Incheon to launch full-scale integrated support for socially isolated individuals
Incheon Metropolitan City will fully implement policies to identify socially isolated individuals at an early stage and support their return to normalcy. The city will establish an integrated support system that spans loneliness prevention, early detection, personalized counseling, step-by-step recovery, and social participation. First, the city will operate a 24-hour “Loneliness Counseling Call” service. The service provides psychological counseling through analysis of crisis signs and aims to allow individuals to seek help at any time to help. The city will also run online programs such as “I-Link Company,” and “Mind District,” to allow participants to experience commuting and completing assignments, and encourage social interaction.
Former naval base on Daecheong Island to be demolished
A former naval base located on Daecheong Island in Ongjin-gun, Incheon, will be demolished and redeveloped for community use. Rep. Bae Jun-young announced that he recently confirmed with Navy Headquarters officials that a project to demolish aging facilities at the Daecheong reserve naval base is scheduled for completion by 2028. A Navy official explained that discussions continued internally after a meeting with Rep. Bae in April last year, and that his request to make the site available for local residents was effectively accepted. Regarding future use of the site, the Navy stated it will confirm whether nearby military units intend to utilize the land and then consult with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, to determine appropriate plans.
Gravesite compensation & relocation process continues for Incheon Family Park Project
The Incheon Metropolitan City Construction Headquarters will carry out compensation and relocation procedures for graves as part of the “Incheon Family Park Development Project (Phase 3-2).” The project aims to transform the park into a more comfortable public space and modern memorial park by reorganizing existing cemetery facilities, constructing columbariums, and creating eco-friendly natural burial grounds. The first two phases and phase 3-1 have proceeded without disruption. Compensation will be carried out by designated zones. For priority zones, compensation negotiations and relocations must be completed by the end of March this year. If agreements are not reached within the specified period, adjudication and deposit of compensation funds will proceed in the second half of the year.
Ongjin-gun expands production of local brand rice grown on the islands
Ongjin-gun will expand production of its own branded rice to reduce local farmers’ reliance on government stockpiling programs. Last year, 6,493 tons of rice were produced in the county, of which 82.6 percent, or 5,361 tons, were purchased as public stockpiled rice. Due to Ongjin-gun’s geographic characteristic of having more than 100 islands, logistics costs are high and distribution networks are limited, making it difficult for farmers to secure their own sales channels. Since 2023, the county has promoted a contract farming program involving rice growers, private rice processing complexes, and Baengnyeong Agricultural Cooperative under the brand name “Island-Embraced Ongjin Rice.”
Incheon International Airport opens ‘Calm-down Room’ at Terminal 2
A dedicated space to support travelers’ psychological well-being has been established at Incheon International Airport. Incheon International Airport Corporation announced it will operate a “Calm-down Room” inside the Special Assistance Lounge near Gate 231 in the duty-free area on the third floor of Terminal 2. While the airport already provides rest areas for special assistance passengers such as people with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly, this is the first dedicated space at a domestic airport designed specifically to support passengers’ psychological stability. The room operates daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Namdong-gu to recruit participants for 2026 Silver Farm program
Incheon’s Namdong-gu will recruit participants for the “Namdong Silver Farm” program. The program aims to support healthy and active senior lifestyles, and recruitment will last until Feb. 27. The farm was created through cooperation between Namdong-gu and the Namdong Senior Club on a 6,125-square-meter site in Susan-dong. Around 300 participants will be selected for the program that will operate from April 1 to Nov. 30. Any Namdong-gu resident aged 65 and older who is capable of farming activities may apply, and participation is free of charge. In principle, one person per household may apply. Participants may not farm with other family members under 65 and must faithfully manage their assigned plots.
