Chinese Cruises Rerouted to Incheon Port Amid China’s “Japan Restriction”
Chinese cruise ships appear to be redirecting their routes to Incheon Port following China’s so-called “Japan restriction,” limiting Japanese cultureal content and tourism. According to the Incheon Port Authority, the total number of cruise calls at Incheon Port rose from just 15 in 2024 to 32 last year. As of last week, 64 calls have already been confirmed for this year. With booking inquiries continuing, the authority expects the number of cruise ships calling at the port to increase further.
Slaughterhouses to Open Early for Stable Supply of Meat During Holidays
The Incheon Institute of Health and Environment says slaughterhouses will open earlier to ensure a stable supply of beef, pork, and other livestock products ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, when meat consumption is expected to surge. An analysis of last year’s slaughter volume shows daily averages of 75 cattle and 1,428 pigs in the Incheon area. To meet the demand, slaughterhouses will open one hour earlier than usual at 7 a.m., from Jan. 12th through Feb. 4, on a total of 12 days, excluding Thursdays and Fridays. The institute says the adjusted schedule will help ensure smooth supply and distribution during the holiday period.
Additional Funding Discussed for Delayed Songdo Severance Hospital
Incheon Metropolitan City is discussing additional construction funding with Yonsei University as the opening of Songdo Severance Hospital continues to be delayed. According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-seop to discuss plans for a “Quantum, Bio, and Medical Innovation Cluster,” which includes the Songdo Severance Hospital. Originally scheduled for completion by the end of this year, the 800-bed hospital is now expected to open in late 2028 or 2029, due to rising construction costs and ongoing medical sector disputes.
Incheon Education Office Ranks 1st in School Support Satisfaction Nationwide
Incheon Metropolitan City is discussing additional construction funding with Yonsei University as the opening of Songdo Severance Hospital continues to be delayed. According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-seop to discuss plans for a “Quantum, Bio, and Medical Innovation Cluster,” which includes the Songdo Severance Hospital. Originally scheduled for completion by the end of this year, the 800-bed hospital is now expected to open in late 2028 or 2029, due to rising construction costs and ongoing medical sector disputes.
Incheon Education Office Trains “Peer Gatekeeper” Instructors
The Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education has conducted training at Inhwa Girls’ High School for 180 elementary and secondary school teachers to become “Peer Gatekeeper” instructors. The program consisted of five sessions, including lectures on real-life responses to high-risk suicide cases and practical life-respect education for students. Special lectures were delivered by Lee Dong-hoon, director of Sungkyunkwan University’s Trauma and Mental Health Research Institute, along with hands-on training by eight professional counseling teachers. Certified instructors will go on to provide life-respect and peer suicide education aimed at raising awareness and improving sensitivity to early warning signs of crisis to students.
Red Cross Incheon Branch Recieves Special Contribution From City Council
The Korean Red Cross Incheon Branch says it has received a special contribution of two million won for 2026 from the Incheon Metropolitan Council. The donation ceremony was attended by Council Chairperson Jeong Hai-kwon, Red Cross Incheon Branch President Jo Eui-young, and Hwang Jae-cheol, head of the Incheon Volunteer Association. The funds will be used for humanitarian activities, including support for vulnerable groups and families in crisis, as well as disaster relief efforts across Incheon.
