Ferry Suspension Concerns Resolved: Tentative Agreement Reached to Extend Contract with the Previous Operator for Deokjeokdo Circular Route
The Deokjeokdo and five outer island circular ferry route (Naraeho), which faced suspension concerns due to inevitable revenue declines, is expected to continue operations next year.
The Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries recently announced that it has reached a tentative agreement to extend the service contract with Daebu Shipping, the operator of the circular route, for the Deokjeokdo Jinri-Ulldo route, which was set to expire at the end of this month.
The Deokjeokdo Jinri-Ulldo route is designated as a state-subsidized route, where the governments support operating deficits. The Incheon Regional Office plans to sign the extension contract with Daebu Shipping as early as this week.
Through the contract, the Incheon Regional Office will propose a budget of 609 million KRW for next year, with the contract period set for one year.
Yoo Jeong-bok, Mayor of Incheon, Elected as 18th Chairman of the Council of Governors
The Incheon Metropolitan Government announced that Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok has been elected as the 18th Chairman of the National Council of Governors of South Korea.
Mayor Yoo was unanimously chosen during the 60th General Assembly held yesterday (17th) at the Council’s main conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul. His one-year term will begin on January 1st and run through December 31st, 2025.
This marks Mayor Yoo’s second time serving as Chairman, having previously held the position as the 9th Chairman in 2015 during his tenure as the 6th popularly elected Mayor of Incheon.
Mayor Yoo stated that although the current political situation is very grave, it is the time to focus all efforts on stabilizing local communities and revitalizing the livelihoods of residents, regardless of the central government’s circumstances.
Use Your Culture Nuri Card by December 31st!
The Incheon Foundation for Arts and Culture has announced that the usage deadline for the “Culture Nuri Card” is Tuesday, December 31st.
The Culture Nuri Card provides an annual subsidy of 130,000 KRW per person to recipients of basic livelihood benefits and low-income households aged six and older, enabling them to enjoy cultural, tourism, and sports activities. The funds can be used at approximately 30,000 affiliated locations nationwide, including venues for performances, movies, exhibitions, books, tourist facilities, transportation, accommodations, and sports facilities.
Any unused balance as of December 31st will not roll over to next year and will automatically expire.
Notably, cardholders who received this year’s subsidy but have not used it at all may be excluded from automatic recharging next year. Users are encouraged to take special care to ensure timely usage.
Incheon Waterworks Wraps Up a Year-Long Journey with Citizen Evaluation Group and Supporters
The Incheon Metropolitan City Waterworks Headquarters announced that it held the “2024 Incheon Haneulsoo Citizen Evaluation Group and Supporters Closing Ceremony” yesterday (17th) in the headquarters’ main conference room.
The ceremony was attended by over 150 members of the Citizen Evaluation Group and Supporters, who worked throughout the year to improve the reliability and quality of tap water. Participants shared their achievements and reflections during the event.
The event began with a video presentation showcasing the group’s 2024 activities. During the final activity report, participants highlighted outstanding examples of improvements made through active communication with the Waterworks Headquarters based on their firsthand experiences and observations.
An official from the Waterworks Headquarters stated that they will continue to work with citizens in 2025 to promote the value of clean tap water to the community.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
