Incheon Administrative System Reorganized into Two Counties and Nine Districts
In-chon’s administrative structure will be reorganized for the first time in 31 years. Starting July 1, the administrative zones will be reorganized from the current two counties and eight district structure to two counties and nine districts. The current Joong District’s inland region and Dong Districts will be combined into Jae-mool-po District while Joong District’s island region will become the newly created Young-jong District. Meanwhile, Suh District’s Gum-dan area will be divided to establish a new Gum-dan District, while the remaining area will retain its current administrative boundaries.
Incheon-Departure KTX Service to Open
The In-chun departure KTX service is slated to open in December 2026. The service is expected to make In-chun a half-day travel destination from other major cities across the nation. Departing from Song-do Station on the Soo-in Line, the service will connect to the Gyung-boo High-Speed Rail Line in Hwa-sung, Gyung-ki Province. Travel time from Song-do to Busan is expected to be about two hours and 20 minutes, and to Mokpo about two hours and 10 minutes, saving approximately one hour and 30 minutes compared to current routes via Seoul or Gwang-myung.
Third Yeongjong Sea Bridge to Open
The Third Young-jong Bridge, the third sea bridge linking Young-jong Island to the mainland, will open on January 5. The bridge spans 4.68 kilometers and is 30 meters wide, featuring the world’s highest observation deck on a sea bridge. Residents of Young-jong and Chung-la will be able to cross the bridge free of charge upon opening, with free access expected to expand to all In-chun residents in the first half of next year.
Free City Bus Rides for Seniors Aged 75 and Older
From the second half of this year, In-chun will introduce free city bus rides for seniors aged 75 and older. The existing senior subway pass will be rebranded as the “I Silver Pass,” allowing seniors to use both city buses and subways free of charge with a single card. About 220,000 seniors aged 75 and above who are registered residents of In-chun will be eligible.
Public Dementia Care Facility to Open
A city-run dementia care facility is set to open in Gae-yang District in the second half of this year. The facility will accommodate up to 96 residents and will be available to In-chun residents diagnosed with dementia who qualify for long-term care grades two through five. Admission fees will be determined in accordance with national long-term care insurance standards set by the National Health Insurance Service.
Monthly Settlement Support Raised for Long-Term Residents of West Sea Islands
Monthly settlement support payments for residents who have lived for more than 10 years on the five West Sea islands near the North Korean border will increase by 20,000 won. In-chun City and Ong-jin County announced that the monthly allowance will rise from 180,000 won to 200,000 won starting this year. Residents who have lived on the islands for between six months and 10 years will continue to receive 120,000 won per month.
Jung District to Provide 500,000 won in Postnatal Care Support Starting Next Year
In-chun’s Joong District will provide 500,000 won in postnatal care support to all households with a newborn starting next year. The subsidy will be issued as points through the local In-chun currency, e yi-eum points, and can be used for postnatal care services such as postpartum care centers and hospitals for up to one year. To qualify, the mother must have lived in Joong District for at least one year at the time of childbirth, and the newborn must be registered as a resident of the district.
IFEZ Logs 790 Million Dollars in FDI, Highest in Six Years
Foreign direct investment in the Incheon Free Economic Zone for 2025 has reached its highest level in six years. According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, cumulative reported FDI for the Song-do, Young-jong, and Chung-la districts totaled 790 million U.S. dollars, marking the highest annual figure recorded since 2020.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
