Songdo Convensia records 59% venue operation rate last year
Songdo Convensia has recorded a venue operation rate of 59 percent last year. According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, the figure is a two–percentage-point increase from 2024 and the highest level on record. Total annual visitors reached 1.06 million with a total of 1,033 exhibitions and conferences held. The production-inducing effect from the venue’s events held last year is estimated at 581.2 billion won and the employment-inducing effect is estimated at 6,237 jobs.
Incheon to provide cash incentives to seniors giving up driver’s licenses
Incheon Metropolitan City will provide incentives of up to 200,000 won for senior citizens who voluntarily surrender their driver’s licenses. The program aims to create a safer traffic environment. Last year, the city lowered the senior driver age standard from 70 to 65. From this year, an additional 100,000 won will be paid when actual driving activity is confirmed. Eligible applicants are licensed drivers aged 65 or older who reside in Incheon Metropolitan City. Applications can be submitted with a valid licence at local community service centers.
Ferry restrictions to five West Sea islands at night under review
With night fishing allowed off the coast of Incheon for the first time in 44 years, night-time restrictions on passenger ferries to the five West Sea islands is also under review. The Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries said related discussions will be held on February 5th. The meeting will include the Incheon Naval Sector Defense Command, Incheon Coast Guard, Incheon Metropolitan City, and Ongjin-gun. The talks follow requests from Incheon Metropolitan City and Ongjin-gun to ease night sailing restrictions on ferries serving five islands in the West Sea. The city and Ongjin-gun plan to explain the need for easing regulations as night fishing off the Incheon coast will be allowed starting in March.
Preliminary administrative procedures for Incheon–Ansan expressway prolonged
Preliminary administrative procedures for the Incheon–Ansan Expressway are being prolonged. The expressway is currently the only section of the Metropolitan Area 2nd Ring Expressway’s 13 sections where construction has not yet begun. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Incheon Metropolitan City, the project has been divided into two sections with section one currently undergoing a feasibility reassessment by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The section had passed a preliminary feasibility study in 2018, but total project costs rose sharply due to route changes and inflation. As a result, it became subject to a new feasibility review. For section two, revised plans are being prepared by the city and the ministry. If a strategic environmental impact assessment is passed later this year, construction could begin as early as 2028.
Incheon to provide low interest rate loans to food sanitation businesses
Incheon Metropolitan City will launch the “2026 Food Promotion Fund Loan Project” to ease financial burdens caused by high interest rates and economic slowdown to food hygiene establishments. The fund provides loans at lower-than-market interest rates and supports facility improvements and hygiene upgrades. The total loan amount this year is 300 million won. Eligible businesses include food manufacturing, processing, and restaurant operators in Incheon Metropolitan City. Up to 20 million won is available for business development loans. Facility improvement loans of up to 200 million won are also available.
Incheon offers extra 5% e-eum card cashback for Lunar New Year holidays
Incheon Metropolitan City will increase the cashback amount by 5% on the Incheon e-eum Card ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. The city said the event aims to support local businesses and help residents enjoy the holiday season. The “Incheon e-eum Card Bok Dream Event” will run for 12 days from February 7th through 18th. During the event period, cashback benefits will be increased by 5% compared to the previous amount.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
