Two stray animal shelters in Incheon close, leaving gap in care for larger dogs
Two stray animal shelters operated under local government contracts in Incheon closed late last year, raising concerns about a shortage of shelter space for abandoned dogs in the city. In particular, one of the shelters that closed was a facility that housed a large number of medium- to large-sized dogs, leading some to speculate that Incheon now has virtually no space to protect larger stray dogs. After the closure of the Danam-dong shelter, some abandoned animals now face the risk of euthanasia.
Incheon Cheongna City Tower to be built at original height of 448 meters
Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Yong-woo has announced the Cheongna City Tower in Incheon can be built at its original planned height of 448 meters. The tower is planned for construction in Cheongna International City’s Lake Park. In 2024, the project was suspended due to safety concerns about aircraft taking off and landing at Gimpo Airport. The Korea Land & Housing Corporation or LH began an aviation safety review in June last year. After verification by the Seoul Regional Aviation Office, it was concluded that construction can resume while keeping the original height. Once a new LH president is appointed, a management review meeting will be held to deliberate the project. Detailed design and contractor selection will follow.
Incheon launches pilot AI chatbot service on “Incheon Easy” app
Incheon Metropolitan City has begun a pilot chatbot service called the Incheon AI Travel Assistant on the Incheon Easy app. The service aims to provide more personalized travel information for visitors to Incheon. The AI travel assistant is a key project under the city’s smart tourism advancement plan and is based on generative AI. The service reflects users’ interests, current location, and weather conditions, providing tailored information and travel routes, reducing the time needed to search for information in advance.
Art Center Incheon presents weekday morning concert series
Art Center Incheon is presenting a weekday morning classical concert series titled “Jojo Morning Classic.” The series is co-organized with the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra. Concerts will be held at 11 a.m. on weekdays at the Art Center Incheon Concert Hall. The first performance will take place on March 12. A total of four concerts will be held. Through this series, the center plans to expand daytime performance programs. It also aims to make classical music more accessible in everyday life.
Incheon Foundation for Arts & Culture recruiting Munhwa Nuri Card partners
The Incheon Foundation for Arts and Culture is recruiting Munhwa Nuri Card partner stores in the Incheon region on an ongoing basis to increase card usage and expand cultural choices. The Munhwa Nuri Card supports people aged six and older from low-income and near-poverty households. It helps them enjoy culture, tourism, and sports activities. This year, each cardholder will receive 150,000 won. Teenagers and near-senior users will receive an additional 10,000 won, and can receive up to 160,000 won in total benefits.
Incheon to carry out facility upgrades at traditional markets and shops
Incheon Metropolitan City will fully implement a facility modernization program for traditional markets and shopping areas this year. The project targets 22 markets and shopping districts across the city. Aged CCTV systems, lighting and other facilities at arcades will be systematically improved. The goal is to prevent fires and other electrical and gas accidents, creating a safer and more comfortable shopping environment for both customers and merchants. Out of the total budget of 4.9 billion won, the city has already distributed 3.7 billion won to nine districts and counties. A total of 22 projects will be carried out, with key projects including installing evaporative cooling systems at Sinpo International Market; building customer support centers at Hyundai Market and Jangseungbaegi Traditional Market; installing smart traffic flow and safety guidance systems at Art Foret sales facilities; building new arcades at Mansu Market; and repairing leaks at Gangnam Market.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
