Incheon Coastal Ferry Passengers Top One Million for the First Time
The number of passengers using coastal ferries linking Incheon Port and islands in the West Sea has reached an all-time high this year.
The Incheon Port Authority said that as of December 29, a preliminary count showed about 1.08 million passengers, marking the highest figure in 12 years.
The increase is attributed to the Incheon i-Sea Pass policy, which lowered fares on 14 coastal ferry routes and expanded fare discounts for non-Incheon residents, boosting island tourism.
Safety Barriers Installed on Third Incheon Bridge to Prevent Tragic Incidents
As fatal jumping incidents continue on the Incheon Bridge, suicide prevention facilities have been installed on the Third Incheon Bridge, which connects Yeongjong Island with the mainland.
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced that safety barriers have been installed ahead of the bridge’s opening next month.
The barriers stretch about 1.7 kilometers, with a height of 2.5 meters, along the cable-stayed section of the bridge.
Incheon Pushes Ahead with Phase Three of Overseas Koreans Town Development
Incheon is moving forward with the third phase of a residential development project for overseas Koreans.
Incheon Global City said the project in Songdo International City has passed architectural review by the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority.
The development will include about 1,700 apartment units across 14 buildings, rising up to 44 stories above ground.
Industrial Output and Shipments Rebound in Incheon
Incheon’s industrial production and shipments both rebounded in November, signaling signs of improvement.
According to the Gyeongin Regional Statistics Office, manufacturing output rose by 4 percent year-on-year, while shipments increased by 4.4 percent.
However, sales at large retail stores fell by 3.6 percent, suggesting limited recovery in consumer spending.
Environmental Group Calls for Probe into Oyster Decline Near Incheon Islands
An environmental group claims that warm wastewater discharged from thermal power plants may be behind the decline of oysters around Incheon’s island areas.
The Incheon Federation for Environmental Movement said coastal rocks were found to be nearly bare, with few oysters or shellfish remaining.
The group added that fishermen have reported declining oyster harvests not only around Deokjeokdo, but also near Daeijakdo and Seungbongdo.
Incheon Tourism Organization Seeks Partners for SangSang Platform
The Incheon Tourism Organization announced it is recruiting new partners to operate facilities at the SangSang Platform, a multi-purpose cultural complex.
Partners will be selected to operate exhibition and experience facilities in Building One,
the SangSang Market in Building Two, and the sports complex in Building Three.
Applications may be submitted for more than one building.
Final partners will be chosen through evaluation, with contracts lasting ten years and rent based on revenue-sharing.
Incheon Island Coexistence Camp Successfully Concludes
Incheon Metropolitan City and the Incheon Tourism Organization have successfully wrapped up the Incheon Island Coexistence Camp, aimed at sustainable development of island communities.
The program ran 18 sessions this year, involving more than 500 participants from public institutions, companies, universities, and civic groups.
Participants gained hands-on experience of island life and tourism resources, helping explore sustainable ways for regional cooperation.
Free Rice Cake Soup Event to Welcome the New Year at Cheongnyang Mountain
A New Year’s rice cake soup sharing event will be held on January 1 at 6:30 a.m. at the entrance to the Cheongnyang Mountain hiking trail in Dongchun-dong, Yeonsu-gu.
The event invites citizens to watch the first sunrise of the year and enjoy free rice cake soup after the hike.
Soup will be served on-site to about 3,000 citizens, offering warmth on a cold winter morning.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
