Incheon Launches Integrated Public Service App ‘Incheon e-Wallet’ Next Year
Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it will launch an integrated public service application called “Incheon e-Wallet” in January next year.
The app uses blockchain technology to allow users to easily issue a digital ID for identity verification.
Through the platform, users can apply for city-run programs, verify Incheon residency, store and submit electronic certificates linked to Government24, and take part in citizen participation challenges.
Incheon Will Establish New Departments in Government Restructuring Next Year
Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it will carry out an organizational restructuring on January 9 next year to improve quality of life and secure new growth engines.
As part of the plan, the city will create a new Department of Loneliness Care, viewing loneliness and social isolation as structural social issues rather than individual problems.
The new department will coordinate policies and programs for seniors, people with disabilities, and young adults that were previously managed separately.
Incheon Cuts Single-Use Products Ahead of Landfill Ban on Household Waste
Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it is proactively reducing the use of single-use products ahead of the ban on direct landfill disposal of household waste in the Seoul metropolitan area, set to take effect in January next year.
The city has already introduced a shared reusable cup system in public offices and encourages civil servants to use personal tumblers.
As a result, more than 2.4 million reusable containers were used this year, reducing household waste by 34 tons.
Incheon Metropolitan City moves ahead with a second round of the Incheon-style RISE Program
Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it is moving forward with a second round of the Incheon-style RISE Program to provide additional support for universities leading regional innovation.
RISE stands for Regional Innovation System & Education, a university support framework designed to cultivate talent aligned with regional needs and to encourage universities to play a central role in driving local innovation.
The second call for proposals will be funded with additional incentive budgets allocated by the Ministry of Education and will be carried out on a total scale of 3.7 billion won.
Incheon Moves Forward with Follow-Up Plans for Opening of Incheon High Court
Incheon Metropolitan City announced that it will begin full-scale follow-up measures from 2026 to ensure the smooth opening of the Incheon High Court and the northern branch of the Incheon District Court on March 1, 2028.
Following the confirmation of the court’s establishment on November 28, 2024, the city finalized a systematic implementation plan in October to support the process at the municipal level.
The city plans to improve access to judicial services, foster legal talent, boost the local economy, and pursue the establishment of a rehabilitation court and an international dispute court to strengthen Incheon’s role as a judicial hub in the western metropolitan area.
Ganghwa-gun Provides Housing Support for Local University Students
Ganghwa-gun announced that it is planning to support housing expenses for university students from the region to help ensure stable learning conditions.
Under the plan, students will receive 100,000 won per month, or up to 1.2 million won per year, in cash support for up to two years.
Eligibility applies to students or their immediate family members who have been registered residents of Ganghwa-gun for at least three years and have housing lease contracts, including dormitories, outside the area.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
