- Full support for six companies to utilize IBM’s 127-qubit quantum computer -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is accelerating the development of a quantum computing ecosystem, the core technology of the cutting-edge future industries, by launching a “super-gap strategy” to support local companies.In collaboration with Yonsei University, the city is recruiting companies to participate in the “2026 Incheon Quantum Computing Utilization Support Project.” This initiative aims to provide local companies with access to quantum computing technologies that were previously out of reach for private enterprises due to high technical barriers and infrastructure costs, thereby strengthening their competitiveness in future industries.Quantum computing is a next-generation technology capable of processing complex calculations in a fraction of the time required by conventional supercomputers. However, its use has thus far been limited primarily to a few global companies, resulting in low accessibility for industrial applications.To tackle this issue, Incheon will select six promising local companies and support their use of Yonsei University’s IBM 127-qubit quantum computer. Selected companies will be able to use approximately 350–550 minutes of QPU runtime to develop algorithms and verify technologies for their respective services.The city views this project as a strategic foundation for expanding Incheon into a “quantum transformation (QX)-based industrial ecosystem,” going beyond mere technical support. The city government expects companies to apply quantum algorithms to drug development, logistics optimization, advanced materials design, and other fields, thereby enhancing Incheon’s competitive edge in industries with high added value.Eligible applicants are companies located in Incheon that seek to utilize quantum technologies and develop related algorithms, or those planning to relocate to or establish operations in the city within three mo

- Four sessions to be held from May to December at district and county public health centers -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it will operate the emergency response lecture and talk show program, “Children’s Emergency Response Roadmap,” from May to December to help guardians respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies involving infants and young children.Hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City and organized by the Incheon Emergency Medical Support Group, specialists in emergency medicine or pediatrics will serve as instructors, delivering practical medical information for emergency situations.The training will be conducted in four sessions at public health centers in Dong-gu, Bupyeong-gu, Jung-gu, and Ongjin-gun. Participation is open to all Incheon citizens.The first session will be held on May 15 at Dong-gu Public Health Center from 1:30 PM to 4 PM.Key content includes: When children should visit the ER; Emergency response training according to symptoms and situations for infants and children; and QA sessions on communication for first-time emergency room patients and their guardians.In particular, the training will focus on practical response methods to help guardians remain calm and respond effectively to emergencies such as sudden fever, seizures, ingestion of foreign objects, and breathing difficulties.Shin Byeong-cheol, Director of the Incheon Health and Welfare Bureau, stated, “A guardian’s initial response is absolutely critical when a child becomes ill. We hope this program will provide citizens with accurate emergency response information, reduce unnecessary worries, and help them seek medical care promptly when it is truly needed.”Detailed schedules are available on the Incheon Metropolitan City website, and applications can be submitted through the “Emergency Response Training Application” menu under the Health/Food/Sports section. 

- Participation in Seatrade Cruise Global, conducting focused marketing for cruise lines and travel agencies -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it has begun a full-scale push into the global cruise market, leveraging rapidly growing demand and signaling the dawn of the so-called “era of 130 cruise calls.”The city participated in Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, the world’s largest cruise industry exhibition, held in Miami, USA, from April 13 to 16, where city officials conducted targeted marketing activities to attract global cruise lines and travel agencies.Seatrade Cruise Global, launched in 1985, is the largest cruise industry exhibition in the world, serving as a leading business platform attended by approximately 10,000 stakeholders, including cruise lines, ports, and destination officials.At the event, Incheon operated a “Korea Cruise Pavilion” in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization and major domestic port-of-call institutions. A total of five Korean ports of call, including Incheon, jointly participated to promote tourism resources and port capacities.In recent years, Incheon’s cruise market has shown rapid growth. International cruise calls increased from 12 in 2023 to 15 in 2024 and further to 32 in 2025. In 2026, the number is expected to surge to 130 calls—more than four times the previous year.In line with this trend, the City actively promoted “Fly Cruise” packages linked with Incheon International Airport, along with its achievements in attracting themed cruises. Incheon conducted business consultations with global cruise operators, emphasizing accessibility through integrated air and cruise travel, as well as diverse destination content spanning urban areas, islands, and cultural tourism resources.The city also participated in a domestic port-of-call roundtable hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization, where Incheon officials shared insights on global cruise market trends and discussed joint mar

- A 970-meter, six-lane road connecting Jungbong-daero and Bongsu-daero to improve access to industrial complex -The Comprehensive Construction Office of the Incheon Metropolitan City announced that the Cheongna IHP access road, which connects Jungbong-daero and Bongsu-daero, will officially open at 9 AM on April 20.The Cheongna IHP access road was constructed in the vicinity of 501 Bongsu-daero, Wonchang-dong, Seo-gu. Construction began in December 2020, with a total project cost of KRW 40.5 billion invested. The road spans 970 meters in length and 30 meters in width, consisting of six lanes, along with pedestrian sidewalks and bicycle paths.The city government expects that the opening of this road will improve accessibility within the Cheongna Urban High-Tech Industrial Complex and help alleviate chronic congestion during commuting hours. Furthermore, enhanced connection with nearby industrial complexes around Incheon North Port is expected to reduce travel distances and logistics costs.The project is also anticipated to improve access to nearby small-scale factory clusters, enhancing the overall efficiency of the regional transportation system.Kim Hong-eun, Director of Incheon’s Comprehensive Construction Office, stated, “We sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation of the citizens during the construction period. We will continue to make every effort to create a safe and comfortable road environment.” 

- Joint declaration to strengthen national strategic industry competitiveness through integrating industry, education, and demonstration -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced its participation in the Incheon–Jeju RISE Collaboration Meeting*, held from April 16 to 17 at the Cheju Halla University Convention Center, where discussions focused on aerospace industry cooperation and regionally tailored talent development strategies.* Aerospace AI Career Ladder (A2CL) SummitThe meeting was organized in response to the government’s “Five Poles, Three Special Zones” balanced regional development policy, with key aerospace institutions and universities from Incheon Metropolitan City and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province taking part.The core objective is to establish a full-cycle cooperation system linking talent development, technology development, and field demonstration by connecting Incheon’s industrial, technological, and educational foundations with Jeju’s strengths in training and real-world application environments. Through this effort, the two regions aim to move beyond regional collaboration and lay the groundwork for strengthening the competitiveness of the aerospace sector as a national strategic industry.Incheon serves as a major aerospace industry hub with concentrated production, technology, and talent. The city has consistently promoted collaboration among industry, academia, and research, as well as the development of a professional workforce. With Jeju’s strong capabilities in demonstration and operational environments as complementary strengths, the two regions have specified a role-sharing cooperation framework that links industry, education, and demonstration.During the meeting, the Incheon Institute for Aerospace Industry-Academia Collaboration and the Jeju Industry-University Convergence Center presented operational cases of a “career ladder” education system* for the aerospace industry. Discussions focused on es

- Expansion of citizen-participatory cultural spaces, including an art picture book lounge and creative zones -The Incheon Open Port Area (Gaehangjang), preserving key sites of Korea’s modern history, is set to be reborn as a citizen-centered cultural complex. Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that starting in May, the Incheon Art Platform will be reorganized into an open cultural space where citizens and artists can stay and experience art together, along with a gradual public opening of the former Open Port salt warehouse. Through these efforts, the city aims to establish the Open Port Area as an integrated cultural hub of Incheon.From Creation to Enjoyment: Incheon Art Platform Returns to CitizensOpened in 2009, the Incheon Art Platform is a notable creative hub in Korea, developed by remodeling historic modern buildings to support the work of domestic and international artists. To extend these achievements to the public, the city government is comprehensively reorganizing the space to transform it into “an open space where citizens and artists can stay and experience together.”The former community culture center club zone (Building A) will be renovated into an “Art Education Lounge” for children. In collaboration with the Office of Education and local schools, experiential art education programs for elementary school students and young children will be offered.The former residency space (Building E) will be expanded and reconfigured into a multi-functional space for interaction between citizens and artists. The first floor will feature a “Citizen Lounge” with permanent exhibition and rest areas, while the second floor will house “Creative Studios” supporting artistic activities, international exchange, and community collaboration.Meanwhile, the former office space (Building H) will be transformed into an “Art Picture Book Lounge (Culture Lounge).” A curated collection of art-related picture books will be displayed, c

- Strengthening citizen participation and year-round cleanup efforts for comprehensive marine waste response -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it will invest KRW 12 billion this year to conduct year-round cleanup activities in response to marine waste flowing into its coastal waters.As marine waste continues to accumulate due to inland waste entering through the Han River estuary, as well as the effects of tides and ocean currents, the city aims to collect and process more than 5,600 tons of waste this year.Incheon faces high demand for marine waste management due to its widely distribution of islands and coastal areas. Over the past three years, Incheon has collected and processed an annual average of 5,540 tons of waste, with volumes showing a steady trend: 5,512 tons in 2023, 5,299 tons in 2024, and 5,811 tons in 2025.Accordingly, the city increased this year’s project budget to KRW 12 billion, approximately 9% higher than last year’s KRW 11.2 billion. In particular, strengthened national government support secured through consultations with central ministries has helped ensure a stable financial foundation for the project.Key initiatives will be implemented comprehensively, taking into account inflow routes and regional characteristics. KRW 7.85 billion will be allocated to river and estuary cleanup projects to collect and process marine and coastal waste flowing in from upstream areas such as the Han River.KRW 590 million will be invested in a vulnerable coastal waste response program, which deploys dedicated personnel in high-traffic tourist areas to manage waterfront spaces. KRW 2.2 billion will also be used for marine cleanup efforts targeting waste left around major ports and harbors.Incheon will also support the operation of vessels transporting accumulated waste from island areas (KRW 1.08 billion), along with a buyback program (KRW 200 million) to purchase and process waste collected by fishermen during their operations

- Prioritizing rapid chargers in urban and residential hubs; ensuring project stability through joint participation in government-funded initiatives -On April 15, the Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging network and strengthen cooperation with the private sector, in response to growing charging demand driven by the increasing adoption of EVs.The signing ceremony was attended by the Director of the Incheon Future Industry Bureau and representatives from major charging service providers, including Hyundai Motors, Kia, GS Charge V, and Chaevi. The parties signed a public-private agreement to support the successful implementation of the “2026 Incheon EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion Project.”The agreement is designed to actively leverage private-sector investment and operational expertise to expand charging infrastructure focused on rapid chargers. It also includes plans to jointly participate with selected operators in EV charging infrastructure projects led by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.Under the agreement, an efficient implementation framework will be established through a clear division of roles: Incheon Metropolitan City will oversee overall project management and provide administrative support. At the same time, private operators will be responsible for installing and operating charging facilities.In particular, the city aims to reduce the financial burden while accelerating infrastructure expansion by leveraging expertise and investment from the private sector through proactive administration.The project will focus on key urban and residential hubs, prioritizing the installation of rapid chargers in high-demand areas to create a more convenient and efficient charging environment for citizens.In addition, by linking the project with central government initiatives to secure national funding, the c

- Course passing through Cheongnahaneuldaegyo Bridge under review, connecting urban and coastal landscapes -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that “Incheon Marathon 2026,” co-hosted with the Korea Association of Athletics Federations and co-organized by the Incheon Metropolitan City Sports Council and the Incheon Athletics Federation, will be held on November 22. The city plans to further enhance the event’s competitiveness by introducing a unique course that connects urban and marine environments, including a route incorporating the Cheongnahaneuldaegyo Bridge.Now in its second year, the Incheon Marathon demonstrated its potential to become a leading international marathon in the metropolitan area following the successful inaugural event last year. This year, the race will return with further improvements, enhancing both participant convenience and course competitiveness.To ensure systematic safety management and operational efficiency in handling large crowds, the gathering venue has been relocated to the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. The event will feature three categories: full marathon (42.195 km), 10 km, and 5 km.In particular, the city is reviewing a one-way full marathon course that passes through the Cheongnahaneuldaegyo Bridge, one of Incheon’s key landmarks. If finalized, participants will be able to experience a unique race that combines the dynamism of the city with the scenic beauty of the West Sea coastline.In line with its status as Incheon’s only full-course marathon, the scale of the event will also be expanded. A total of 20,000 participants are expected, with the number of full marathon runners increasing from 6,000 last year to approximately 8,000 to meet growing demand from amateur runners.Support measures will also be strengthened to enhance the quality of the event and athletic performance. To boost morale among domestic elite athletes, the total prize money for the domestic division will be increased from KRW

- Sharing latest technology trends, including Geo-Physical AI, and strengthening intelligent administrative foundations -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it held the “1st Spatial Information Innovation Idea Conference of 2026” on April 14, with approximately 50 participants, including city and district officials and related experts.The conference, which began in 2024 as a “collective intelligence-based spatial information consultative body,” marks its third year in 2026. This year’s event was particularly significant as a collaborative platform where the city and its districts worked together to translate the vision of “Spatial Intelligence AI City, Incheon” into practical implementation and explore ways to integrate advanced technologies into administrative processes.The conference opened with a special lecture by an expert on emerging trends in spatial information technologies. In particular, the introduction of Geo-Physical AI (cognitive spatial intelligence) solutions and precision data analysis tools drew strong interest, serving as an opportunity to demonstrate the practical applicability of AI in complex administrative decision-making.This was followed by the presentation of an enhanced “i Map” service, which incorporates 3D mesh data and user-customized analysis functions. Participants also shared plans for an integrated management system enabling the joint use of drone imagery by the city and its districts. Through these discussions, the city outlined detailed directions for system improvements while establishing a foundation for close collaboration by reviewing concrete implementation measures.During the brainstorming session, participants exchanged ideas on innovative ways to apply new technologies to city administration to deliver services that citizens can directly experience. The ideas proposed during the session will be actively reflected in the city’s future spatial information policy development and