- Incheon, National Assembly, county, district, and related agencies gathered for task force meeting to support attracting the APEC forum -- Incheon launches related committee and actively responds to Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ selection evaluation -On Apr. 2, the Incheon Metropolitan Government hosted a task force meeting in the large meeting room at City Hall attended by 43 people including department heads of major organizations and five corporations, as well as leaders at several levels of city government, to discuss support for hosting the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok poses for a commemorative photo after expressing to APEC Executive Director Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria his intentions to bring the 2025 forum to Incheon on Sep. 16, 2022.Hwang Hyo-jin, Vice Mayor for Global City Affairs, gives opening remarks on Apr. 2 at the task force meeting for supporting bringing the 2025 APEC forum to Incheon.This task force meeting was held to discuss measures for all levels of city government and related institutions to dedicate their full strength to preparing application materials to submit for the APEC forum host city selection process, early preparations for spot inspections, and creating a supportive atmosphere among all residents for hosting the event.The meeting, held in an open discussion format, involved discussions on the APEC host city selection process, measures to dedicate all efforts, and guidance on cooperation from institutions and departments.Ahead of the host city selection, Incheon plans to strengthen various promotions for the campaign and hold events for each related institution to attract interest in the forum and cultivate citizens’ aspirations for hosting the event. In addition, the scheduled spot inspections and presentation briefing in May are planned to distinguish Incheon as a city meticulously prepared to hold the event.Hwang Hyo-jin, Vice Mayor for Global City Affairs, said, “Our city began full

- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok meets with Formula One Group CEO and others -- Agreement to open full negotiations to host F1 Incheon Grand Prix -The Incheon Metropolitan Government has begun all-out efforts to attract the Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix, one of the top three sports events in the world alongside the Olympics and the World Cup, to the city.The city announced that Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok made a sudden trip to Japan on Apr. 6 to visit the Suzuka International Racing Course ("Suzuka Circuit") and meet with the head of F1, conveying intentions and opening full-scale talks for hosting the F1 Grand Prix in Incheon.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited the Suzuka Circuit, where the Japanese Grand Prix was held, on Apr. 6 to meet with Formula One Group CEO Stefano Dominicali and convey his intentions for bringing the F1 Grand Prix to Incheon.Mayor Yoo conveyed his intentions to bring the F1 Grand Prix to Incheon while meeting the Formula One group CEO Stefano Dominicali, Tehwa Holdings President Nayeon Kang-Chenot, and Tehwa SC CEO Nicolas Chenot.During the meeting, Mayor Yoo emphasized that Incheon is a global city with a world-class airport and port, as well as 12 five-star hotels and 15 international organizations including the Overseas Koreans Agency.The Incheon F1 Grand Prix, in contrast with the Japanese and Chinese events held on closed road courses, is envisioned to take place throughout the city, much like the events in Monaco and Las Vegas.Following the first Incheon Grand Prix in 2026 or 2027, the event is expected to take place annually for at least five years.CEO Stefano Dominicali responded by saying, “I want to express my sincere gratitude that Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok came all the way to the Japanese Grand Prix to meet with me in person and actively express his interest in bringing the event to Incheon. We will strive to generate lots of interest and successfully host an Incheon F1 Grand Prix. We will be sure to visit Incheon as soon as possible to hold follow-up negotiation

- SSG Landers will host the All-Star Game at their home stadiumfor the first time since the 2008 event -This July, the KBO All-Star Game, an event celebrating the top talents of South Korean professional baseball, is scheduled to take place at SSG Landers Field in Incheon. This is the first time in 16 years since 2008.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok, along with KBO President Heo Gu-yeon and SSG Landers CEO Min Kyung-sam, takes a photo for the "2024 KBO All-Star” venue selection at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on Mar. 26, prior to the game between the SSG Landers and the Hanwha Eagles in the 2024 KBO League.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok shares his sentiments regarding the announcement of the 2024 KBO All-Star Game venue selection at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on Mar. 26, before the match between the SSG Landers and the Hanwha Eagles.On Mar. 27, the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced that the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and its 10 clubs had reached an agreement to host the 2024 SOL Bank KBO All-Star Game at SSG Landers Field in Incheon. This decision was made during a board meeting held the previous day.The upcoming event marks the first time in 16 years, since 2008, that the All-Star Game will be held in Incheon and the first time for it to take place at the SSG Landers' home stadium.In addition to hosting the All-Star Game, Incheon aims to transform into a vibrant venue by enhancing the city's brand and promoting several initiatives.An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Government said, "We are getting ready to hold a variety of programs that will offer diverse entertainment and excitement."

- Discussions on launching nonstop flights to Anchorage andinvigorating sister city partnerships -On Mar. 28, Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson from Alaska visited Incheon City Hall and extended the courtesy to Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok.Her visit was organized under the Korea Foundation's initiative aimed at inviting influential foreign leaders to foster global interactions and establish connections. Senator Gray-Jackson chose to visit Incheon, a sister city of Anchorage, as part of her voluntary itinerary.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok and Alaska Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson exchange souvenir at the G Tower reception room on Mar. 28.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok and Alaska Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson discuss partnerships at theG Tower reception room on Mar. 28.Senator Gray-Jackson, elected to the Alaska State Senate in 2018, has been a vocal supporter of minority rights in Alaska, including the Korean diaspora.- Apr. 21, 2023:Introduced the bill on "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (SB131)” : mandating the inclusion of the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander in the curriculum of elementary and middle schools in Alaska.In October of last year, on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Incheon and Anchorage, Mayor Yoo visited Alaska to meet with Mayor of Anchorage Dave Bronson and Governor of Alaska Mike Dunleavy. Mayor Yoo proposed the resumption of direct flights or an increase in charter flights between Incheon and Anchorage, emphasizing the need for active cooperation.Subsequently, Anchorage Regional Director Park Jung-seok maintained ongoing discussions with Alaska Senator Gray-Jackson and the Vice President of New Pacific Airlines. Additionally, Alaska Representative Mary Peltola directly communicated with the Federal Aviation Administration, securing a commitment to expedite the permit process (from 18 to 24 months) for air services between th

- Wolmi Park (20s), Incheon Grand Park (30s 40s),Ganghwa Maehwamareum Habitat (50s+) -- Incheon Grand Park cherry blossom festival (Apr. 6–7), Goryeosan Mountain azalea festival Jangbongdo cherry blossom festival (Apr. 6–14) -It is not easy to predict the peak bloom dates as each year goes by because of the earlier bloom period and the erratic temperature swings. Moreover, since it takes a week to go from blooming to full bloom, each city needs to make preparations ahead of schedule.In spring, when flowers bloom everywhere, finding the right spot in advance is crucial for a fun outing.Incheon boasts an array of cherry blossom spots tailored to diverse age groups.In fact, Wolmido Island (ranked 10th in the 20s and 18th in the 30s) and Incheon Grand Park (ranked 10th in the 30s and 20th in the 40s) were among the top 20 travel and leisure destinations by generation, according to Korea Tourism Data Lab's analysis using GPS data (Mar.–Apr. 2023).20s: Wolmi Park, Freedom Park, Subong ParkWolmi Park is a perfect destination for the 20s to enjoy a romantic flower picnic. Nestled against the serene backdrop of the sea, rivers, and lakes cherished by this age group, Wolmi Park also boasts proximity to a bustling theme park, catering perfectly to energetic travelers.Although it doesn't host any flower festival throughout the year, the enchanting nighttime illumination of its landscape adds a touch of romance to the atmosphere. The park's trails, observatory, traditional garden, and coast guard ship are lit up during the summer season (Mar.–Oct.), from sunset until 9 PM (10 PM at the observation deck), creating a magnificent scene.Wolmi Park stands out as the sole park in the Seoul metropolitan area where one can relish both mountainous terrain and coastal vistas simultaneously. It offers a unique setting to revel in the beauty of spring blooms like cherry blossoms, azaleas, mountain azaleas, and rhododendrons.For a blend of history and floral splendor, visitors can ex

Incheon Metropolitan City is recruiting a group to monitor its foreign language website services in order to provide more reliable and useful information to foreigners using the City's websites and services available in foreign languages. The City would like to ask all foreigners interested in Incheon City and its website to join the monitoring group. Recruitment information Applications: March 28 (Thu) ~ April 12 (Fri), 2024 Applications url : https://zrr.kr/deHV Eligibility: Foreign nationals residing either in Korea or abroad whose native language is the foreign language subject to recruitment. Available positions: 21 (7 for English, 7 for Japanese, 7 for Simplified Chinese) Description of activities Activity duration: April 18 (Thu) ~ May 24 (Fri), 2024 Activities: Monitor foreign language websites and services operated by Incheon Metropolitan City, and submit reports Inspect Incheon’s foreign language websites for erroneous content Provide feedback on how Incheon can improve its foreign language websites Inspect Incheon’s foreign language websites for malfunctions and errors Benefits and incentives: Amazon gift card Detailed criteria for benefits and incentives Detailed criteria for benefits and incentives Sort, No. of persons, Incentive type, Criteria Sort No. of persons Incentive type Criteria Outstanding Award 1 person Amazon gift card ($100) - Identify and provide a minimum of 5 errors and opinions - Provide the second-highest number of errors and recommendations - Provide an excellent idea Excellence Award Max. 20 persons Amazon gift card ($20) - Identify and provide a minimum of 5 errors and opinions Any proposals already implemented by the Incheon Metropolitan Government or general proposals are excluded from the performance. In addition, incentives can be changed depending on the number of participants Announcing of results: April 18 (Thu), 2024 (expect individual e-mail notifications) Alien residents in Korea will also be notified via MMS Inquirie

- Incheon plans promotions centered aroundcomedic content for viewers -In celebration of surpassing a population of 3 million, the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced a complete overhaul of the content. This update will affect its official YouTube channel (youtube.com/@icncityhall) and other social media channels. The changes will start this month.(Screenshot of Incheon's official YouTube channel) (Screenshot of Incheon's official YouTube channel)The city plans to promote content on its official YouTube channel that wittily produces various projects being undertaken by Incheon. The content creation will be primarily led by comedians Hyun Byung-soo and Yoon Hyeong-bin.The main content features the news introduction program "Jeonggak Login" hosted by impersonator comedian Yang Seung-won. He will introduce city news, which might otherwise seem dry, in an entertaining way. This will be achieved by mimicking famous actors such as Choi Min-sik, Song Kang-ho, Lee Geung-young, and Yoo Hai-jin.Furthermore, to enhance the accessibility of the YouTube channel on-site and citizen participation, plans such as "Incheon's Old Restaurants Tour" and "Street Talk: The Traveling Camera Experiment" are in place to make Incheon more familiar.In addition, Incheon is getting ready to upload a variety of videos, including Shorts created with the witty ideas of comedians and parodies of the popular drama "Reborn Rich" and "How About Defconn" from "Gag Concert" (KBS).A city official stated, "The fresh and fun ideas from the comedians will greatly benefit the promotion of city administration. This newly created content is aimed at attracting the Millennials and Gen Z, who may show less interest in city administration, so that we can communicate with them in a fun and free manner.”New content will be uploaded three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 AM.Incheon Metropolitan City YouTube Channel QR Code

- Pregnant women who have resided in the area forat least 6 months will be subsidized with KRW 500,000 - - Eligible for those who gave birth in January this year - - Subsidy available for use as taxi fares, fuel costs, and more - Starting next April, the Incheon Metropolitan Government will commence the transportation subsidy project for pregnant women. The project is part of Incheon's birth policy, titled "100 Million Plus i Dream (100M+ i Dream)," aimed at providing mobility convenience for pregnant women, who are considered vulnerable in terms of transportation. Applications will be accepted starting Apr. 1. All those eligible will receive a transportation subsidy of KRW 500,000 per person in the form of a gift certificate (Incheon e-um). The eligibility applies to pregnant women who have resided in Incheon for at least six months as of the application date. This includes mothers who gave birth between January and March this year, as well as expectant mothers in April. Applications must be made by the applicants themselves. Starting in May, pregnant women who are more than 12 weeks and women within one month (30 days) after childbirth can apply at any time. Applications are accepted online via GOV.KR (Subsidy24) starting on the 1st of next month or by visiting their respective community service center. The transportation subsidy for pregnant women is intended for riding Incheon e-um taxis or for fuel expenses. The validity period for using the subsidy is one year from the date the points are granted. The subsidy automatically expires after this period. Shi Hyun-jeong, the director of the Gender Equality and Family Bureau, said, "This transportation subsidy for pregnant women marks the beginning of our commitment to seamlessly implementing Incheon's birth policy, '100M+ i Dream.'" Meanwhile, 100M+ i Dream is a policy that grants KRW 100 million to its residents until the Incheon-born-child turns 18 years old. This includes the existing subsidy project (KRW 72 mill

- Therme Group conducts site survey and preliminary inspectionsfollowing last month’s investment pledge -The senior leadership of Therme Group, a global wellbeing spa resort company that pledged investment during Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok’s European tour, visited Incheon and paid a return visit to the mayor.Mayor Yoo visited Therme Group, a global wellbeing spa resort company, while in Romania on a tour of Europe in February. While there, he observed the facilities and operations, and received a pledge of investment from Therme Group. The Therme Group CEO also visited Incheon to check the site of the project and meet with Mayor Yoo.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and Therme CEO Dr. Robert Hanea take a photo at the Incheon Free Economic Zone offices following discussions for cooperative measuresMayor Yoo Jeong-bok and Therme CEO Dr. Robert Hanea take a photo at the Incheon Free Economic Zone offices following discussions for cooperative measuresDiscussions with Therme GroupThe Therme senior leadership, including CEO Dr. Robert Hanea, Senior Vice President Stelian Iacob, VP for Energy and Engineering Viorel Beltechi, Global CEO Mariana Suciu, Lead Architect Luminata Tbirca, and chemical engineer Loana Stanescu, visited the site for on-site surveys and inspections, in addition to concluding the agreement and getting substantial project preparations underway.CEO Dr. Robert Hanea said, “I really like the space. Therme will build a landmark resort in this space that can represent Incheon and all of South Korea.”Therme Group Korea will complete site surveys and submit project plans by the second half of 2024, doing everything possible to conclude the lease agreement by June 2025.Mayor Yoo said, “I welcome the return visit by Therme Group and I want to express my gratitude for their quick visit following their submission of an investment pledge so that the project can commence. The city will do everything it can to provide administrative support.”Meanwhile, the partnership betwee

- Second meeting following February trip to Europe … Discussions to strengthenestablishment of wind power industry-- Leading the way to safe and clean energy production as well as attracting investment and creating jobs in the wind power industry-On Mar. 6, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with Lars Aagaard, the Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, and Per Mejnert Kristensen, the Ørsted President of Asia Pacific, to discuss cooperation in the offshore wind power industry.This partnership comes following Mayor Yoo's trip to Copenhagen, Denmark last February, when the Incheon-Ørsted Offshore Wind Power Local Industry Development Cooperation MoU was concluded.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard take a photo at the Federation ofKorean Industries in Yeouido, Seoul following discussions on cooperation for the offshore wind power industry on Mar. 6.This day, the mayor requested cooperation while in discussion with Minister Aagaard and President Kristensen for taking steps to transform Incheon into a leading area for offshore wind power. Incheon is set to construct an offshore wind farm to generate 6.2 GW of energy, according to the city's initiative toward carbon neutrality and local economic development by 2030. The government-led project is expected to cost a total of KRW 31 trillion in cooperation with private companies such as Ørsted.Discussions with the Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities(from left, Ørsted President of Asia Pacific Per Mejnert Kristensen, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard, and Ambassador of Denmark to the Republic of Korea Svend OllingPer Mejnert Kristensen, Ørsted President of Asia Pacific during discussions on cooperationBoth sides established joint goals for the successful realization of the Incheon offshore wind power project and reaffirmed their efforts for the development of the industry for Ørsted’s coexistence