- ₩32.2 billion, including national funding, allocated for the 2025 Special Regional Development Project -- Expected improvements in residential environments and revitalization of the tourism industry -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on Feb. 28 that it finalized a total of 41 projects under the 2025 Special Regional Development Project, comprising 15 projects in Ganghwa-gun and 26 in Ongjin-gun, and notified the respective counties of the 2025 implementation plan.The initiative aims to enhance the welfare of residents in designated special regional areas and foster the sustainable development of island communities.Special regional areas refer to islands designated for development under the Island Development Promotion Act and border regions defined by the Special Act on Support for Border Area. In Incheon, this includes 32 designated islands as well as the border regions of Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun.As part of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s Special Regional Development Project, the initiatives qualified for 80% of national funding through the Special Account for Regional Balanced Development. This year, a total of ₩32.2 billion will be invested in the program, including ₩25.8 billion from national funds.Key projects for 2025 include the Baengnyeongdo Multipurpose Community Center (₩11.6 billion; two stories with a total floor area of 2,392 m²), Daecheongdo Village Cultural Complex (₩2.9 billion; two stories with a total floor area of 494.8 m²), and Deokjeokdo Public Bathhouse (₩3 billion; one story with a total floor area of 400 m²). These facilities are scheduled to open in the latter half of the year, and upon completion, they are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for island residents.The city government also plans to invest ₩3.9 billion to construct a 575-meter-long coastal deck at 505-9 Yeonpyeong-ri, Yeonpyeongdo. This project will create a waterfront leisure space where visitors can m

- Application to be made 60 days of childbirth; KRW 1.2 million provided in Incheon e-Eum Points -- “i+ Plus 100 Million Dream” initiative to alleviate families’ financial burdens and overcome low birth rates -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jung-bok) has been implementing the Incheon-style birth policy “i+ 100 Million Dream” since July last year.Through this initiative, the city began providing support for transportation expenses for pregnant women, the 1040 Subsidy Program, and the Child Dream Allowance. This year, the program was further expanded to include postpartum care expenses, helping to reduce the financial burden of child-rearing and fostering awareness of the need to address low birth rates.As part of this Incheon-style birth policy, the 1040 Subsidy Program provides children aged 1 to 7 with an annual subsidy of KRW 1.2 million, totaling KRW 8.4 million over seven years. Eligible children must have been born on or after January 1, 2023, and must have continuously resided in Incheon for at least one year with a parent sharing the same resident registration.In principle, parents must apply online through the Government24 (Subsidy24) website. However, if a non-parent guardian needs to apply or if online application is not possible, applications can be submitted in person at the local administrative welfare center.* Government24 (https://www.gov.kr) → Log in (authentication required) → Search for “1040 Subsidy” → Click “Apply” → Fill out and submit application formApplications must be submitted each year within 60 days of the child’s birthday. Failure to apply within this period will result in the loss of eligibility for that year’s subsidy, and it cannot be paid retroactively.The subsidy will be provided as Incheon Love Gift Certificate (Incheon e-Eum) points, the city’s local currency, and will be issued by the end of the month following the application. To receive the subsidy, applicants must first sign up for the Inc

- Available at administrative welfare centers in your registered district from February 28 and in all Korean municipalities from March 28 -- Simple, streamlined ID verification with mobile phone, enhancing convenience for citizens -The issuance of mobile resident registration cards has officially begun in Incheon.The nationwide rollout began with a pilot program in December last year and has been implemented in phases, with full implementation set for March 28. As a second phase region, Incheon has allowed residents aged 17 and older to apply for and receive a mobile resident registration card at administrative welfare centers within their jurisdiction since February 28. Accordingly, the Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is actively promoting mobile resident registration cards to improve convenience for citizens.Nationwide Rollout Schedule for Mobile Resident Registration Cards* (Pilot Issuance, Dec. 27, 2024, onward): 9 local governments, including Sejong, Goyang (Gyeonggi-do), Yeosu (Jeollanam-do), and Gunwi (Daegu)* (Nationwide Issuance – Phase 1, Feb. 14, 2025, onward): Daegu, Daejeon, Ulsan, Sejong, Gangwon-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeju-do* ((Nationwide Issuance – Phase 2, Feb. 28, 2025, onward) Incheon , Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do* (Nationwide Issuance – Phase 3, Mar. 14, 2025, onward): Seoul, Busan, Gwangju* (Full Nationwide Issuance, Mar. 28, 2025 onward): All local governmentsOn the first day of the second phase, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited the Nonhyeon 1-dong Administrative Welfare Center in Namdong-gu and personally obtained a mobile resident registration card.The card has two issuance methods: the QR code and the IC card systems. The QR code method requires applicants to visit an administrative welfare center with a physical (plastic) resident registration card and scan a QR code for issuance. This method allows for immediate, free issuance. However, if the mobile

- Immediate passport issuance for pregnant women starting March 4 --Aiming for social consensus of respect and consideration for pregnant women-The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city would operate a “priority passport application booth for pregnant women” starting March 4 to assist pregnant women who face challenges waiting for a long time.Under the conventional system, applicants had to take a number and wait in line. In contrast, the priority booth allows pregnant women to process their passport applications immediately, regardless of their arrival order, aligning with the city’s goal of enhancing customer satisfaction with passport services.When a pregnant woman visits the office, a passport guide will assist her in processing the application at the priority booth without requiring a number. Pregnant women can also receive priority assistance when collecting their passports.The city government has installed signage and promotional banners to help pregnant women easily locate the priority booth. Passport guides have also been trained to provide smooth and efficient service.Through this initiative, the city aims to foster greater social consensus on respect and consideration for pregnant women, especially in an era of ultra-low birth rates.Son Hye-won, Head of the Civil Service Division, stated, “We hope to foster a culture of consideration for vulnerable groups by ensuring that all pregnant women visiting City Hall can utilize priority services. Moving forward, we will continue to provide civil services driven by user needs.”The Incheon Metropolitan Government also operates Saturday passport services (9 AM—12 PM) for citizens unable to visit on weekdays. Since September last year, the city government has also received an enthusiastic response from locals by distributing passport cases featuring a spotted seal character.

- Up to three screenings for all men and women aged 20-49, regardless of marital status -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced to expand its prenatal healthcare program starting this year to include men and women aged 20 to 49, regardless of their marital status or number of children.The prenatal healthcare program was launched in April 2023 to identify health risk factors that could impact pregnancy and childbirth early on and to promote reproductive health by covering fertility testing costs.Previously, only couples preparing for pregnancy were eligible for a one-time lifetime subsidy. However, under the expanded policy, any man or woman aged 20 to 49 can now receive support for up to three screenings in their lifetime—one per major reproductive stage (Stage 1: ages 20–29, Stage 2: ages 30–34, Stage 3: ages 35–49).For women, the program covers an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test (also known as the 'ovarian age test') and gynecological ultrasound, with a subsidy of up to ₩130,000. For men, the plan covers a semen analysis to assess sperm count, shape, and motility, with a maximum subsidy of ₩50,000.Applicants can visit their local public health center based on their resident registration address or apply online via the e-Health Center (e-health.go.kr).Incheon Director for Gender Equality and Family Si Hyeon-jeong stated, "So many people preparing for pregnancy are unaware of their fertility status, which can pose challenges for achieving a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. With this expanded support program, we hope individuals will take the initiative in assessing their health status and develop a well-prepared plan for pregnancy and childbirth."

- Michuhol Book declares 'One City, One Book' reading campaign -- Michuhol Library to host various Michuhol Book events, including book discussions and author events -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the Michuhol Library successfully hosted the Michuhol Book 2025 Ceremony and Book Concert on Sat, Feb. 22 at the Michuhol Library Auditorium.Michuhol Book is a part of Incheon's 'One City, One Book' initiative, which includes selecting a Book of the Year and operating relevant programs to foster a reading culture and revitalize reading discussions.This event was organized to proclaim the Michuhol Book for 2025 (Incheon's Book of the Year award), and raise citizens' awareness. Approximately 250 Incheon residents attended, making it a lively occasion.During the book talk, author Kim Min-cheol of Une Vie Libérée, selected for the adult category, and poet Oh Eun introduced the book's themes and read excerpts. Kim also shared his personal reflections on travel, engaging in an interactive discussion with the audience. The event's atmosphere was further enriched by the melodious music of singer-songwriter Choi Go-eun.Meanwhile, the selected book in the children's category Grandma's Summer Vacation (unofficial translation) was showcased through an original illustration exhibition, allowing visitors to dive into the book's warm sentiments through visual experience.The event also featured a participatory exhibition. Participants expressed their own thoughts and photographs related to travel, creating a space for sharing emotions and happiness gained from their journeys, with was met with an enthusiastic response.Following this event, the Michuhol Library plans to host a variety of related programs throughout the year, including book discussions, author meet-and-greets, and curated exhibitions.Mayor Yoo stated in a video message, "For this year's Michuhol Book selections, we have chosen three books under the theme of 'Wandering Humans: Travel.' We w

- Growth consultations tailored to local enterprises, along with sales expansion strategies -- Local enterprises' product sales surged by 322% in 2024, demonstrating tangible support outcomes -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Maeul Community Business (Incheon's local enterprise support agency, led by Director Kim Jae-ho) announced on Feb. 26 to host the 3rd Comprehensive Briefing on Support for Local Enterprises at Orakai Songdo Park Hotel.This briefing was designed to support the growth of local enterprises in Incheon. It will introduce various support programs crucial for their development, such as training, consulting, promotional assistance, and events for market expansion. The session will also provide practical information on operating local enterprises, covering topics such as the social economy, market development, financial support, and taxation.A total of nine organizations will participate in the event, including the Incheon Maeul Community Business and following institutions: Chungwoon University Digital Transformation Support Center; Incheon Metropolitan City Social Economy Support Center; Incheon Metropolitan City Mutual Growth Distribution Support Center; Social Campus On Incheon; Incheon Technopark; Incheon Credit Guarantee Foundation; Social Solidarity Bank; and Small Enterprise and Market Service's Incheon-Gyeonggi Northern Regional Headquarters. Each organization will present policies and support programs to foster the growth and sustainability of local enterprises.A notable feature of this year's briefing is the increased number of participating institutions. The Incheon Credit Guarantee Foundation and the Social Solidarity Bank were added to last year's list of seven participants, allowing Incheon to provide financial support through special guarantees for social economy enterprises and low-interest loans. Furthermore, one-on-one consultation booths will be set up to provide local enterprises with tailored support,

- Vice Mayor Hwang Hyo-jin greets Tianjin Municipal Committee Member Lian Maojun -- MOU signed to promote investment and exchange with Tianjin -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on Feb. 23 that Vice Mayor for Global City and Political Affairs Hwang Hyo-jin greeted Tianjin Municipal Committee Member Lian Maojun to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation and friendship between the two cities.The Tianjin delegation toured the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) I-Vision Center to learn about Incheon's development status and ongoing projects before Vice Mayor Hwang's welcome. Later, representatives signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the IFEZ and the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) to strengthen exchange efforts in economy and investment. Through this MOU, the two cities aim to encompass free trade zones in their cooperative efforts and expand collaborations in various other sectors. Key areas of agreement include economic and investment cooperation, attracting investment in the bio and medical sectors, and promoting international trade.Incheon Vice Mayor Hwang stated, "Our relationship with Tianjin is invaluable as it was the first Chinese city to establish a sister-city relationship with Incheon. The two cities share numerous similarities, including ports and free economic zones, and have actively engaged in exchanges, serving as a bridge for bilateral cooperation between Korea and China."IFEZ Authority Commissioner Yoon Won-seok remarked, "I am pleased that the signing of this MOU between our special economic zones presents an opportunity to advance economic and trade relations between Incheon and Tianjin."Committee Member Lian Maojun responded, "I was deeply impressed by Incheon's development after visiting the IFEZ promotional center. I sincerely appreciate the strong support for the MOU between our free economic zones. I hope that Incheon and Tianjin will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation across variou

- Consistently high satisfaction ratings of 95+ for three consecutive years; participation expanded to include third graders -- Diverse programs, including parenting education, attachment-building activities, and self-help groups -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the recruitment of new members for the 2025 Incheon Father Angel Club, a program jointly operated by the city and the Korea Population Health and Welfare Association’s Incheon branch clinic.The Incheon Father Angel Club was launched on Jan. 19, 2021 with 208 participating fathers, and has since grown to 2,053 active members as of Jan. 20, 2025. As a unique paternal-childcare community, it is the only program of its kind among the 17 local governments in Korea and has received widespread support from families.Those eligible are fathers residing in Incheon who have children in third grade or younger. Starting this year, the previous children’s age limit of second grade and below has been expanded to include third graders, allowing more fathers and children to participate.The Incheon Father Angel Club offers a variety of free programs designed to encourage fathers’ active involvement in parenting. These include community activities, self-help groups, parenting education, attachment-building experiences, and father–child picnic events. The club’s programs have been highly praised, with an average satisfaction score of over 95 for three consecutive years.Incheon Director-General for Gender Equality and Family Si Hyeon-jeong stated, “Parenting is a shared responsibility that goes beyond gender. We hope that the Incheon Father Angel Club will serve as a stepping stone for natural parental involvement and help strengthen family bonds, ultimately contributing to happier households.”For more details on the club and its benefits, visit the official community website (cafe.naver.com/infatherangel).

- Strengthening exchanges between Incheon and China, exploring ways of practical cooperation -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo met with the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing on Feb. 9, congratulating him on his appointment and discussing ways to promote exchanges and practical cooperation between Incheon and Chinese local governments.Ambassador Dai Bing, an expert in international affairs who previously served as Deputy Representative of China to the United Nations, assumed his post as Chinese Ambassador to South Korea on Jan. 27. Ambassador Dai said, “China and South Korea are the closest of neighbors, and in today’s international and regional landscape, I hope our two nations will work together to identify new growth drivers and achieve tangible cooperation. I also look forward to Incheon serving as a focal point for exchanges between local governments in both countries.”Mayor Yoo responded, “Incheon is one of the most active cities in Korea in terms of exchanges with China, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the INChina Forum and the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement’s local economic cooperation project. As the Chairman of the Governors Association of the Republic of Korea, I will work to ensure the swift recovery of engagement between South Korean and Chinese local governments, which have dwindled due to COVID-19.” He added, “I hope we can continue to meet regularly to discuss ways to further advance Korea–China relations.”Since 2019, Incheon Metropolitan City and the Chinese Embassy in South Korea have co-hosted the INChina Forum, which has grown into the country’s premier platform for exchange and cooperation with China. As the forum celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Incheon and the Chinese Embassy plan to continue fostering diverse cooperation and communication initiatives.