels and increased PR efforts. The seven food-specialized streets selected this time are ▲(Michuhol-gu) Meokgeori-chon of Hakik Law Firm Town, ▲ (Yeonsu-gu) Seonhak-dongFood Culture Street, ▲ (Yeonsu-gu) Osongdosong Food-Specialized Street ▲(Namdong-gu) Unyeon-dong Chueo (Mudfish) Village, ▲ (Namdong-gu) Guweol Munye-gil 1st Food Culture Street ▲ (Bupyeong-gu) Gulpo Food Town, and ▲(Seo-gu) Mashil Street. In total, there are 455 eateries and restaurants currently in business. The Incheon announced that it would select seven streets among its Food-Specialized Streets to focus its support. The Incheon designated seven food-specialized streets in order to invigorate these streets that are highly populated by eateries and announced that they would commence an invigoration project including the improvement of taste, hygiene, service levels, and increased PR efforts. Photo top: Seonhak-dong Food Culture Street; bottom:Gulpo Food Town Currently, there are 26 food-specialized streets in Incheon. Of these, the city selected seven at the beginning of this month following a meeting with the merchant association of each street that was recommended by counties and districts. With the social distancing rules due to COVID-19 being lifted,it is expected that the dining industry would see more customers. In response,the city plans to improve these streets so that visitors would consider revisiting them while enhancing the hygiene of the area and improving the environment, so that they can become the hot place eatery

The city issued a public call for participants in its accelerating program; the application open until July 15th The Incheon is calling for participating businesses fin its ‘Accelerating Program’ to cultivate bio ventures and startup companies, which will be the foundations for the development of a bio cluster in cooperation with Incheon Technopark. This program, which is a part of the 2022 Bio Cluster Development Support Program, was launched to lay the foundation for the bio RD and startup support systems before the all-out implementation of the K-Bio Lab Hub Development program, which is a strategic infrastructure development project to lead the therapy, vaccine, and new drug development startups. The total project budget is 200 million won, with a grant package of 15 million won to be doled out to each participating company. ▲ The Incheon is calling for participating businesses fin its‘Accelerating Program’ to cultivate bio ventures and startup companies, which will be the foundations for the development of a bio cluster in cooperation with Incheon Technopark. Photo: A bird-eye view of K-Bio Lab Hub. Through private startup accelerators, the city will carefully select promising bio-industry startups and provide various forms of support, including consulting, mentoring, training, investment connections, and other technological startup programs. The city plans to cultivate bio startups in a systematic and sustained manner through this program by ▲ identifying startups with promising technologies and building a pool of such candidates, ▲ connecting the beneficiaries with investors to provide mentoring and funding to enhance the growth rate in each phase of the companies, ▲ listening to and analyzing the opinions and inputs related to the bio startups and operation support programs. The application is open from the 27th of this month to the 15th of the next month, and any businesses that were designated as Excellent Startup Candidates or the bio, ph