- Strengthening collaboration on marine carbon neutrality research using West Sea tidal flats and microalgae -On June 17, the Incheon Metropolitan City Fisheries Resources Research Institute (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the signing of a business agreement with Ghent University, an overseas university located in the Incheon area, to conduct joint research on marine fisheries.The city aims to establish an international research foundation for advancing marine fisheries development in the Incheon region and fostering new marine industries. The signing ceremony took place in the president’s office at Ghent University.Key components of the MOU include research on the utilization and conservation of the West Sea tidal flats, various marine RD projects, the cultivation of new industries, and studies on marine carbon neutrality utilizing microalgae.Ghent University, Belgium’s largest research-oriented university, became the first European college to establish a campus in Incheon’s Songdo district in 2014.Incheon’s tidal flats account for 28% of South Korea’s total tidal flat area, ranking second nationwide. Recent studies show that these tidal flats can absorb up to 20% of Incheon’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting their potential contribution to carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation.Microalgae, a type of marine plant, efficiently captures carbon through photosynthesis by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon-captured microalgae can then be used as eco-friendly resources such as biofuel, fertilizer, and animal feed.Through this agreement, both institutions plan to collaborate closely to lead marine carbon neutrality research and support Incheon’s growth as a hub for marine and fisheries research by advancing marine bio-convergence studies and new industry development.Kim Jin-seong, Director of the Incheon Fisheries Resources Research Institute, stated, “Through marine research technologies from both Europe and Kor

- Partnering with D-Wave Quantum and Yonsei University to take the lead in future technology -On June 17, Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the signing of a three-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Yonsei University (President Yoon Dong-sup) and D-Wave Quantum (CEO Alan Baratz), a global pioneer in quantum computing at Incheon City Hall.This agreement is part of the city government’s broader initiative to build a robust quantum industry ecosystem. Through strategic collaboration with a world-leading quantum technology company and a top Korean university, Incheon aims to lay the groundwork for quantum technology demonstrations and industrialization, and to become a hub for quantum convergence.Incheon will play a pivotal role in revitalizing the quantum sector. The agreement outlines plans for close cooperation in key areas, including strengthening mutual research and technical exchange, identifying quantum-computing use cases, and building infrastructure to support industry growth.In particular, the three parties will hold biannual technical seminars and expert exchanges to foster practical cooperation. They will also collaborate on pilot projects that apply quantum computing to real-world challenges faced by businesses in Incheon, accelerating the introduction and adoption of quantum solutions.D-Wave, the first company in the world to commercialize a quantum computing system, offers quantum cloud services and industrial solutions across various fields, including optimization and artificial intelligence.D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz said, “This agreement marks a milestone in our efforts to accelerate the adoption of quantum computing worldwide. We look forward to working with Incheon City and Yonsei University to further strengthen their positions as global leaders in the quantum field.”Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-sup added, “Our partnership with Incheon and D-Wave aligns with Yonsei’s vision to advance quantum computing

- MOU with 10 institutions, celebrating Cancer Survivors Week (first week of June) -- Consistent post-treatment care to improve life quality for survivors and their families -On June 2, Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the signing of a public-private memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 10 institutions—including the Incheon Regional Cancer Survivorship Center—in recognition of Cancer Survivors Week (first week of June) at the City Hall’s reception room to promote the city’s integrated cancer survivor support initiative.This marks the nation’s first public-private collaboration dedicated to comprehensive support for cancer survivors. The MOU ceremony brought together the Incheon Regional Cancer Survivorship Center and three tertiary hospitals (Gil Medical Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital), four regional/local accountable-care hospitals (Na-eun Hospital, Incheon Sejong Hospital, Incheon Medical Center, Incheon Red Cross Hospital), and two related institutions (Incheon Medical Association, Incheon Branch of the Korean Medical Women’s Association).The Ministry of Health and Welfare designated Incheon as the host of the regional cancer survivorship center at Gil Medical Center in January 2020. The center offers various support programs in an integrated manner to individuals who have completed cancer treatment, regardless of the hospital where they received care. The center’s core programs include intensive counseling by nurses and social workers, physical wellness support such as strength training and nutrition education, psychological support through group therapy, art therapy, and music therapy, as well as information and services to aid in returning to work.Under the new agreement, the Incheon Metropolitan Government and its partners will actively pursue joint efforts to enhance self-care capabilities, promote the health of cancer survivors, and support their reintegration into society.As part of

- Aiming to attract over 20,000 tourists through more than 10 cruise arrivals -- Promoting Korea-China cruise economic cooperation with prospects of generating around KRW 5.4 billion in economic benefits -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city government signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dalian City, China, on May 18 during the 34th Acacia Flowers Festival held in Dalian, to foster the development of the cruise industry.This agreement aims to strengthen cruise marketing cooperation between the two cities in order to increase cruise tourist arrivals and revitalize the local economies of both regions.The MOU signing ceremony took place at the Culture City East Asia (CCEA), hosted by Dalian. Key officials attending included Lee Dong-woo, Director General of Incheon Maritime Affairs and Aviation, and Shen Meina, Director of Dalian’s Culture and Tourism Bureau.Under the terms of the agreement, both cities will enhance administrative and marketing support for attracting cruise ships on the Incheon-Dalian route, explore options for launching competitive cruise lines, and seek long-term cooperation strategies. They will also strengthen cooperation on all aspects of cruise tourism, including passenger exchanges.Based on this agreement, Incheon plans to attract more than 10 cruise ship arrivals originating from Dalian, aiming to bring approximately 20,000 tourists to the city. This initiative is expected to generate an economic impact of about KRW 5.4 billion and elevate Incheon’s global city image through enhanced international cooperation with its sister city, Dalian.Lee Dong-woo, Director General of Incheon’s Maritime Affairs and Aviation Bureau, stated, “Dalian is a key Chinese port city and a sister city to Incheon. This agreement with the city will serve as a milestone not only for the cruise industry but also for strengthening Incheon’s global tourism competitiveness.” He added, “We will continue to

- Temporary mobile clinics to begin on June 20–21 at Baengnyeong-myeon and Daecheong-myeon -- Expanded service areas and medical departments, enabling coverage of all remote islands -The Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that its new hospital ship, Geongang Ongjin-ho, will commence temporary mobile clinic services on June 20 and 21 for residents of Baengnyeong-myeon and Daecheong-myeon—areas that previously had limited hospital ship access.This is the first time a hospital ship has docked at Baengnyeong-myeon, made possible by expanding the service target to six myeon-level districts in Ongjin-gun. Baengnyeongdo Island had been difficult to reach with the aging hospital ship, Incheon 531, which was unable to travel to such distant locations.During the two days of temporary operation, around 200 residents of Baengnyeong-myeon and Daecheong-myeon are expected to receive medical care.Due to safety concerns over the aging, 25-year-old Incheon 531, the city decided to build a new hospital ship in 2021.Launched in April 2025, Geongang Ongjin-ho measures 47.2 meters in length, 8.4 meters in width, and 3.6 meters in depth, with a maximum capacity of 44 passengers. At 270 tons, Geongang Ongjin-ho is more than twice the size of the previous 108-ton vessel and can reach speeds of up to 46 km/h.The increased size allows it to reach more remote islands, and its higher speed enhances its capacity to serve as an emergency evacuation vessel capable of transporting multiple critical patients.Unlike the Incheon 531, which mainly served three myeon-level districts and nine island areas1) of Ongjin-gun without medical facilities, the new Geongang Ongjin-ho covers six myeon-level areas and 17 island regions2), enabling medical services to all non-connected islands within the jurisdiction. The service areas include:1) Deokjeok-myeon (Baega, Mungap, Uldo, Jido, Gureop), Jawol-myeon (Seungbong, Daeijak, Soijak), Yeonpyeong-myeon (Soyeonpyeong)2) Baengnyeong-myeo

- Published in six languages, including Chinese and Vietnamese, and available at facilities frequently visited by foreigners -- Offering detailed guidance on tax payment methods and potential penalties for delinquencies -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) has announced the production and distribution of informational leaflets in six languages to support foreign residents’ convenient tax payment.As of March 2025, approximately 95,000 foreigners are registered as residents in Incheon. The largest groups by nationality are Chinese (37.6%), Vietnamese (10.8%), Myanmar nationals (5.3%), Uzbeks (4.4%), and Mongolians (3.3%). Foreign residents with tax delinquencies also represent a broad range of nationalities.To assist these residents, the city has published a local tax guide in six languages—Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Uzbek. The leaflet provides clear explanations of key local taxes such as the resident tax and vehicle tax, outlines payment methods, and warns of potential penalties for non-payment, including restrictions on visa extensions, seizure of assets and bonds, and impoundment of vehicle license plates.To improve accessibility, the leaflets will be distributed at institutions frequently visited by foreigners, such as Multicultural Family Support Centers and Foreigner Support Centers.Incheon has also implemented the “Local Tax Delinquency Verification System Prior to Visa Extension,” which restricts visa extensions for delinquent foreign taxpayers. The city is actively pursuing delinquencies with the same level of enforcement applied to Korean nationals, including the garnishment of foreign worker insurance benefits (such as departure maturity payments and return travel funds) and dormant insurance funds.Seong Ha-yeong, Director of Incheon’s Office of Finance and Budget, stated, “At a time when our foreign population is steadily growing, we are implementing various initiatives to help foreign residents better under

- Incheon Metropolitan City Dance Theatre Presents, Dancing City Incheon 2025 -From June 7 to 21, the Incheon Metropolitan City Dance Theatre (Artistic Director Yun Seong-ju) will present Dancing City Incheon 2025, a three-week celebration where dancers and audiences come together to create a city infused with the spirit of dance.First launched in 2008, Dancing City Incheon is a dedicated dance festival that embraces open stages and shared artistic experiences. Its mission is to bring the joy and beauty of dance into everyday life, offering “dance that is always close by.” This year’s program features an outdoor performance series and a high-caliber closing performance, transforming urban spaces into vibrant artistic venues.The outdoor performances, Early Summer in Songdo and A Day in the Grand Park are large-scale, audience-friendly events staged in high-traffic areas to heighten the festival atmosphere. At landmark sites such as Songdo Central Park and Incheon Grand Park, the Incheon Metropolitan City Dance Theatre will showcase signature pieces from its traditional Korean dance repertoire.The final week culminates with Iconic Selection – Dokbo, a sophisticated theater production for dance enthusiasts. This performance highlights artistic excellence and offers a poignant conclusion to the festival.Week 1. A Grand Opening on the Outdoor Stage, Early Summer in SongdoThe first week of Dancing City Incheon 2025 kicks off with Early Summer in Songdo, a performance staged outdoors. The special stage, set in a bustling area, breaks down the barriers between performers and the audience, inviting everyone to experience the exhilaration of moving in sync with the rhythm of dance.Now a signature event of the festival, the Songdo Central Park outdoor performance has become an annual tradition that draws both residents and tourists. On June 7, two distinct performances will be presented: a sunlit afternoon performance filled with vivid choreography and a mesmerizing ev

- UNESCO officially notifies receipt of North Korea’s objection -- Process suspended in accordance with UNESCO Global Geopark guidelines -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) has officially confirmed the temporary suspension of its bid to designate the Baengnyeong-Daecheong area as a UNESCO Global Geopark.The suspension follows formal notification from the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) on May 22, confirming that it had received a written objection from North Korea.Under Paragraph (iv) of Article 5.4 of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Guidelines, “If a written objection is received from a Member State, the nomination will not proceed to scientific evaluation and it will be up to the Member States concerned to seek a resolution to the issue.” Accordingly, the on-site evaluation, originally scheduled for June 2025, has been put on hold.Incheon has been working closely with local communities and geological experts to demonstrate the region’s geological significance, while also investing in related infrastructure and fostering active community participation.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “This is a deeply regrettable situation. However, we will cooperate with the central government to identify the specific grounds for the objection and pursue diplomatic channels to seek a resolution. In the meantime, the infrastructure and programs we have developed will serve as a foundation for continued engagement with the local community.”

- Establishes a cooperative network with local broadcasters and related agencies, expected to play a pivotal role in disaster broadcasting -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “Disaster information is a lifeline, requiring a system for swift and accurate information delivery” -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on May 14 the establishment of the Disaster Broadcasting Committee and held its inaugural meeting to enhance the efficiency of disaster broadcasting.The committee is chaired by the Director of Incheon’s Citizens Safety Headquarters, with the city spokesperson serving as vice chairperson. Members include representatives from six local broadcasters and related organizations in the Incheon area.In line with the Framework Ordinance of the Incheon Metropolitan City Disaster and Safety Management, the committee aims to effectively disseminate disaster-related broadcasts, including forecasting, warnings, notifications, emergency responses, and management protocols. It also seeks to define role-sharing and build a cooperative framework between the city and local broadcasters.The inaugural meeting commenced with the appointment ceremony, where certificates of appointment were awarded to committee members. The session continued with a report on the committee’s formation and operational plans, followed by deliberations on strategies for effectively disseminating disaster broadcasts to the public. Notably, in-depth discussions were held on establishing disaster broadcasting standards tailored specifically to Incheon, distinguishing them from national-level broadcasts, as well as clarifying the responsibilities of each institution.During the appointment ceremony, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok remarked, “In disaster situations, delivering prompt and accurate information to citizens is paramount. I urge the committee to collaborate closely with broadcasters and related organizations to build a trusted disaster broadcasting system, which will prevent social confusi

- Hosting of special exhibition, “Unwritten History, Names to Be Remembered” -- 65 artifacts, including photographs, diaries, labor contracts, and more from Hawaii’s first-generation Korean immigrants on display from April to August -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city government is hosting a special exhibition titled “Unwritten History, Names to Be Remembered,” shedding light on the lives and legacies of the first generation of Korean immigrants from Incheon who settled in Hawaii, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.Held from April 30 to August 31 at the Former Jemulpo Club, the exhibition vividly portrays the spirit and experiences of Korean immigrants in the early 1900s who left their homeland to live in unfamiliar, often isolating conditions abroad, through a vast collection of records and personal belongings that they left behind.A total of 65 artifacts are on display, including photographs, diaries, labor contracts, and everyday items that capture the daily life and struggles of the Korean immigrant community in Hawaii. These items represent a rich cultural heritage of the first-generation immigrants and serve as invaluable materials for reflecting on their hardships and historical significance.Notably, tombstone rubbings and photographs of immigrants from Incheon, taken directly from the Korean cemetery in Hawaii, offer a poignant record of those who passed away anonymously overseas—reviving long-forgotten names and stories.Alongside this special exhibition, a companion exhibit titled “Diaspora’s Gaze, Connected Through Art” features eight artists affiliated with the Korean Artists Association of Hawaii and the Washington Art Association. This exhibit explores the migratory history and identity of the Korean diaspora through various artistic expressions, providing a deeply moving experience for visitors.Yoon Do-young, Director of Incheon’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau,