- Visits to the Heritage Foundation and the CSIS, emphasizing cooperation in various areas, including economy and security -- Senator Andy Kim invited to the 75th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation- Rep. Young Kim honored as one of 2024 Incheon Figures of the Year, encouraged to advance U.S.-ROK relations -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo discussed strategies for strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance and boosting economic cooperation in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21.His schedule included visits to two leading U.S. think tanks, the Heritage Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), as well as meetings with U.S. senators, representatives, and officials from Delta Air Lines.In the morning, Mayor Yoo met with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), a second-generation Korean American, to present him with an invitation to the 75th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. He also visited the Heritage Foundation and CSIS to share in-depth thoughts on South Korean and Korean Peninsula affairs with relevant experts.At the Heritage Foundation, Mayor Yoo was greeted by Steve Yates, Senior Research Fellow at the foundation’s Asian Studies Center, and his colleagues. Mayor Yoo pointed out, “Maintaining a firm alliance between the U.S. and South Korea and charting a new course for bilateral relations proves ever more critical, given the start of President Trump’s second term. I hope this meeting will be an opportunity for us to share our initiatives.” He added, “The domestic political situation in South Korea will be overcome based on its democratic history, and we must respond to challenges through military, diplomatic, and economic cooperation with allied nations.”He also stated, “We will seek developmental strategies for Incheon, a city with a population of over 3 million and its airport ranked among the top three global aviation hubs, poised to become Korea’s second-largest economic city

- Mayor Yoo meets with ROK Ambassador to U.S. Cho Hyun-dong and the Multicultural Coalition Chairman Dr. Mark Burns -- Mayor Yoo requests President Trump’s attendance to the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation and discussion on strengthening U.S.-ROK alliance -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that during his visit to the United States, Mayor Yoo officially invited U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to attend the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation, scheduled for September, through diplomatic routes and personal requests.In his invitation letter, Mayor Yoo emphasized, “The Incheon Landing Operation holds historical significance comparable to the Normandy landings. President Trump’s attendance will strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance in military, economic, and high-tech sectors, particularly during these turbulent times when global peace is at risk.”Mayor Yoo met with ROK Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong on Jan. 18 to discuss plans for the event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. He mentioned that he would invite leaders of the eight participating countries, along with governors, mayors, and veterans, to embellish the scene as a large-scale international event. Mayor Yoo requested the U.S. government’s active cooperation through the embassy to facilitate the invitation process via diplomatic channels.Mayor Yoo also met with Pastor Mark Burns, a long-time friend of President Trump and a key figure expected to play a significant role in the incoming Trump administration, on Jan. 19. He was asked to deliver an invitation to President Trump and Vice President Vance.In addition to leading the official inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol rotunda, Pastor Burns organized an inauguration celebration at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., attended by tens of thousands. He also hosted a ball for roughly 1,700 guests that evening.Mayor Yoo attended both e

- Miami-based immersive exhibition center Superblue to make its first Asian investment in Incheon -- Mayor Yoo to sign an LOI with Superblue in the U.S. on Feb. 22 -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is pushing forward the vision of becoming a global tourism hub by inviting a world-renowned media art exhibition.Mayor Yoo received a letter of intent (LOI) from Superblue CEO Daniel Dolan at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 22 to establish Superblue Korea, a branch of the immersive exhibition center based in Miami.Superblue is the first immersive exhibition center launched by Pace, a prestigious New York-based gallery with a history of 63 years.The Miami venue, housed in a renovated 50,000-square-meter factory space, features installations by 26 globally renowned artists, including Japan’s leading digital art collective teamLab. Visitors to the exhibition can enjoy multi-sensory experiences in spaces where artists have instilled their artistry and immerse themselves in the artwork to become one with each artist’s design.Since opening in Miami in 2020, Superblue has become a major cultural attraction, drawing 500,000 visitors annually despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid plans to expand to cities such as New York and London, Superblue Korea will be the first of its kind in Asia.A site in Golden Harbor, located within Songdo International Business District, is currently under consideration for Superblue Korea. Golden Harbor is also set to house Therme, Europe’s largest spa complex, further advancing Incheon’s goal of soaring as a global tourism destination.Mayor Yoo remarked, “As South Korea’s gateway city, Incheon boasts high-value assets such as its international airport and seaports. We leveraged these strengths to establish the world-renowned art exhibition center here in Incheon, which will help us transit travelers passing through these transport hubs.” He added, “Once Superblue is built, it will beco

- Incheon now in direct control starting this year since pilot operation in 2018 -- Prospects of serving as a bridge between locals and reunification policies, leveraging Incheon’s strengths as a border region and international city -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the management of Ministry of Unification's Uni+ Center has been transferred to Incheon starting this January, shifting the leadership of North Korean defector policies from the central government to the local level.The center was initially established in Incheon in September 2018 as the first among its kind, launched by the Ministry of Unification to build and activate a foundation for reunification efforts at the regional level. After operating as a pilot project, management of the center has now been handed over to Incheon.Located on the 9th floor of Michuhol Tower in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, the center spans a dedicated area of 376.94 square meters and includes office space, classrooms, and a unification lounge.Uni+ Centers are regional institutions established in collaboration with local governments to raise public participation and dialog regarding Korea’s reunification. The centers currently operate in Honam (Mokpo) and Gangwon (Chuncheon) areas, making Incheon the third city to establish one under local government management.As a regional hub for reunification efforts, Uni+ Center–Incheon will focus on public engagement, fostering integration between North and South Korean residents, raising awareness of reunification, and providing information on North Korea. The center will also carry out specialized projects in cooperation with international organizations and institutions to share reunification and North Korea-related policies. Furthermore, it will also play a key role in regional initiatives, working closely with local Hana Centers and other organizations to support resettlement and integration programs.On the day of the opening ceremony, Incheon Policy Plan

- Met with Korean American business leaders in LA to introduce Incheon’s initiatives for overseas Koreans -- Secured LOIs from LA-based video media and financial firms, marking the first step in establishing K-Con Land -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo visited Los Angeles, CA on his return journey after his overseas schedule, including the attendance to the presidential inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.Mayor Yoo held discussions with key Korean American business leaders in LA on Jan. 23 to explore ways to boost trade and investment amid escalating trade pressures from the U.S. He also expressed his sympathies to Korean American residents affected by the recent wildfires. In the meeting, Mayor Yoo outlined crucial initiatives aimed at overseas Koreans, including the World Korean Trade Complex and Global Koreatown (Phase 3) construction projects, both of which have been in progress following the successful establishment of the Overseas Koreans Agency’s settlement in Songdo, Incheon. The attendees showed noteworthy interest in these initiatives and expressed their willingness to participate in various ways.World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World OKTA) Chairman Lee Yeong-jung advocated Incheon’s project directions and suggested support for numerous businesses from across the country, including Incheon, in the upcoming Korea Business Expo set for later this October in Incheon. In response, Mayor Yoo stated, “I urge you to create more export opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises through this event,” pledging his full support. He added, “As Mayor of Incheon, home to the Overseas Koreans Agency, I am committed to enhancing business and living conditions for overseas Koreans and positioning Incheon as a global hub for Koreans living overseas.”As the center of the global cultural industry, LA also served as the venue for investment attraction efforts aimed at revitalizing K

- Private investment and MOU to revitalize Incheon Dream Park Equestrian Venue- Aquarium and theme park to be constructed with plans finalized this year and completion targeted for 2027Incheon Metropolitan City and Hanwha Hotels Resorts will seek to revitalize the Seoul metropolitan landfill using various measures, such as modernizing the equestrian venue and establishing a theme park incorporating an aquarium.Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it signed an MOU with Hanwha Hotels Resorts VP of Future Vision Kim Dong-seon on Jan. 15 to revitalize the Seoul metropolitan landfill (Incheon Dream Park Equestrian Venue). The signing ceremony took place at Incheon City Hall's reception room, with attendees including Hanwha Hotels Resorts CEO Kim Hyung-jo, Hanwha Next CEO Choi Seok-jin, and Hanwha Aqua Planet CEO Han Hoon-seok.Incheon Dream Park Equestrian Venue spans approximately 170,000 square meters, equivalent to 24 soccer fields (7,140 square meters each). It houses 20 facilities, including one main stadium, three practice arenas, one standby stable, a competition headquarters, and horse stalls.Originally built as a venue for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, the facility has since struggled to find a clear purpose. Despite repeated efforts by Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation (SLC) to hire an operator for the site, it remained underutilized.In an effort to address this challenge, Incheon has successfully secured private investment from Hanwha Hotels Resorts to modernize Incheon Dream Park Equestrian Venue and develop the nation’s first theme park incorporating an aquarium, aligning with Incheon’s identity as a maritime city.Incheon aims to finalize the project plan by December 2025 through consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, SLC, and SLC Residents Support Council, and expects to complete the project by 2027.The city anticipate

- Announcement of seven major initiatives for 2025, prioritizing citizen happiness- Incheon's vision as a “global top 10 city,” beyond the 2040 Incheon Comprehensive PlanIncheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) hosted its final municipal briefing session at Michuhol Tower on Jan. 16 under the theme of “Incheon, A Liveable City With Happy Citizens.” During the event, the city unveiled seven key initiatives for 2025 aimed at propelling Incheon into the ranks of global top 10 cities.The initiatives include the following: establishing a foundation for a new leap in Incheon’s development; boldly streamlining unnecessary urban planning regulations; achieving balanced urban development; creating a parenting-friendly environment with affordable housing options, such as ₩1,000 rents; launching the Songdo Amusement Park Renaissance project; advancing smart city infrastructure; and assigning honorary road names with historical and cultural significance.Last year, Incheon laid the groundwork for this transformation, including revisions to the 2040 Incheon Comprehensive Plan and establishing the Camp Market Master Plan.This year, the city government will focus on eliminating excessive urban planning regulations. Efforts include consolidating height regulation management to enable planned developments around Wolmi, Jayu and Subong Parks, and introducing clear standards for outdoor commercial activities in commercial districts, thereby reducing citizen inconvenience and economic inefficiencies.To ensure balanced urban growth, Incheon aims to promote urban development in 37 zones by 2032, delivering approximately 230,000 housing units. These developments will include 32 urban development zones, one housing land development area, and four public housing districts, reducing regional disparities and fostering an improved living environment.In response to challenges such as low birthrates and population decline, the city will fully launch the “i+ Plus Housing Dream

- Announcement of new global vision, goals, and six key strategies -- Accelerating the city's “third port opening” to extend its global reach -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) hosted a municipal briefing session at Michuhol Tower’s Michuhol Hall on Jan. 16 under the theme of “Incheon, A Global Top 10 City.”The city government organized this event so that the bureau head could directly brief the city’s key outlines to citizens—those most affected by municipal policies—and collect their feedback.During the session, the city unveiled its vision, goals, “6G” strategies, and 22 actionable initiatives to transform Incheon into a “global top 10 city” representing South Korea as a leader on the world stage.Incheon, which opened Korea's first seaways with the Port of Incheon in 1883 and airways with the Incheon International Airport in 2001, is preparing for its third port opening, envisioning its next phase with the symbolic step toward becoming a global top-ten city with an extensive global reach. The city will achieve this goal by identifying three primary objectives: attracting investments; revitalizing old urban areas; and establishing a global brand. The city seeks to implement lead-up programs, such as its “6G” strategies and actionable initiatives, based on these objectives.Genesis: Realizing Jemulpo Renaissance Lead-Up Projects“Genesis”—the first of 6G strategies—focuses on pushing the city's Jemulpo Renaissance projects forward. The redevelopment of Port of Incheon's Piers 1 and 8 entered full swing after an implementation agreement was signed with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in December 2022, with construction set to begin this year. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated Port of Incheon Inner Port Redevelopment Team within the ministry to ensure consistency in policy execution. The administrative procedures for Incheon Station’s integrated development project are in swift progress after being

- Coverage limit for seven categories raised to KRW 20 millionfor the safety of citizens -The “Incheon Citizen Safety Insurance,” a reliable safeguard for the 3 million citizens of Incheon, is expanding its coverage and benefit limits.Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city will expand the coverage items and increase the insurance coverage limits based on feedback from Incheon citizens. This expansion is a response to a survey conducted in August and aims to provide practical benefits to the public.This expansion increases the maximum benefit for the seven existing coverage categories has been raised. The maximum coverage amount will be increased from KRW 10-15 million to 20 million for the following areas: Death or disability due to natural disasters; Death or disability from explosions, fires, or collapses; Death or disability while using public transportation; Death in social disasters.Additionally, a new coverage item: Aftereffects of Social Disasters, has been added, bringing the total number of covered items to 14.The existing coverage limits for the following items will remain unchanged: Death or disability due to robbery; Medical expenses for injuries from traffic accidents in school zones; Death or disability while using charter buses; Emergency room treatment for dog bite accidents.For the Incheon Citizen Safety Insurance, the Incheon Metropolitan Government contracts directly with insurance companies and provides benefits to residents who suffer death or disability due to various accidents and disasters. The program has been in operation for seven years and automatically covers all Incheon residents and registered foreigners without the need for enrollment. However, in the case of an incident, the victim or the family of the deceased must apply directly to the insurance company.Claims can be made within three years of the date of the incident and coverage is available to all residents of Incheon, regardless of whe

- Increased frequency of express buses, coastal ferries, and subway services to accommodate the transportation needs of travelers -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on January 17 that special transportation measures will be implemented during the Lunar New Year holidays to ensure convenient and safe travel for those returning to their hometowns.The 10 days from January 24 to February 2 have been designated as the “Special Lunar New Year Transportation Period.” During this period, the city will increase transportation capacity across various modes, such as express (intercity) buses, coastal ferries, and the subway, by conducting preliminary inspections on vehicles and setting up a special situation room to ensure the smooth flow of travelers.The Incheon Metropolitan Government expects an average of about 287,967 people per day to use public transportation during the holiday season. In response to this demand, the city will cooperate with relevant organizations to reinforce transportation capacity in various modes.The city will prioritize boosting the frequency of high-speed express buses, intercity buses, and coastal passenger ferries to accommodate the increased number of homecoming passengers. Although subway ridership is expected to decline due to lower commuter demand, late-night travelers will benefit from an extended last train service on January 29 and 30, with an additional hour of six additional trips.* Express buses: 39 additional vehicles, 44 extra trips / Intercity buses: 10 additional vehicles, 16 extra trips / Coastal ferries: 7 extra trips / Subway: 6 extra trips (last train extension)Also, tolls for the Manwolsan Tunnel and Wonjeongsan Tunnel will be waived for four days (from January 27 to 30) to alleviate financial pressure on citizens and ensure stable traffic flow. During this period, vehicles can pass through the toll booths without paying by card or cash.The city will also conduct safety training for bus, taxi, and su