- 1,906 applications for 500 units, recording a 3.81 to 1 competition ratio -- Final tenant selection to be announced on July 31 after income and asset screening; move-ins to begin in August -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “We will build a city where no one worries about housing, and our effective housing initiatives will continue” -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on May 16 that the recruitment of prospective tenants for the ₩1,000 Housing Program’s housing lease units, which began on May 12, has concluded with outstanding results.The ₩1,000 Housing Program is Incheon’s unique housing policy that offers newlyweds and others a stable living environment at an affordable rent of KRW 1,000 per day and KRW 30,000 per month. Since its announcement, the program has drawn attention as a practical solution to alleviate housing cost burdens. Earlier in March, Incheon successfully completed recruitment for the ₩1,000 Housing Program’s purchase rental units.Applications for the program’s lease units began modestly, with 170 applicants on the first day, but steadily increased, reaching 616 on the final day. In total, 1,906 households applied for 500 available units, resulting in a competitive ratio of 3.81 to 1.An Incheon city official explained, “The initial low number of applications was due to a pre-interview survey conducted to reduce applicant inconveniences, which spread out submissions over several days. Because housing leases require upfront funds such as deposits, applicants tended to be genuine users with relatively higher incomes, resulting in a slightly smaller applicant pool compared to purchase rentals.”Following this preliminary recruitment, Incheon will conduct income and asset verifications and announce the final list of tenants after July 31 via the Incheon Housing City Development Corporation’s website.Selected tenants will locate private housing units (with a floor area of 85 square meters or less) and apply through t

- A panorama of multicultural harmony, drawing around 2,000 participants -- Deputy Mayor Ha Byung-pil: “We will build a true community through communication and inclusion” -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city government successfully hosted the 18th Together Day celebration on May 17 at Aetteul Square, located in front of the City Hall.Together Day, held annually on May 20, was established as a national commemorative day in 2007 to foster a multicultural society where people of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds can better understand and coexist with one another. This year marked the 18th anniversary of the event.Around 2,000 participants gathered at the event, including members of the Incheon Vietnamese Community, the Pakistan Business Association, the Incheon Bangladeshi Community, the Korea-China Multicultural Exchange Association, and various other foreign resident organizations. The festivities began with cultural performances, including an erhu recital—a traditional Chinese string instrument—and a dynamic traditional Mongolian dance, setting a vibrant tone for the event.At the official ceremony, awards were given to individuals and exemplary foreign workers who have contributed notably to helping foreign residents integrate into the local community. The performances were followed by a “harmony gourd-breaking” event, where guests and foreign residents cracked gourds together while attendees waved international flags to celebrate Together Day. The event concluded with a special performance by the Global Children’s Choir, composed of children from multicultural families and local Korean children.Throughout the venue, visitors had the opportunity to explore cultural booths featuring traditional games and costume experiences from 11 countries, including Madagascar, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Indonesia—providing hands-on engagement with global cultures. Additional attractions such as traditional Korean game

- Awards presented to 25 teenagers and 10 youth leaders -- A wide range of programs offered, including career lectures and magic shows -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it successfully hosted the “2025 Youth Month Commemorative Event” on May 17 in the Grand Conference Room at City Hall.Held in celebration of Youth Month, the event aimed to boost teenagers’ self-esteem and offer an opportunity to gain practical motivation to support their future aspirations. More than 250 attendees, including teenagers and youth leaders, participated in the meaningful occasion.As part of the program, commendations were awarded to exemplary youth and youth leaders who serve as role models in their communities. The honorees included 25 young individuals recognized for their academic excellence, volunteer work, and club activities, as well as 10 youth leaders acknowledged for their steadfast dedication and mentorship. These awards were presented as a token of appreciation and encouragement for their commitment and efforts.To add to the celebratory spirit, a magic performance was staged, adding a vibrant and engaging touch for the youth in attendance. In addition, popular YouTuber “DDotty” delivered a special career lecture designed to guide young people navigate potential career paths. The session received an enthusiastic response from both students and parents.The lecture provided valuable insights into today's rapidly evolving job landscape, helping participants broaden their perspectives on future career paths. Attendees were particularly impressed by the realistic career advice and the emphasis placed on proactive planning for a successful future.Incheon Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Ha Byeong-pil stated, “We celebrate Youth Month in May to reaffirm the importance of supporting teenagers’ sound development and their rights, as well as to encourage their dreams. The city government will continue to lead the way in creating an envi

- Discussions on ways to cooperate with global hospitals, including a cytogenetic therapy hospital establishment in Songdo International City -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok promises to establish Incheon as a global hub for cell and gene therapy -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on the afternoon of Apr. 23, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with executives from CHA Hospital and Johns Hopkins University Hospital—a global leader in stem cell research—at Incheon City Hall.CHA Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital members visited Incheon to explore strategic cooperation in the global medical market and lay the foundation for future joint projects.They discussed the potential for establishing a global collaborative hospital in Songdo International City, including creating a next-generation cytogenetic cluster, and explored ways to position Songdo as a key hub for the medical industry in Northeast Asia.In September 2023, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority and the Sung Kwang Medical Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to attract a global specialty hospital to the I-11 site in Incheon’s International Business District.The visit included Johns Hopkins Medicine International President Charles Wiener and Global Services Director Chengda Zhang as well as CHA Health Systems Chairman Kim Han-joong, CHA University President Cha Won-tae, CHA Biotech VP Choi Seok-yun, CHA University Medical Center Director Yoon Do-heum, and CHA Healthcare CEO Yoon Kyung-wook.CHA Hospital, being the first in the world to succeed in adult somatic stem cell technology, currently operates successful hospitals in the United States, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. The hospital has established global competitiveness in infertility and cell therapy, and it is accelerating the development of cell therapies for degenerative diseases and anti-aging through immune cell and stem cell research in countries such as Japan.Johns Hopkins Hospital is the first research-oriented

- Saplings planted at Sinaenmul Park with 100 volunteers to celebrate Earth Day -- Green Landing V as a citizen-led, sustainable model of environmental action -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city government carried out the Green Landing V project on Apr. 24, aiming to reduce air pollution and create eco-friendly spaces with volunteers at Sinaenmul Park in Bupyeong-gu.The project, which took place as part of the 2025 Urban Tree Planting project in celebration of the 55th Earth Day (Apr. 22), was jointly organized by Incheon City and the Incheon City Volunteer Center.“Green Landing V” is Incheon’s leading volunteer brand, with the ‘V’ standing for ‘volunteer,’ symbolizing the participation of citizens, organizations, and businesses in addressing the climate crisis together. The initiative has established itself as a citizen-led model for sustainable environmental action, implemented to tackle local environmental issues through solidarity and leveraging local resources.At the event, around 100 volunteers from local companies and the community participated in planting 3,002 saplings, including rhododendrons, around the park. Notable members of this year’s event included employees from GM Technica Centeral Korea and volunteers from the Bupyeong-gu Volunteer Center.Through Green Landing V, the city government is undertaking various volunteer activities that respond to climate change and achieve carbon neutrality, such as restoring local rivers, collecting marine debris, reducing disposable products, and promoting proper methods for separated waste disposal. The project fosters collaboration with local companies, organizations, and institutions, enhancing the synergies in solving environmental problems and positioning itself as a volunteer platform where all citizens can empathize and participate.Incheon Volunteer Center Director Lee Dae-hyeong encouraged the participants’ activities, stating, “It is highly meaningful

- Mayor meets with Bishop Jung Shin-chul of Dapdong Cathedral to commemorate Pope Francis and emphasize interfaith solidarity and harmony -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo visited the memorial for Pope Francis (266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church) on Apr. 24 at Dapdong Cathedral, the episcopal seat of the Incheon Diocese, to mourn his passing.Before visiting the memorial, Mayor Yoo met with Bishop Jung Shin-chul (3rd head of the Diocese of Incheon) to discuss Pope Francis’s legacy, his devotion to humanity, and the Catholic Church’s various contributions to the community. In particular, he expressed deep gratitude for the Incheon Diocese’s ongoing efforts to promote solidarity and harmony in the community through sharing and service.Mayor Yoo stated, “Pope Francis was a man who inspired and gave hope to people worldwide with his message of love and peace. We remember his warm teachings and deeply mourn his passing together with our citizens.” He added, “Incheon will do its utmost to carry on the spirit he left behind and put it into practice.”Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Mon, Apr. 21, 2025 at 7:35 AM (2:35 PM KST). His funeral Mass was held at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sat, Apr. 26 at 10 AM (Rome time), and the Incheon Diocese held its official final memorial Mass at 10 AM (Korea time) on the same day.Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok laying a wreath at the Pope Francis memorial at Dapdong Cathedral on Apr. 24, guided by Bishop Jung Shin-chul of the Incheon Diocese. 

- Dedicated institution operated for early-onset dementia to strengthen customized support services- Early-onset dementia patients appointed as dementia awareness ambassadors to foster citizens’ engagement -- City government to realize Incheon-style culture of coexisting with dementia to create a community of mutual dependence -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is leading in delivering customized support to individuals with early-onset dementia—commonly referred to as “young dementia”—and their families, spreading a message of hope.Incheon is the first city in South Korea to operate an institution dedicated exclusively to early-onset dementia, offering practical services for patients and their families. In particular, the city government appoints early-onset dementia patients as “Ambassadors of Hope for Overcoming Dementia,” actively supporting their social participation and ensuring they can speak up as valued members of society.Early-onset dementia, which develops before age 65, often brings significant challenges during one’s most active social and economic years. As of 2022, early-onset dementia patients accounted for 10.3% of all dementia cases in Incheon—well above the national average of 7.7%. Incheon is indicated as a region urgently requiring a proactive, concentrated response to early-onset dementia, as the city has the highest proportion of dementia patients under 65 in the country.As such, Incheon has designated the Brain Health School as an affiliated facility of the Incheon Dementia Center specializing in early-onset dementia since 2020, providing tailored daycare programs and educational services while also identifying various opportunities for social participation to pave the way for practical efforts in patient support.Notable activities include roles as daily staff in the dementia-friendly community cinema, photo studio for local residents run by early-onset dementia patients, and engagement in community-based jobs l

- Forest guide and early childhood forest education offered at the Incheon Grand Park Arboretum and Children’s Forest Experience Center –Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the Incheon Grand Park Office would run forest experience programs, including forest guides and early childhood forest education, at Incheon Grand Park Arboretum and Children’s Forest Experience Center until November.The forest guide program offers educational experiences where visitors can observe and learn first-hand about native plants and insects displayed in the arboretum with forest guides. Customized programs are available for individuals and groups aged five and older, as well as for elderly individuals with dementia and organizations serving people with disabilities.Visitors to the arboretum can easily join the program through on-site registration, offering superb accessibility to a wide range of citizens.The early childhood forest education Program takes place at the Children’s Forest Experience Center, an ecological conservation area within Incheon Grand Park. This program helps foster children’s holistic development through games and interactions with forests and nature. It targets preschool children (ages 3+), with regular and occasional programs available for early childhood education groups such as kindergartens and daycare centers, along with family-friendly programs for households with young children.All programs are free of charge. Details such as quotas and registration methods can be found in the News menu on the Incheon Grand Park website.Incheon Grand Park Office Director Lim Sang-gyun stated, “We hope our forest experience programs will help citizens realize the value of forests and enhance children’s physical and mental well-being.”

- Temporary closure lifted following avian influenza prevention efforts; animal classes to run five times daily -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Incheon Grand Park Children’s Zoo, which had been temporarily closed to prevent avian influenza (AI), will reopen on Apr. 22, 2025.The zoo is home to 159 animals across 33 species, including desert foxes, meerkats, Japanese macaques, squirrel monkeys, spotted deer, eagles, and eagle owls. Operating hours will be from 10 AM to 5 PM, with closures every Monday as well as Seollal and Chuseok holidays.The reopening will also see the return of the Children’s Animal Class, an interactive educational program introducing children to animal behavior and ecology. The class will be held five times daily from Tuesday through Saturday, with two sessions in the morning and three in the afternoon. Visitors wishing to participate can join on-site without the need for prior reservations.Incheon Grand Park Office Director Lim Sang-gyun stated, “We welcome the return of the zoo with the coming of spring. We hope the zoo will once again serve as a space where children can deepen their understanding of animals and foster a spirit of respect for life.” 

- The largest global gathering of Korean entrepreneurs, welcoming 3,000 participants from 64 countries -- Held in Songdo Convensia after eight years and first annual session in Incheon since launch of the Overseas Koreans Agency -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it was officially selected as the host city for the 24th World Korean Business Convention in 2026, organized by the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA).The decision was finalized on Apr. 17 (local time) during the steering committee meeting for the 23rd convention this year held in Atlanta, Georgia.As the premier global economic networking event for Korean entrepreneurs, the World Korean Business Convention welcomes 3,000 participants from 64 countries, including overseas Korean business leaders and domestic business owners. The event plays a pivotal role in supporting the global expansion of Korean SMEs and facilitating international business collaboration.With this latest success, Incheon will host the convention for the third time, following its two hostings in 2009 and 2018, marking a return to Songdo Convensia after eight years. This achievement holds particular significance as it is the first time the convention is held in Incheon after the launch of the OKA in June 2023.The city’s successful bid is the result of Incheon’s strategic campaign, including the hosting proposal highlighting the city’s strengths, such as business, investment, culture, and tourism, and the active promotion of the advanced MICE infrastructure in the Incheon Songdo International Conference Complex Zone (ICCZ). The convention also owes its success to the city’s diverse efforts, which include delivering Incheon’s will to host the event to leading overseas Korean business associations.The 2026 convention is set to take place over three days in April or October, with the detailed schedule to be confirmed in consultation with the OKA. Major facilities, including the main venue and surrounding hotels