- Access to 25 islands in Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gunwith city bus fare for Incheon residents -- First in the country to integrate passenger ferries intopublic transportation, with fare support expandedup to 70% for non-residents of Incheon -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “A major turning point inrevitalization of tourism on Incheon’s islands” -The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is set to officially implement the “Incheon i-Sea Pass” project in January 2025. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, enables all citizens to use passenger ferries at the city bus fare.The “Incheon i-Sea Pass” aims to guarantee the mobility rights of Incheon residents and to boost the local economy by revitalizing island tourism. The program covers 25 islands in Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun.Incheon residents are able to use passenger ferries for KRW 1,500 for a one-way trip, which is equivalent to the city bus fare. Non-residents will benefit from increased fare subsidies and pay only 30% of the regular fare. The discount has increased from the previous 50% to 70%. The discounted fare is automatically applied to online reservations or on-site ticketing at terminals without a separate application process, increasing user convenience.On January 2, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok attended a promotional event held at the Incheon Coastal Passenger Terminal to mark the successful launch of this initiative.During the event, Mayor Yoo conducted safety inspections before the ferry departure and engaged directly with citizens, explaining the key benefits and instructions regarding the “Incheon i-Sea Pass.” Brochures were also distributed to highlight the importance and expected impact of the policy. Mayor Yoo stated, “This initiative is a significant turning point, providing an opportunity to visit Incheon’s islands without financial burden. We anticipate the i-Sea Pass will contribute immensely to the revitalization of island tourism.” He also emphasized th

- Addressing current issues from construction progress to open by December next year to reduction of tourism resources -- Plans to hold a meeting to gather opinions from Yeongjong residents ahead ofthe 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge opening –Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo visited the construction site of the 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge to inspect issues on Nov. 13, 2024.This visit was made as a measure to address concerns about preparations for the opening of the 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge by December next year and issues related to the reduction of tourism resources on the Yeongjong side.On this day, Mayor Yoo received a briefing from site officials on the progress of construction and future plans. On section 1 on the Yeongjong side of the 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge, installation of the upper structures (i.e., IPC girders) for 15 out of 24 spans of the connecting bridge has been completed. Cable connection and steel bridge installation work for the main tower of the suspension bridge is currently underway.Section 2 on the Cheongna side completed connecting trusses for the main tower of the suspension bridge by the end of November. Subsequently, the plan is to actively proceed with cable connection and steel bridge installation work for the main tower to achieve an overall progress rate of 78% by year-end. Site officials reported that they would proceed without any disruptions to ensure opening by next year through thorough process management.Mayor Yoo urged "to ensure there are no disruptions in construction progress for the grand opening of the bridge by December next year," and instructed "to actively review related alternatives so that tourism support facilities desired by residents can be established."Accordingly, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority plans to prepare alternatives such as utilizing the neighborhood park site (no. 20) near Yeongjong in relation to issues with reducing tourism resources on the Yeongjong side.The 3rd Yeol

- Business consultations and press meeting on Nov. 12 and 14,targeting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City-- Achievements include strengthening promotional networks andattracting tourists through business agreements with Vietnamese broadcaster and travel association -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Tourism Organization (President Baek Hyun) announced that they successfully held an exclusive roadshow for local businesses and travel agency representatives in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Nov. 12 and 14, 2024.This event, in which 11 member companies of the Incheon MICE Alliance and 6 medical institutions participated along with local industry representatives, is significant in that it worked together to raise awareness of Incheon as an optimal city for tourism and MICE as well as to attract tourism and MICE demand.Particularly, in the business consultation meetings held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a total of 280 consultations took place, of which about 30% were positively evaluated for attracting actual tourists and hosting MICE events in Incheon, expanding the actual visits of Vietnamese tourists to Incheon.In addition, they strengthened Incheon's promotional network through signing a business agreement with VTC, one of Vietnam's major state-owned broadcasters, and visiting Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV), while laying the groundwork for attracting actual tourists through business agreements with the Hanoi Tourism Association and local Vietnamese travel agencies.Director Kim Eun-hyo of Incheon's Tourism and MICE Division said, "Vietnam is one of the largest markets for Korean tourists and MICE groups, and through the exclusive roadshow jointly participated by the local MICE Alliance and medical institutions, I believe we have laid the groundwork for actively attracting Vietnamese tourists to Incheon in the future." He added, "We will continue to make efforts so that many Vietnamese tourists can visit Incheon through ongoing attract

- Rediscovering the history and culture of Incheon's port openingthrough dumpling-making food experience -- Plans to develop Incheon's Open Port Area into a global attractionthrough various programs -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) received a great response by holding the Open Port Food Experience program for foreigners residing in Incheon at the Incheon Art Platform on Nov. 16, 2024.This event was planned as part of the 1883 Gaehang Salon's citizen participation program and was held to introduce the history and culture of Incheon's port opening to participants through food experiences.In particular, this event, conducted in collaboration with the Incheon Support Center for Foreign Residents, was attended by about 20 foreigners of various nationalities, including Chinese, Russian, and Burmese. They had time to make and taste dumplings, a representative food of Incheon's Open Port Area, enhancing their understanding of Korean culture and Incheon's port opening. Additionally, foreign participants had the opportunity to experience the charms of Korean food, which is driving the popularity of Korean culture, and to feel the diverse cultural heritage of the Open Port Area.Dumplings have been a light meal enjoyed among dock workers since the opening of Jemulpo Port in 1883, continuing its fame with Chinese-style meat dumplings in Chinatown and North Korean-style dumplings in Sinpo-dong. Recently, it has been gaining more attention as a popular Korean food both domestically and internationally through cooking competition programs on online streaming services.Director-General Kim Jun-seong of Incheon's Global City Bureau said, "Incheon's Open Port Area is a place rich in historical value with various local content, and we hope that through this program, the Open Port Area can establish itself as a cultural landmark of Incheon for foreigners as well." He added, "Incheon will continue to develop the port opening area into a global attraction through various pr

- Promoting a kimchi-making experience event for3,200 children at 26 kindergartens -- Incheon City aims to convey the importance of traditional foods to children through kimchi-making experience -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it will conduct a “Kimchi-Making Experience” event over three weeks from Nov. 4 to Nov. 22, visiting 26 local kindergartens and engaging approximately 3,200 children.This event is sponsored by Incheon City and organized by the Incheon Kimchi Pickling Cooperative Association. It aims to educate children and their families about the excellence of kimchi, providing hands-on activities such as mixing and tasting kimchi to highlight the importance of traditional foods and promote the preservation and value of kimchi culture.Kindergartens participating in the event were recruited through applications from Oct. 28 to Nov 1, and selected kindergartens will be provided with 2 kg of salted cabbage and seasoning per child, free of charge. Only domestic cabbage and seasoning ingredients are used in this event, and the kimchi made by the children will be distributed to the kindergartens.Incheon City announced that four out of fifteen companies belonging to the Incheon Kimchi Pickling Cooperative Association will participate in this event, including Nongga Food, Sungwon Food, Uri Kimchi, and Jeongwoo Food.Amid recent agricultural supply instability due to climate change, particularly with the summer heatwaves impacting cabbage supply and causing a severe blow to the kimchi manufacturing industry, this experience event is anticipated to support the resilience of local businesses.In addition, the Incheon Kimchi Pickling Cooperative Association launched the integrated brand, Soseongchae, in Aug. 2023 to overcome the difficulties in the kimchi manufacturing industry, and plans to produce and introduce this brand product to consumers next year.Kim Jung-hoe, Director of the Agriculture and Livestock Division, stated, "I hope th

- "2024 Band Day" on Nov. 16 at Dong-gu Culture and Sports Center, in collaboration with Incheon Culture and Arts Center-A concert is being held to celebrate the hardworking youth of this era. It is none other than The 2024 Band Day: Record of Youth, being held at Dong-gu Culture and Sports Center on Nov. 16.Introduced since 2013, Incheon Culture and Arts Center's Band Day has offered special opportunities to experience the music of talented bands up close in an intimate setting. It's a time to enjoy the bands showcasing their distinctive and musical visions, transcending generations and genres with outstanding sound and lighting.Due to the remodeling construction of Incheon Culture and Arts Center's performance hall this year, it is presented in collaboration with Dong-gu Culture and Sports Center. It is part of a collaborative performance initiative aimed at showcasing Incheon Culture and Arts Center's major brand performances to local residents by leveraging the planned expertise and promotional networks of each institution.2024 Band Day speaks to those striving for the most beautiful and green moments in life, honoring the meaning of youth (靑春). Three bands—Dragon Pony, ADOY, and Peppertones—gather in one place to record the precious day in history.Dragon Pony, named by members born in the year of the dragon and horse, transcends diverse genres with all four members of different musical colors participating in composition and production. On this stage, they show their unending passion for music and deliver an unforgettable experience.ADOY, beloved for their polished sound and youth-centered themes, has quickly established itself as the top choice for concerts, earning both domestic and international acclaim from music professionals and fans. This event highlights their live performances, now reaching audiences worldwide beyond Korea.Peppertones, known for their intense and refreshing sound, plans to tell stories of youth in their distinctive style. Deliv

- 3,510 visitors, 88 companies, 230 booths in carbon neutrality and renewable energy -- Export contracts worth KRW 33.7 billion, generating a regional economic impact of KRW 2.9 billion during the exhibition period -The 2024 GreenEnerTEC event, held for three days from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, successfully concluded with a total of 3,510 visitors.Now in its third year, 2024 GreenEnerTEC featured 88 companies across six main areas including carbon neutrality, renewable energy, water resources, climate change and air quality, circular economy, and eco-friendly plastics. Thirty-five overseas buyers from 20 countries were invited.During the exhibition period, a total of 163 export consultations valued at KRW 306.8 billion were conducted, resulting in 4 export contracts worth KRW 33.7 billion.Additionally, the event had a significant impact on Incheon's local economy through various side events and programs. 13 conferences, including the International Eco-friendly Plastic Conference, along with technical seminars, briefings, export consultations, and public procurement consultations were held, generating about KRW 2.9 billion in regional economic ripple effects.An eco-friendly promotion booth at the exhibition hosted tumbler recycling and carbon neutrality campaigns, while 70 participants joined an industrial tour of Incheon Environmental Corporation's Resource Circulation Center to learn about the importance of resource circulation. Additionally, 250 people participated in the Green Partner second-half joint de-icing agent sharing activity, strengthening community efforts for creating a sustainable environment.Kim Chung-jin, Director of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, stated, "This exhibition achieved meaningful results in strengthening global business networks and revitalizing the local economy," and added, "It was significant as it provided a platform for international exchange and cooperation, including export consultation meetings with i

- Actively supporting work-life balance with customized childcare services for elementary school children -- Meeting childcare needs in population declining areas by operating community-based "All Together Care Centers" -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is implementing customized gap care support projects to address childcare gaps for elementary school children.Incheon City plans to provide night and weekend care, as well as care for sick children, to ensure continuous care for elementary school children. The city also plans to operate community-based "All Together Care Centers" in its older districts.Opening of "All Together Care Centers"Starting in the second half of this year, Incheon will create rest areas at eight designated All Together Care Centers for sick children and introduce a new bed care service for those who are unwell. In 2025, six additional centers will be established to expand the benefits to reach more children.From next year, All Together Childcare Centers will provide evening and weekend care with evening services at 9 PM. Incheon plans to expand the program to 10 centers by 2026, beginning with pilot operations at two locations in 2025. Additional funding will be provided to facilities operating extended care to create a stable care environment. The extended sick child care services aim to provide safe care for children in urgent need and actively support guardians in achieving a work-life balance.This year, Incheon City, in collaboration with Seo-gu, is establishing its first community-based All Together Childcare Center in Seoknam-dong. This center will address the childcare needs of the older districts with declining population, and provide flexible services, including evening, weekend, and sick child care, along with vehicle support.Si Hyun-jeong, Director of Women and Family Affairs, stated, "We plan to build a comprehensive gap care network, ensuring no care gaps even in urgent or unexpected situations," and added, "Incheo

- The city that brings the yearning for revisits: Incheon takes a global leap forward as a city welcoming overseas Koreans -- “Incheon, Open the World, Link the People” -On Oct. 18, Incheon Metropolitan City announced that a proclamation ceremony was held at Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Hotel, Songdo, to declare the “2025–2026: Year of Overseas Koreans’ Exchange and Visit” initiative (hereinafter “Year of Exchange and Visit).With the vision of becoming a “city that brings the yearning for revisits,” the ceremony aimed to present a blueprint for expanding exchanges and engagement with the seven million overseas Koreans worldwide.More than 150 participants attended the event, including Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, Kim Dae-jung, Chair of the Incheon City Council’s Construction and Transportation Committee, overseas Korean entrepreneurs and institution officials, such as Kim Deok-ryong, Chairman of the World Federation of Korean Association of Commerce, and representatives from Korea Tourism Organization, Incheon Tourism Organization, and Incheon MICE Alliance member companies.The ceremony featured various programs, such as a congratulatory video from Yoo In-chon, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, a celebratory performance by the “Show Design Group” in hopes of a successful event, and a screening of a video specially crafted for the event.The “Year of Exchange and Visit” initiative will run from 2025 to 2026, aiming to encourage overseas Koreans to visit Incheon and foster networks among them. The slogan “Incheon, Open the World, Link the People” was selected through a public contest in August.From next year, Incheon will implement various projects to further facilitate overseas Koreans’ visits, including specialized programs, an “Overseas Korean Visitors Week,” a welcome booth, and a welcome concert.The ceremony highlight was the signing of an MOU between Incheon Metropolitan City, the Incheon MICE Alliance, and three intern

- Incheon Metropolitan Government to do everything to prevent the fire from spreading and review support measures for affected businesses -On Oct. 20, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited the scene of a factory fire in Wanggil-dong, Seo-gu, to assess the damage and demand swift recovery measures. Relevant officials, such as the head of the Seo-gu Office and the local fire department, also attended the site.The fire broke out around 8:44 AM at a machine-processing factory in Wanggil-dong, Seo-gu. Fire authorities issued a level 1 response at 9:14 AM. and escalated it to level 2 at 11:02 AM, which was later downgraded to level 1 at 1:58 PM.There were no casualties, and over 60 pieces of equipment, including helicopters, were mobilized to extinguish the flames.After being briefed by the head of Incheon Geomdan Fire Station on the cause and measures taken to extinguish the fire, Mayor Yoo personally inspected the scene, expressing his gratitude to the firefighters working on the site.He went on to request efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby factories and mountains, urging the team to maintain the disaster prevention and response system to ensure quick action in case of future incidents.A fire department official explained, “The fire occurred in a sandwich panel and tented structure, which made it time-consuming to control.”The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the relevant authorities, and the final damage estimates will be confirmed after further investigation.Mayor Yoo also added, “Please ensure that the flames are fully contained, considering the strong winds, and once the damage assessment is complete, we will actively consider support measures for the affected businesses.” Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is inspecting the damage at the scene of the factory fire in Wanggil-dong, Seo-gu, on Oct. 20.