- A public festival created by youths -- Various programs from Sep. 21 to 28 -Incheon announced that during “Incheon Youth Week 2024,” which runs from Sep. 21–28, a festival under the theme “Youths, The Pioneers of Incheon” will be held, creating a space of celebration for both young people and all citizens of Incheon.Youth Week is a statutory holiday designated on the third Saturday of September each year following the enactment of the Youth Framework Act (Aug. 2020), kicking off with Youth Day.Incheon will launch various events and festivities, starting with the 5th Incheon Youth Day celebration on Sep. 21 at Songdo Central Park.The first part of the event featured the “Yogi Jogi Concert” with performances by local youth artists, as well as a passionate cheering performance by SSG Landers cheerleader Bae Soo-hyun, who is also Incheon’s city ambassador. In the second part, there were recognitions for outstanding contributions to youth activities, followed by a performance that celebrated the hopes and dreams of young people. The third part showcased touching celebratory performances by singers Lee Jong-min, Jung Soo-min, and Ben.To conclude, an outdoor screening of classic films was held against the backdrop of a refreshing fall evening, creating cherished memories for families and friends to enjoy their precious time together.As a side event, twenty teams of local youth entrepreneurs will showcase a variety of creative products and services at a flea market, including crafts, fashion, and ceramics. Moreover, various campaigns and activities will be featured at the Youth Policy PR Booth, organized in collaboration with relevant agencies within Incheon. Key programs include: the "Green Planet" campaign, focused on environmental awareness; the "Youth Mental Health" campaign, supporting mental health and stress checkups; the photo booth event hosted at the UU Youth Space; information and registration for the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s nationa

- After listening to the broadcast, the mayor emphasized that living in the affected area itself is an act of patriotism and promised to prepare solutions -As North Korea continues to broadcast noise via loudspeakers directed at the South, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited Songhae-myeon in Ganghwa-gun, a border region, on Sep. 18 to listen to the broadcasts firsthand and inspect the city’s response to the airborne litter dropped by balloons.▲ On Sep. 18, Mayor Yoo visited the site of North Korea’s noise broadcast site in Dangsan-ri, Songhae-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, to receive a briefing from military officials and assess the situation.According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, since late July, North Korea has been transmitting noise in the frontier areas in response to South Korea’s broadcasts via loudspeakers following their earlier deployment of litter-filled balloons.The main areas in Incheon affected by the noise include Songhae-myeon, Yangsamyeon, and Gyodong-myeon in Ganghwa-gun, impacting roughly 4,600 people, or 52 percent of the region’s population. The noise, broadcast intermittently over 24 hours, consists of strange sounds such as sirens, drums, and gongs. The noise levels range from that of a telephone ring to that of a passing train.Residents have voiced their concerns, claiming, “The noise is incredibly stressful. We can’t sleep at night, and our children are frightened, making it difficult for us to lead normal lives.”Incheon has reported the situation to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and the Ministry of National Defense (MND), requesting measures to minimize the impact on residents and ensure their living conditions are restored to normal.Mayor Yoo stated, “After hearing the noise firsthand, I can fully understand the extent of the damage residents are suffering. As I have said many times, simply living in this border area is an act of patriotism. We will do everything we can to tackle the situation so that the noise no

- Jung-gu and Dong-gu sign joint statement to cooperate on Jemulpo-gu’s launch -- Deciding to cooperate on matters such as consultative organization, administration-driven establishment and regional development, and residents’ benefits and harmony -Jung-gu and Dong-gu have joined forces to ensure the successful launch of Jemulpo-gu, set to be established on Jul. 1, 2026, with the merger of the inland areas of Jung-gu and Dong-gu as part of Incheon’s administrative district reorganization.On Sep. 19, a joint statement signing ceremony for the launch of Jemulpo-gu was held at the video conference room in Incheon City Hall, bringing both districts together.Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok poses for a commemorative photograph alongside officials from Jung-gu and Dong-gu after signing the joint statement on Sep. 19.The ceremony was attended by Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, along with Jung-gu's Kim Jung-heon and Dong-gu's Kim Chan-jin as well as district representatives, council members, and local community chairs.The joint statement aims to establish a cooperative framework to address key issues related to the launch of Jemulpo-gu while making mutual efforts to promote regional development, improve resident convenience, and foster unity.On this day, the two districts agreed to establish and operate an “administrative consultation organization” involving the metropolitan government, Jung-gu, and Dong-gu to collaboratively discuss and resolve matters related to Jemulpo-gu’s launch and prepare joint response plans for arising challenges. They also pledged to make joint efforts to enhance resident convenience and regional development by adjusting public facility layouts and infrastructure in response to changing administrative needs, ensuring the succession of properties and responsibilities, maintaining administrative continuity, and maximizing the use of welfare, cultural, and sports facilities.Furthermore, both districts agreed to foster community cohesion by co-managing co

- Incheon Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Friendship with Dalian -- Mayor of Incheon and Secretary of Dalian Commemorate 30 Years of Friendship and Commit to Strengthening Cooperation -On September 5, Xiong Maoping, Secretary of Dalian, China, and his delegation visited Incheon Metropolitan City. They met with Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok to explore strategies for enhancing friendship and cooperation between the two cities.Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and Xiong Maoping, Secretary of Dalian, China,pose for a commemorative photo during his visit on September 5.Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and Xiong Maoping, Secretary of Dalian , China,capture a moment together on September 5.Incheon and Dalian established their friendship on April 2, 1994, two years after diplomatic relations were established between China and Korea. Both cities, as major port hubs and logistics centers, share significant geographical and historical similarities, leading to active exchanges across various fields.Between 2007 and 2010, Incheon public officials' marathon club participated in the Dalian International Marathon, and from 2011 to 2015, there were exchanges of public officials between the two cities. In 2013 and 2014, Dalian took part in the Incheon-China Culture and Tourism Festival, and in 2017 and 2019, Dalian sent delegations to the InChina Forum. In April 2024, the resumption of the car ferry service between Incheon and Dalian, which had been suspended for over four years due to the coronavirus pandemic, marked a renewed phase of exchanges between the two cities.During the visit, the two cities exchanged commemorative plaques celebrating the 30th anniversary of their friendship and presented a video documenting their collaborative history. They also committed to enhancing cooperation and further exchanges."Incheon, as a global city, shares many similarities with Dalian, the economic, political, transportation, and logistics hub of the Liaodong Peninsula in Northeast China," said Mayor Yoo. "Let us

- Second rollout of the Incheon i-Pass with enhanced features! (MOU signed on August 20) - Unlimited rides on Incheon metropolitan buses for 30 days for ₩80,000 starting August 26 Incheon Metropolitan City is rolling out an enhanced version of the Incheon i-Pass card, offering unlimited rides on Incheon metropolitan buses for thirty days starting August 26. This is the second rollout of the service after Incheon launched the original Incheon i-Pass card, which was based on the government's K-Pass service and did not include metropolitan bus service. At that time, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “We are committed to providing Incheon citizens with more options for using public transportation and expanding the range of public transit services available.” As part of this initiative, Incheon is introducing an enhanced version of the Incheon i-Pass starting August 26. The project will initially operate on a pilot basis until December 31 of this year. Following this period, efforts will be made to stabilize the system, secure subscribers, and diversify sales outlets, with a full launch planned for 2025. The Incheon i-Pass is a 30-day bus pass priced at ₩80,000 designed to address the high cost of transportation between Incheon and Seoul. The Incheon i-Pass card can be purchased at GS25 convenience stores in Incheon or online Cashbee store. It can be recharged at GS25 stores nationwide and via the Incheon i-Pass app. After purchase, users must register their card on the Cashbee website (cashbee.co.kr) or through the Incheon i-Pass app to access services such as reporting lost or stolen cards and requesting refunds. The Incheon i-Pass covers direct-trip seated buses, metropolitan (M) express buses, and BRT (7700) buses, encompassing approximately 210 vehicles across 26 routes. However, it does not include airport buses (6770, 6777, 6777-1) or M6410, 3001, and 3002 buses, which operate within Incheon but are not managed by Incheon Metropolitan City. The inclusio

The Incheon Culture and Arts Center will present Stage On Screen, showcasing masterpieces from around the world through film in early September as cool evening breezes begin to blow.First launched in 2013, Stage On Screen is a signature event of the Incheon Culture and Arts Center that has been well-received by the public for screening videos of world-class performances showcasing the latest trends. Stage On Screen will present operas, ballets and musicals in a spacious open-air plaza, offering free access to cultural experiences for citizens who might otherwise be deterred by high ticket prices.Transformation of an outdoor plaza into a 1,650 m² lawn filled with relaxationThis year, Stage On Screen will feature a significant transformation. The gray stone-covered outdoor plaza will be replaced by a 1,650 m² lawn. Audiences can now relax on mats or loungers on the lush green grass while enjoying the performances at their own pace. The popular table zone is anticipated to fill up quickly. Bringing snacks or drinks will make the experience even more delightful for both the eyes and the palate.Enjoy the world’s premier performances on a huge screen and immersive soundThe colossal 420" screen with immersive sound enhanced by the state-of-the-art audio equipment - the experience is truly spectacular. Commentary sheets at the venue provide insights into the origins, plots, and details about the directors and performers. Additionally, a photo wall on one side of the plaza offers a perfect spot for capturing memorable moments.Brand new opening concert and popcorn partiesThere are some new eye-catching parts to this event. Opening concerts will take place on weeknights at 6:20 PM. On Wednesdays, the male vocal duet Alpaca Acoustage will deliver an energetic performance with guitar and cajon, while Thursdays will feature the brass ensemble Luce Bläser performing popular animation soundtracks. Also, a new free popcorn corner will be available to enhance the festive atmosph

Incheon Metropolitan City, in collaboration with ChildFund Korea's Incheon Headquarters, announced plans to provide ₩360 million in asset-building support to 200 children from families receiving basic living security benefits and facing financial hardships.This year, the eligibility criteria for the child development accounts (CDA) program have been significantly expanded, now including children from households with a median income of 50% or below and those under 18. This is a notable increase from last year, which supported children from households with a median income of 40% or below and aged between 12 and 18. However, for children who are unable to deposit savings due to economic difficulties, Incheon and ChildFund Korea Incheon have partnered to connect these children to the Didim Seed account through public-private partnership.To achieve this goal, Incheon, in partnership with ChildFund Korea, is hosting a "Christmas in August" fundraising relay in the form of a “Santa challenge.”The challenge was launched in May by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and since then, it has seen active participation from many citizens. The fundraising relay will continue until the closing ceremony on August 28.Funds raised through this fundraiser will be used to provide a monthly donation of ₩50,000 per child for one year, beginning in September. Additionally, the government will contribute ₩100,000 per month per child in matching funds, creating a self-sustaining reserve of ₩1.8 million per year per child. With support for 200 children, the total asset accumulation will reach ₩360 million annually, comprising ₩120 million from sponsorships and ₩240 million from government matching.Incheon Metropolitan City's Director-General Si Hyeon-jeong for Gender Equality and Family stated, “The independence of children is a crucial issue that the community must address collectively. We are deeply grateful to the citizens, institutions and organizations who, alongside ChildFu

- Incheon’s childcare service for busy moms and dads- Over 300 dedicated caregivers available during early morning (6–8 AM) and late evening (8–10 PM) hours- Expanded infant care for children of 3 to 36 months to reduce wait timesThe Incheon Metropolitan Government will be launching a pilot program this month for the “Incheon i+Care” customized support initiative to address the gaps in childcare needs.As the demand for childcare during early morning hours and late evenings continues to rise due to the needs of working parents, most existing services remain focused on daytime hours, particularly around school drop-off and pick-up times.In response, the Incheon Metropolitan Government has announced plans to designate caregivers specifically for early morning (6–8 AM) and late evening (8–10 PM) shifts, offering an additional hourly caregiver allowance of KRW 1,000 to expand the coverage during those critical hours.According to a survey conducted in May, a total of 668 households in Incheon were put on hold for childcare services, with 333 of these households—representing 50 percent of the total—seeking care for infants aged up to 2 years. This underscores the shortage of caregivers relative to the high demand for infant care.Infant care, which requires frequent attention to tasks such as feeding, diaper changes, and sleep routines, is often less preferred by caregivers. To address this issue, Incheon plans to incentivize participation by offering an additional monthly allowance of KRW 50,000 to caregivers who provide care for infants aged between 3 and 36 months for at least 60 hours per month.The city secured a budget of KRW 272 million through a supplementary budget earlier for the pilot program set to commence in the second half of 2024. The program is subject to expansion in 2025 based on the outcomes of the pilot program.Si Hyun-jung, Director-General of the Gender Equality and Family Bureau at the Incheon Metropolitan Government, said, “This i

- Incheon’s islands promote their merits with their own themes:Ganghwado Island perfect to explore the past and present; Ongjin islands, worth revisitingThe Incheon Metropolitan Government will participate in the 5th Island Day Festival in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do to promote the values and merits of Incheon’s islands.The event, hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, will take place from Aug. 8 to 11 under the theme of “Wonderful islands of Incheon” to reflect the idea that the diverse charms of the islands bring joy, happiness, and hope to the people.Incheon has set up its own exhibition under the themes “Ganghwado Island, perfect to explore the past and present” and “Ongjin islands, worth revisiting.” In particular, the city is actively promoting its islands in collaboration with Gangwha-gun and Ongjin-gun by drawing inspiration from Palmido Island, home to Korea’s first modern lighthouse. For residents of the metropolitan area, Incheon’s islands are the closest destinations to enjoy marine sports, healing retreats, and tidal flat experiences. These islands also offer opportunities for visitors to savor regionally distinct cuisines and participate in a variety of specialized activities.To invigorate island tourism and stimulate the local economy, Incheon is actively pursuing a range of initiatives that leverage the islands’ ecological, historical, and cultural resources. These initiatives include improving residents’ living conditions and operating island tourism products.Notably, the city plans to elevate Baengnyeongdo, Daecheongdo, and Socheongdo Islands to international prominence by securing the Global Geoparks certification from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The plan is expected to enhance the global brand value of these islands, positioning them as world-renowned tourist destinations while fostering sustainable regional economic development.In addition, Incheon is under

Incheon Metropolitan City is looking for members to join its Global Promotion Team to help promote “Incheon as a City of 10 Million" to overseas Koreans and foreigners through social media. We welcome the participation of interested individuals.Recruitment Period: August 12, 2024 (Mon) - August 31, 2024 (Sat) (20 days)Number of Recruits: Approximately 10 peopleEligibility Criteria:a. Foreigners residing or staying in Korea who have no issues with their stay status according to relevant laws.b. Individuals who have a high understanding and interest in Incheon City and can communicate in Korean.c. Owners of personal SNS accounts (public accounts) who can create SNS content in foreign languages (English, Chinese, Japanese) and meet at least one of the following criteria.Activity Period: January 2025 - December 2025 (1 year)Activity Details: Upload personal SNS content after performing missions assigned by the city. (Example) Performing missions such as visiting Incheon city tourist attractions, participating in festivals, etc.Application Method and Required Documents:a. Application Method: Submit to the person in charge via email (withann@korea.kr)b. Required Documents: Promotion team application form (Attachment 1) and consent form for the collection and use of personal information (Attachment 2)Selection Criteria: Evaluation of social media activity* Number of followers (subscribers), number of posts, number of views, etc.Notification of Selection Results: September 9, 2024 (Mon)* Individual SMS notification for selected applicants onlyActivity Benefits:a. Payment of a modest fee for content creationb. Various participation opportunities in events and festivals hosted by Incheon Metropolitan CityOthers:a. If the submitted documents are found to be false, the individual may be excluded from selection, and the selection may be canceled even after being selected.b. Inquiries: Incheon Metropolitan City Overseas Koreans Cooperation Planning Division