- 2024 OKFriends Homecoming Teens Campa trip to Incheon for two nights and three days -- Visit to Incheon’s state-of-the-art companies and schools, accompanied by historical and cultural experiences -The Incheon Metropolitan Government announced the invitation of 1,200 overseas Korean teenagers to Incheon for the "2024 OKFriends Homecoming Teens Camp," hosted by the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) and supervised by the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center (OKCC).Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok gave his welcoming speech at the “First 2024 OKFriends Homecoming Teens Camp,” held on Jul. 16 at Grand Hyatt Incheon.Since 2001, OKA and the OKCC have promoted the “OKFriends Homecoming Teens Camp” annually to lift the pride of next-generation overseas Koreans as Korean people and instill a sense of solidarity among domestic teenagers by offering an opportunity to experience Korea’s politics, economy, culture, and history.This year, the camp invites 1,200 overseas Korean teenagers, divided into four sessions, to visit Incheon, Gyeongju, and Seoul on a six-night, seven-day trip starting Jul. 15. Being the largest camp by far in the program’s history, 600 teenagers from Incheon also joined the overseas Koreans during their two-night, three-day stay in the city.This OKFriends Homecoming Teen Camp is the first massive event held in Incheon since OKA’s foundation in the city. For overseas Korean teenagers who were not yet familiar with Korean culture, the Incheon Metropolitan Government demonstrated the city’s vision and charm as a city of 10 million that embraces overseas Koreans.Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is taking a commemorative photograph with other participants, including Lee Key-cheol, OKA’s Commissioner, at the “First 2024 OKFriends Homecoming Teens Camp,” held on Jul. 16 at Grand Hyatt Incheon.During their stay in Incheon, the camp participants visited high schools within the city district (Ara High School in Seo-gu, Gyeyang High School in Gyeyang-gu) to

- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok announces “I + House Dream” housing policy, following up on the “₩100M + I Dream” parenting policy - - Unprecedented “₩1,000 rent” subsidized housing policy and 1% subsidized mortgage loan interest - The Incheon Metropolitan Government announced its new “₩1,000 Rent” (daily rate) policy to provide subsidized housing for newlyweds and engaged couples, and “I + House Dream” policy, which offers additional 1% subsidy for mortgage loan interest. Subsidizing ₩1,000 daily rent and 1% mortgage loan interest to take action against the low fertility rate Incheon’s “I + House Dream” policy provides subsidized housing to newly married couples to reduce the burden of high housing prices by offering additional interest support on existing bank loan benefits, such as special loans for newborns, for couples with children who receive mortgage loans in hopes of having their own homes. First, Incheon is supplying subsidized housing with a daily rent rate of ₩1,000, in which renters can apply for city-owned public “purchased lease” houses or private “jeonse lease” houses at a daily rate of ₩1,000 (monthly rate of ₩30,000). As for the latter, the city has to enter into a “jeonse” agreement with the landlord to provide applicants with the private house of their choice (e.g., apartment with an area of exclusive use no larger than 85 square meters). Eligible are newlyweds who have been married for no longer than seven years and engaged couples, who can receive support for two to six years. Meanwhile, the city government expects to supply 1,000 houses per year with this policy. Average monthly rent“₩1,000 rent”Monthly savingsPrivate house rent: ₩760,000 Purchased lease rent: ₩280,000 Jeonse lease rent: ₩380,000⇨₩1,000 per day (₩30,000 per month)⇨Private house: ↓ ₩730,000 Purchased lease: ↓ ₩250,000 Jeonse lease: ↓ ₩350,000 Overview of Incheon’s subsidized housing support for newlywe

- Gregory Washington, the President of George Mason University, met with Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Yoon Won-seok, discussing the achievements of Mason Korea over the past ten years, its future vision, and the possibility of campus expansionGregory Washington, the President of George Mason University, visited Korea to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the opening of George Mason University Korea (Mason Korea). During his visit, he met with Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok on June 11 to express appreciation for Incheon's support and to discuss future goals.This meeting was also attended by Megan Healy, President, and Special Assistant to the Washington American Campus; Robert Matz, Mason Korea Campus Dean; Kelley Chung, Adjunct Director of Admissions and Office of Government Cooperation; Yoon Won-seok, Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority Commissioner; and Kim Jong-hwan, Head of the Investment Attraction Headquarters.President Washington introduced the tenth-anniversary event of Mason Korea to Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and expressed gratitude for the generous support that has helped the university grow in Korea. Afterward, they discussed plans for expanding the Mason Korea Campus and extending its operations, including opening a research center.President Washington stated, “It has been valuable to reflect on the past ten years with Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, during which Mason Korea took root and shared a vision for the future. We will further expand the cooperation so Mason Korea and Incheon can advance together.”Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said, “Congratulations on Mason Korea’s tenth anniversary, and thank you for your contribution to enhancing the reputation of the Incheon Global Campus,” and noted, “In 2024, IGC’s student recruitment rate also increased significantly, fulfilling the purpose of creating IGC, which is to nurture global talent. Mason Korea plays a major role in discovering talent and enhancing co

- Another achievement following the early opening of KTX and GTX-B lines and becoming the second largest city in Koreawith 3 million population and KRW 100 trillion economy --12,996 residents respond to Incheon’s survey onits 10 major projects -Incheon citizens selected the Incheon I-Pass and Metropolitan I-Pass as the best projects of Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok’s achievements during the second year of his term. Incheon I-Pass and Metropolitan I-Pass are Incheon’s two subsidy projects for public transportation costs based on the Korean government’s K-Pass.The Incheon Metropolitan Government gathered citizens’ opinions on its crucial projects during the second year of the term after the 8th Local Elections through a survey to apply them to future policies.The survey consisted of a five-point scale for 10 key projects implemented during the term. The selected projects are as follows (highest to lowest): (1) unlimited subsidies for public transportation costs through Incheon I-Pass and Metropolitan I-Pass (4.38 pts); (2) construction of Incheon-departing KTX by 2025 and initiation of the GTX-B construction by March this year (4.34 pts); and (3) reaching 3 million registered population and achieving an economy worth KRW 100 trillion, settling in as Korea’s second largest city in terms of economy (4.19 pts).Next to the top 3 projects were (4) the recovery of Incheon’s five streams to preserve natural ecology (4.14 pts); (5) a fully-fledged investment into Incheon to reach new heights as one of the global top 10 cities (4.04 pts); and (6) 100M+ i Dream, Incheon’s childbirth policy (4.02 pts).As for the establishment of a new administrative system (3.98 pts), Dream For Youth Account (3.95 pts), and half-price shipping fee for micro-enterprises (3.93 pts), citizens of regions and social classes closely related to such projects proved to show more interest.According to the survey results, the respondents all marked high scores on Incheon’s top 10 projects, while t

- To be held for two days from Jul. 20 (Sat.) to Jul. 21 (Sun.)in Incheon Songdo Convensia;Around 3,000 participants including 300 players from 15 countriesscheduled to participate -Incheon City and Incheon Tourism Organization announced that Songdo Convensia will host the “2024 K-Darts Festival” for two days from Jul. 20 (Sat.) to Jul. 21 (Sun.).K-Darts Festival Promotion Poster As the world’s largest electronic dart festival, the K-Darts Festival was held under the name “Phoenix Summer Dart Festival” in 2010 and later changed to its current name in 2023 and relocated to Incheon.Starting with the Korea-Japan contest in 2007 when the Japanese team was invited, the festival became an international competition after Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau joined as participants. In 2012, the festival grew to become the world’s largest international dart contest as teams from European countries such as Spain, France, and Portugal and others, including the United States, Malaysia, and Singapore, became players.This year, around 3,000 members including 300 players from 15 countries around the world, such as the United States, France, Singapore, and Japan, will participate in the festival in Songdo Convensia, where they will compete against each other in singles, group contests, and national team competitions.“I am deeply honored that Incheon had the chance to hold the K-Darts Festival, the largest dart-throwing competition in the world. We will do everything we can to enhance Incheon’s city brand image and promote the local economy through support for holding massive global sports events,” said Kim Chung-jin, Head of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau.The 2024 K-Darts Festival is hosted by the Korean Dart Association and sponsored by Incheon City, Incheon Tourism Organization, and Phoenix Dart. Players who wish to participate can apply at the event’s official website(https://summerfestival.phoenixdarts.com/) by Jul. 8, 2024.

- Centers to serve as a space for interaction and exchanges betweenoverseas Koreans --Support for overseas Korean companies’ business activities andeconomic cooperation -The Overseas Koreans Welcome Center—which will facilitate interaction and exchanges between overseas Koreans—and the Koreans’ Business Center, which will support the business activities of overseas Korean entrepreneurs and attract their investments, will open in Booyoung Songdo Tower.Incheon City finalized in April the “Basic and Demonstrative Design to Welcome Overseas Koreans” to open the Overseas Koreans Welcome Center and disclosed that it will house a shared office space, a conference room, a seminar hall, and a lounge.The city government is currently carrying out administrative procedures for the construction contract; the center will open in the second half of the year after about three months of construction.Yun Hyeon-mo, Chief of the Global Business Cooperation Bureau, is briefing the reporters on the current matters of his department at the City Hall’s briefing room on Jun. 20Incheon City initiated the establishment of the Overseas Koreans Welcome Center as a key business of the “10 Million City Incheon Project” as part of the mission to emerge as one of the world’s top ten cities along with the opening of the Overseas Koreans Agency’s branch on Jun. 5.The welcome center will create and run a website to provide various kinds of information on Incheon, such as the city’s housing, medical care, tourism, and education, in an integrated manner.The center will also provide a wide range of facilities within its area to offer a space for interaction and exchanges between overseas Koreans.The Koreans’ Business Center will actively support the economic activities of overseas Koreans in their home country by providing business information, investment attraction counseling and consultation support, and free office space for overseas Korean entrepreneurs and companies.“With

Germany’s Berlin Delegation Visits Incheon Startup Park for a MeetupThe Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) is strengthening cooperation with Berlin, Germany, a European startup hub city, to support Incheon’s startups wishing to enter the European market.IFEZA announced that it held a meetup at Incheon Startup Park on June 10 for startup ecosystem officials and startups in both cities to network.This meetup was held due to full cooperation with Berlin starting in 2023. Last year, the Berlin delegation participated in the ‘IFEZ Smart City International Symposium’ as an overseas cooperation city, signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the smart city and startup areas, and paved the way for cooperation by participating in the ‘Boom Up Festival’ at Incheon Startup Park.The Berlin delegation that visited Incheon this year comprised the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, Berlin Partner (startup hub), Asia Berlin Forum (startup advisory agency), accelerators, and startups. Several accelerators and startups hoping to advance into Europe also participated from Incheon.Participating companies were given a detailed introduction to the startup ecosystem and support programs in both cities and asked multilateral questions concerning preparation for overseas expansion.An official from a participating company said, “It was great to hear down-to-earth advice from people with expertise and experience in Berlin’s startup environment and field, and I could get a sense of what areas to focus on when entering Europe.”In addition, Shim Sun-ok, the Smart City Director at the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, said, “I am glad that the trust we established built with Berlin will prime Incheon’s startups for entering Europe,” and added, “We will strengthen cooperation with overseas startup hub cities to create a global ecosystem for startups.”

- Introducing tourism products selected for the "2024 Incheon Peace and Security Tourism Product Competition"- -Promoting Incheon as a destination for peace tourism with focus on the Incheon Landing Operation, Ganghwa Area, and Ongjin Area- A new tourism product has been introduced, enabling visitors to explore the historic site of the Incheon Landing—a pivotal moment in the Korean War—and the nearby border area of Incheon, fostering reflection on the significance of peace and security. 2024 Incheon Peace ‧ Security Tourism Goods Poster Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization have announced the official launch of nine tourism products selected for the "Incheon Peace and Security Tourism Product Competition" scheduled for June. To stimulate new travel interest and promote the value of peace tourism, Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization organized a competition focusing on three themes: Incheon Landing Operation, Ganghwa Area, and Ongjin Area. They collaborated with five travel agencies to develop a total of nine unique themed products. Products under the "Incheon Landing Operation" theme include: △General MacArthur 3 Islands Tour; △Operation: Incheon Landing Mission Trip; △ Incheon Landing Operation Palmido Cruise and Chinatown; △Incheon Landing Operation Peace and Security Detective Team; and △ Don't Forget! Incheon Landing Operation Palmido Peace Tour. Under the "Ganghwa Area" theme, products feature the △Ganghwa Peace Observatory and Hwagae Garden within Mt. Hwagaesan. Under the "Ongjin Area" theme, three new products will be introduced: △Yeonpyeongdo Island Peace Ecology Tour; △Yeonpyeongdo Island Peace Gourmet Tidal Flat Experience; and △Daecheongdo and Baengnyeongdo Island, islands of fantasy. Hyundai Marine's "MacArthur 3 Islands Tour" is a two-day, one-night excursion covering Wolmido, Palmido (via cruise ship), and Songdo, significant sites of the Incheon Landing Operation. Alongside engaging s

- Experience a nighttime festival with a dockside market concept at Sangsang Platform Piers 1 and 8.Enjoy local food, food trucks, live performances by singers, and stunning fireworks drone show. -Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization have announced the upcoming "1883 Sangsang Platform Night Market" scheduled for June 15-16 and 22-23 at Sangsang Platform Piers 1 and 8.This nighttime festival will showcase a dockside market concept for the first time this year. It features food trucks, experience booths, picnic zones, stage performances, and signature dishes from renowned shopping districts like Sinpo-dong, Wolmido, and Chinatown.Images of the 1883 Sangsang Platform Night MarketFor three nights, visitors can enjoy musical performances by renowned singers such as Son Tae-jin, Park Hyun-bin, and Kim Soo-chan at the night market. Saturdays, the 16th and 22nd, will feature a spectacular fireworks drone show. Additionally, attendees can join DJ club parties, watch sea movies, participate in neon drawing and face painting activities, and take part in the Incheon Heroes key ring-making program.Visitors can also receive shopping district coupons by having their receipts for purchases over a certain amount at the night market validated. Moreover, they can obtain "Incheon eG" coupons for use at the event by scanning the QR code on the Incheon Smart Tourist City app."We invite everyone to enjoy the night market's unique atmosphere at Piers 1 and 8, formerly restricted areas that are now transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Our goal is to enhance our night tourism offerings continually and establish Incheon as a leading city for nighttime activities,” said Kim Chung-jin, director of the city's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau.

- Foreign residents in IFEZ, including the Songdo Foreign Advisory Board (FAB), voice support for hosting APEC in Incheon- Rich in global human resources, 15 international organizations such as GCF, over 4,000 international students at IGC- Incheon is a prepared city with ample MICE facilities including international airport, Inspire Resort, Songdo Convensia, Kyungwonjae AmbassadorGlobal citizens in Incheon Free Economic Zone(IFEZ) have rallied behind supporting the bid to host the 2025 APEC Summit in Incheon.Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority(Director Yoon Won-seok) announced that all procedures for selecting the city to host the 2025 APEC summit have been finalized, with an announcement expected later this month. They highlighted ongoing declarations of support from foreign residents living in Incheon Free Economic Zone.Soleiman Dias, President of the Songdo Foreign Advisory Board (FAB), a prominent foreign community in Songdo International City, along with Vice President James Park, raised their voices in unison on the 13th, stating, “We wholeheartedly support Incheon's bid for hosting APEC.”They have also mobilized robust support through activities such as promoting the 2025 APEC Incheon bid via the Songdo Community, a Facebook group with over 6,800 members.President Dias emphasized, "From the perspective of foreigners who have lived in Incheon for over 10 years, it is clear that Incheon is the optimal choice for hosting the APEC summit. I want to highlight not only the infrastructure, security, and diplomatic importance but also the city's representation of South Korea's economic and cultural strengths.Vice President James Park, Director of External Relations at the University of Utah and Vice President of FAB, stated, "Given that the APEC summit gathers over 20,000 people, including heads of state, ministers, and the media from 21 Asia-Pacific countries, it is crucial to overcome language barriers. IFEZ boasts rich global human resources with 15 internat