- Promotional events in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan conclude successfully; 831 B2B consultations and 25 MOUs signed to build a foundation for cooperation -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Tourism Organization announced that, together with Team Medical Incheon,* they successfully concluded the “Incheon Medical Tourism Promotion and B2B Consultation Events” held in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to preemptively capture the Central Asian medical tourism market.*Team Medical Incheon: A public-private cooperative network of institutions attracting international patients to Incheon.The events were held on March 31 in Astana, Kazakhstan (Hilton Astana), and on April 2 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Wyndham Tashkent), with approximately 90 participants, including major local outbound travel agencies and medical industry representatives. Participants discussed practical cooperation measures, such as joint marketing for Incheon’s specialized medical tourism products, resulting in a total of 831 B2B consultations (428 in Kazakhstan and 403 in Uzbekistan).Notably, the visit yielded 25 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with influential local agencies, establishing a concrete foundation for attracting international patients that goes beyond simple promotional activities.Nine medical institutions belonging to “Team Medical Incheon” participated in the events to promote Incheon’s advanced treatment technologies for severe illnesses and customized medical services: Gachon University Gil Medical Center; the Catholic University of Korea Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital; Inha University Hospital; Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital; Na-eun Hospital, Ain Hospital; I’m Ain Eye Clinic, Elite Plastic Surgery Clinic; and JK With Me Clinic. Three medical tourism agencies—Wowvoss, RG Factory, and Okiz—also joined the efforts to highlight the city’s superior medical infrastructure.In addition to the promotional events, the Incheon

- Continuous cadastral map updates, digitization of records, and establishment of an AI-based i-Work Manual -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it will actively advance innovation across cadastral administration, including continuous cadastral map updates, the digitization of cadastral records, and the establishment of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based “i-Work Manual.”On April 2, the city held the “2026 Working-Level Consultative Meeting on Cadastral Administration Projects” with district (-gun) and county (-gu) offices to discuss key initiatives and future directions. The meeting was organized to strengthen field-oriented cooperation and enhance overall administrative efficiency.A key initiative, the continuous cadastral map update project, involves an investment of KRW 1.4 billion from 2025 to 2028 to update approximately 40,000 land parcels. In 2026, the project will be carried out in five districts and counties, covering around 6,000 parcels. Through this effort, the city aims to resolve discrepancies among cadastral records and improve the accuracy and usability of spatial information.The digitization of cadastral records will also continue. To date, approximately 230,000 cadastral records have been digitized. The city plans to further expand scanning, indexing, and database construction to establish a systematic foundation for cadastral data management.Furthermore, Incheon plans to develop the AI-based “i-Work Manual,” an intelligent work support system that integrates laws and case data across various fields, including cadastral administration, cadastral resurvey, and real estate. A dedicated task force composed of city and district/county officials will engage in data training to enhance the system's practical use in the field.The consultative meeting also included training sessions aimed at strengthening practical capabilities. The session included content on cadastral surveying standards, which provided education

- Ranked first in the tap water category at the “17th Korea National Brand Awards,” recognized by consumers as a trusted source of clean water -The Incheon Metropolitan City Waterworks Headquarters announced that its tap water brand, “Haneulsu,” has won the grand prize in the tap water category at the “2026 New York Festivals Korea National Brand Awards (The 2026 NYF K-NBA)” for the fourth consecutive year.Now in its 17th year, the Korea National Brand Awards is a global brand awards program hosted by New York Festivals, one of the world’s top three international advertising festivals. The event identifies and promotes Korea’s representative national brands to consumers worldwide.This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects a comprehensive evaluation by consumers themselves, who assessed brand awareness, identity, satisfaction, loyalty, and global competitiveness. Beyond simple brand preference, the result incorporates the real experiences and trust of citizens who use the service, demonstrating that the brand competitiveness of Incheon Haneulsu has been objectively validated.Haneulsu, which carries the meaning “clean water gifted by Incheon’s sky,” is the city’s signature tap water brand developed in collaboration with citizens, who helped create both its name and official logo. Since its official launch in 2022, the brand marks its fourth anniversary this year. Incheon Metropolitan City has been expanding both online and offline campaigns and citizen participation programs to make Incheon Haneulsu more accessible in everyday life.To realize the “clean value” pursued by the brand, the city has proactively obtained international certification for the Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000). It is also producing high-quality tap water by expanding advanced water treatment facilities and introducing smart water management systems. The city is also actively engaging in ESG management by producing eco-friendly label-free bottled wat

- Opening at 2 PM on April 8, reducing travel distance by 24% and travel time by 44% to significantly improve access to Gyeyang and Seoul -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) announced that the Geomdan–Dream Road connecting route, developed to improve the metropolitan transportation system in the Geomdan area, will open at 2 PM on April 8.The newly opened road is part of Metropolitan Road No. 52, which has a total length of 19.7 kilometers. This section consists of a 3.59-kilometer, four-lane roadway with two lanes in each direction. A total project cost of KRW 158.1 billion was invested, and the road was completed after approximately five years of construction, beginning in 2021.Since the first residents moved into the Geomdan district in June 2021, the area has experienced rapid population growth, leading to ongoing traffic congestion and persistent demands for expanded metropolitan transportation infrastructure. In particular, improving access to Gyeyang and Seoul has been a key concern among residents, making the prompt opening of this road a high priority for the local community.With the opening of this road, the travel distance from Yuhyeon Intersection in the Geomdan district to Dream Road in Gyeyang District is expected to decrease by 1.2 km (5.1 km → 3.9 km, down 24%), and travel time is projected to be reduced by 10 minutes (18 min → 8 min, down 44%).*Actual travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.In particular, as traffic volume on the Jangje-ro section is expected to be dispersed* following chronic congestion during peak commuting hours, travel convenience is anticipated to improve significantly not only within the Geomdan area but also in nearby Gyeyang district and the northwestern part of Seoul. Furthermore, interregional transportation connectivity is expected to be further strengthened.*Improved vehicle flow on the “Geomdan ↔ Gyeyang (Gyeyangdaegyo Bridge)” and “

- Securing a core control and operations facility to elevate city status and generate economic benefits -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the headquarters for the GTX-B line, which will oversee operations of the Great Train eXpress Line B (GTX-B), has been finalized for construction near Incheon National University Station in Songdo International City.The GTX-B headquarters will serve as a central railway operations facility, equipped with a control tower, situation rooms, and administrative offices responsible for overall train operations. The construction will be supervised by a private project operator, who will then donate it to the state, after which the operator will manage it under a consignment arrangement for approximately 40 years.Since August 2024, Incheon has actively pursued the project by proposing multiple candidate sites to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). Following the ministry’s request in February to confirm the headquarters location, the city made a policy decision that led to the final selection of Songdo.The selected site, located in 10-41 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, is an unsold parcel within the Bio Information Technology Zone. Covering approximately 5,381 ㎡, sufficient enough for the headquarters, the site will be designated as an urban planning facility for railways and then purchased by MOLIT.Once established, the headquarters is expected to accommodate around 200 permanent staff, with total personnel reaching up to approximately 400. The resulting local consumption is estimated at about KRW 7.9 billion annually, totaling approximately KRW 318.6 billion over 40 years. During the construction phase, the project is projected to generate production inducement effects of about KRW 50 billion. After starting operations, it is expected to generate approximately KRW 10.2 billion annually, or about KRW 409.1 billion over 40 years. Considering the local allocation of corporate tax revenue, th

- Strengthening tourism products linked to new attractions such as Cheongna Haneul Bridge and the Yeongjong–Sindo Peace Road while expanding industry cooperation networks -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Tourism Organization held the Incheon Tourism Briefing Session on March 30 at Harbor Park Hotel.Approximately 100 participants were present this day, including domestic inbound travel agencies, Incheon tourism partners, and representatives from related organizations.The briefing focused on five key tourism hubs: the Open Port Cultural District; the Songdo International City; island–marine areas; Ganghwado Island; and Yeongjongdo Island and Cheongna International City. It was designed to strengthen the competitiveness of tourism products linked to new attractions, such as the Cheongna Haneul Bridge Observatory, and to the opening of the Yeongjong–Sindo Peace Road, while also expanding cooperative marketing networks within the tourism industry.The Open Port Cultural District serves as the historical starting point of Incheon tourism, preserving modern architecture and traces of foreign settlements. Centered on areas such as Chinatown (Incheon) and Jayu Park, the district offers experiential tourism that combines walking tours with culinary content. Songdo International City, anchored by Songdo Central Park and its high-rise skyline, serves as a hub for business tourism, with a focus on international conferences and exhibitions.The island and marine tourism zone offers healing and experiential travel based on pristine natural environments and marine resources, including Baengnyeongdo and Deokjeokdo Islands. Ganghwado Island is well-suited for exploration-based tourism, offering rich historical and cultural assets, including Jeondeungsa Temple and the Goryeo Palace Site, as well as regional specialties. Yeongjongdo Island and Cheongna International City serve as gateway tourism hubs, supported by Incheon International Airport, resor

- 40% discount from April 1 to 12 on circular routes connecting major attractions in the old downtown and Yeongjongdo Island -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Tourism Organization (President You Ji-sang) announced plans to provide a 40% discount for tourists using the Incheon Tour circular routes from April 1 to 12 in celebration of 2026 Travel Month.This promotion is designed to allow tourists to explore major attractions more conveniently and at a lower cost during the spring travel season. Tickets for the circular routes will be available at 40% off the regular price, and the discount cannot be combined with other offers. The service does not operate on Mondays and Tuesdays due to regular closures.The circular routes eligible for the discount include two courses. The Incheon Retro Route connects major locations in the old downtown, such as the Open Port area and Sinpo International Market, where traces of modern history remain. Meanwhile, the Ocean Route crosses the Incheondaegyo Bridge and offers expansive coastal views of Yeongjongdo Island, including destinations such as Eurwangni Beach and Incheon International Airport.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “I hope that tourists visiting Incheon during Travel Month can enjoy the city tour at a more reasonable price. We will continue to promote Incheon tourism through a variety of benefits and programs.”For further details on operations and reservations, visit the official Incheon City Tour website (citytour.ito.or.kr/) or call 1899-0960. 

- Simultaneous operation of integrated windows at local welfare centers, linking medical, long-term care, and welfare services at once -On March 27, Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it would begin full-scale operations of the Integrated Care project, in line with the enforcement of the Act on Integrated Support for Community Care Including Medical Care and Nursing Care.The launch of this project is highly significant, as it marks a transition to a community-centered care system, ensuring that citizens in need of care can receive integrated services in their communities rather than in hospitals or facilities. Moreover, this implementation is the result of long-term, systematic preparation by the city, encompassing the enactment of ordinances, the establishment of organizational structures, workforce allocation, and public-private cooperation frameworks.On the first day of the initiative, administrative welfare centers across Incheon were bustling with citizens seeking consultations. With applications and consultations handled directly on-site, the integrated care system has begun to function as a tangible, everyday service for residents.■ Deployment of 275 dedicated personnel establishment of a functional delivery systemPrior to the launch, Incheon laid its institutional foundation step by step, including the enactment of ordinances, the formation of dedicated organizations, the allocation of workforce, and the development of public-private cooperation systems.In particular, the city formulated a plan to deploy 275 dedicated personnel based on standard labor costs and will proceed with phased placement. Through these efforts, it has established an integrated care delivery system across all 10 districts and counties, ensuring a fully operational foundation that can function effectively in the field.Incheon has also built a cooperative network with 10 partner hospitals, including tertiary general hospitals, and has prepared region-specif

- Devised the 2026 implementation plan comprised of eight strategies and fourteen key tasks -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is set to undergo a comprehensive overhaul of its emergency medical response system. The initiative focuses on safeguarding the lives and safety of citizens by seamlessly connecting the entire process—from emergency patient transport to hospital acceptance, treatment, and disaster response.On March 26, the city announced that it had established the “2026 Emergency Medical Services Implementation Plan” and would begin operating a faster and more coordinated emergency response system. The plan was formulated under the Emergency Medical Service Act and the Incheon Metropolitan City Ordinance on Emergency Medical Service Support. The core objective is to enable emergency medical care without delay through an uninterrupted flow of each stage—from on-site transport to hospital treatment and disaster response.The plan consists of eight strategies and 14 key tasks, including: improving transport and hospital acceptance systems for critically ill patients, and ensuring rapid transport systems; expanding support for vulnerable areas; enhancing treatment processes for severe emergency cases; reinforcing regional emergency medical governance; expanding CPR education to secure the golden hour; boosting disaster response capabilities through training; and establishing cooperative networks for infectious disease and disaster response.In particular, the city will further strengthen collaboration not only among internal departments but also with local emergency medical institutions and related agencies such as fire and police authorities. The goal is to minimize potential gaps in the response process from the field to hospitals and to ensure immediate action in emergencies.Upgrades will also be made to the “Incheon Emergency Assessment Protocol (I-MAP),” which is already in operation. Introduced in December 2025 as the first system

- A public dementia care facility that can accommodate 96 residents will serve as core infrastructure in a super-aged society -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is adding momentum to establishing a public dementia care system in response to a rapidly aging society. With Incheon’s first municipal nursing home dedicated to dementia nearing completion and preparations underway for its opening in the second half of the year, the initiative is expected to mark a turning point in shifting dementia care from a family-centered responsibility to a publicly supported system.The Incheon Municipal Dementia Nursing Home, currently under construction in Galhyeon-dong, Gyeyang-gu, has a total floor area of 2,980 ㎡, with one basement level and five above-ground floors, and a capacity for 96 residents. As Incheon’s first public dementia-specialized facility, it is expected to serve as a key pillar of the region’s dementia response network.Notably, the city proactively laid the institutional groundwork by enacting the “Ordinance on the Establishment and Operation of Incheon Municipal Dementia-Specialized Senior Care Facilities” in September last year. By outlining operational principles, eligibility criteria, and the legal basis for outsourcing, Incheon has ensured that both public accountability and professionalism will be secured upon the facility’s opening.The staff will be comprised of those who have completed specialized dementia training, and the nursing home will be offering programs designed to maintain cognitive function and promote emotional stability. The city plans to establish a standard model for public dementia care services through systematic preparations, including appointing an operating agency and installing necessary equipment.Shin Byung-cheol, Director of the Incheon Health and Welfare Bureau, stated, “The municipal dementia nursing home goes beyond a simple expansion of facilities. It represents the starting point for transforming d