- Promotional booth officially open at the 2024 Global Korean Association President Conference to expand the network of global Koreans overseas -Incheon Metropolitan City announced its participation in the 2024 Global Korean Association President Conference and the 18th Global Korean Day Celebration (hereinafter referred to as the Conference). The Conference was held at Lotte Hotel World in Jamsil, Seoul, on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3, officially opening the booth for the 2025–2026: Year of Overseas Koreans’ Exchange and Visit.Through this promotional booth, the metropolitan government plans to promote the Year of Overseas Koreans’ Exchange and Visits to Incheon campaign, which will be held for two years from 2025 to 2026. The goal is to encourage overseas Koreans to visit Incheon and strengthen their network.The campaign will introduce various programs to the booth visitors, including welcome booths, distribution of Overseas Korean Incheon Tour Cards, social network service events, and the celebration of Overseas Koreans Visiting Week, which is planned to take place next year.The Conference is an annual event hosted by the Overseas Koreans Agency to bring together Korean community leaders worldwide. It aims to foster interaction between the overseas Korean community and their homeland, establishing a foundation for networking and strengthening ties between overseas Koreans and their home nation.Yun Hyeon-mo, head of Incheon’s Global Business Cooperation Bureau, stated, “We hope that this event will serve as an opportunity to introduce Incheon to Koreans living overseas who are visiting their homeland, and promote Incheon as a city that embraces everyone.”Meanwhile, Incheon will hold a proclamation ceremony at Gyeongwonjae on Oct. 18 to declare the start of the 2025–2026: Year of Overseas Koreans’ Exchange and Visit to Incheon, marking the beginning of flourishing exchange and communication with overseas Koreans.

- Fall nights of October celebrate various events, including the Night Picnic Concert and Night MarketIncheon Metropolitan City and the Incheon Tourism Organization have announced to host nighttime cultural events, including the Night Picnic Concert and Wolmi-Open Port Night Market, to revitalize night tourism in downtown Incheon.As Incheon enters the third year of its night tourism specialization project, the city expands its focus from Songdo to include Wolmido and the Open Port area. Incheon’s strategy is to discover self-sustaining programs centered around the old downtown area, establishing a foundation for sustainable night tourism and distinguishing Incheon as a unique nighttime tourist attraction, distinct from other regions.One of the key events that began on Sunday, Sep. 15 is the Bar Hopping Tour. Participants can visit a selection of unique bars around the Open Port and Sinpo-dong areas, enjoying a fun experience and touring around the city.The tour offers a special discount that allows visitors to enjoy a menu normally priced at KRW 13,000, for just KRW 3,000 at each bar. This discount is available to anyone with an Incheoneasy account, Incheon’s mobile travel application.The Incheon Night Picnic Concert will be held for a total of three days from Thursday, Oct. 3, to Saturday, Oct. 12 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Open Port Square of Incheon Sangsang Platform 1883.On Thursday, Oct. 3, outdoor movie screenings and cinema discussions will take place. Followed by on Friday, Oct. 11 is a jazz concert featuring a jazz brass band, romantic a cappella performances, and swing jazz performances. On Sunday, Oct. 12, the picnic concert will introduce fusion gugak, pop opera, and Korean pop song performances. Each evening from 5 PM to 8 PM, the event will also include special treats like popcorn, nighttime tourism experiences, and flea markets throughout the three days, offering visitors a unique night experience in the fall season.The Incheon Wolmi-Open Port Night

- 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