Incheon Launches Priority Passport Service for Pregnant Women
Starting from the 4th, Incheon City will operate a Priority Passport Service for pregnant women, ensuring they can apply for passports without waiting in long queues.
Unlike the standard procedure, which requires taking a queue number and waiting for service, this new initiative allows expectant mothers to receive immediate assistance upon arrival. Passport service assistants will guide them directly to the priority counter for application processing and passport collection, enhancing overall convenience and satisfaction.
Incheon Begins Full-Scale Issuance of Mobile Resident Registration Cards
Incheon City has officially launched mobile resident registration cards, expanding the nationwide rollout that began with a pilot program in December last year.
As part of the second phase of implementation, Incheon residents aged 17 and older have been able to apply for a mobile resident card at their local administrative welfare center since January 28. The service is set to be fully implemented nationwide by February 28.
To obtain a mobile resident card, individuals must download the Korea Mobile ID app on their personal smartphone. Each card can only be used on one device, and it remains valid for three years.
Incheon Promotes Neighborhood Business Revitalization Programs
Incheon City is launching initiatives to strengthen local commercial districts and revitalize small businesses through targeted support programs.
The city will implement the Neighborhood Business Community Development and Activation Project and the Our Village Merchant Association Support Project, designed to foster collaboration among small businesses and enhance their competitiveness.
New Neighborhood Business Communities will be designated, with eligibility limited to organizations of at least 20 small business owners with an elected representative. The city plans to designate 10 new business communities this year.
Selected groups will receive signage, official designation certificates, and promotional materials such as door stickers. The designation process will be conducted on a rolling basis from February, and recognized communities can apply for additional business support programs.
Incheon Pushes for National Urban Park Designation for Sorae Wetland
Incheon City is taking steps to designate the Sorae Wetland area as a National Urban Park.
The city announced plans to submit an application to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport this year to officially establish the park.
The proposed Sorae National Urban Park will span approximately 6.55 million square meters, encompassing existing ecological sites such as Ramsar Wetland(3.6 million ㎡), Sorae Ecological Park (1.5 million ㎡), Public waters (600,000 ㎡), Haeoreum Park (60,000 ㎡), Newly added areas: Sorae A Park (318,000 ㎡) and Sorae B Park (90,000 ㎡).
This initiative aims to preserve and expand green spaces while enhancing public access to nature.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
