Mayor Promotes Incheon As Bio & High-Tech Industry Hub
Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok has launched sales diplomacy efforts in the U.K. to attract global educational institutions and companies. Currently on an official visit to the region, the mayor visited the London Trade Office of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency on Feb. 23 (local time), where he was briefed on the UK’s economic trends and investment climate. He also held a meeting with the Federation of Korean Associations in Europe, where he discussed Incheon’s status and potential as Korea’s second-largest economic city, equipped with an international airport and seaport. In particular, he introduced the city’s strategy to leap forward as a bio and advanced industry hub, sharing the city’s vision to foster Songdo International City as a global innovation base. He also emphasized the need for cooperation with overseas Korean communities.
Incheon Home Sales And Rental Prices Continue Upward Trend
Incheon’s home sale prices as well as jeonse or lump-sum deposit rental and monthly rental prices have continued to rise in January. According to the city’s January Real Estate Market Trends Report, Incheon’s housing sales price index rose 0.07% in January. Although the pace of increase slowed from 0.10% the previous month, the upward trend has continued. By district, prices rose in Yeonsu-gu, Jung-gu, Bupyeong-gu, Namdong-gu, Gyeyang-gu, Dong-gu, and Michuhol-gu, while Seo-gu recorded a decline. The jeonse price index rose 0.21% in January, down from 0.26% the previous month while the monthly rental price index increased 0.28%, slowing slightly from December’s 0.29%.
Incheon Launches Carbon Neutrality Action Task Force
The Incheon Institute, in collaboration with the Incheon Green Environment Support Center, will launch the Incheon Carbon Neutrality Action Task Force. The task force will launch on Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at Incheon National University’s Mirae Hall. The 8th On-site Policy Dialogue will also be hosted by the two organizations. Discussions for a draft operational plan for the task force, established to derive Incheon-style citizen-led carbon neutrality initiatives that reflect the city’s urban and environmental characteristics, will be held. Presentations will cover the proposed operation plan and resource circulation policies as well as citizen participation for achieving carbon neutrality. A comprehensive discussion will follow, with participation from key local stakeholders in civic groups, academia, and the media, focusing on expanding citizen participation based on resource circulation.
Incheon to Boost Fishing Village Competitiveness through Returnee School
Incheon Metropolitan City will push ahead with strengthened seafood safety inspections and professional workforce training this year through its Fisheries School for Returnees. The initiative aims to ensure safe seafood supply and sustainable growth of fishing communities. The Incheon Fisheries Technology Support Center plans to conduct more than 300 detailed inspections annually to enhance seafood safety. Scientific analyses will be conducted on 169 items, including radiation, heavy metals, and antibiotic substances, at aquaculture farms and seafood auction markets. Meanwhile, the Incheon Fisheries School for Returnees is focusing on training professional manpower to address population decline in fishing villages.
Songam Museum To Offer Expanded Traditional Art Education Programs
The Songam Museum of Art will operate a variety of educational programs to share the value of traditional art with citizens this year. The museum, located in Michuhol-gu’s Hagik-dong, specializes in Korean antiques, and exhibits traditional ceramics, crafts, and paintings. It conducts about 120 art education sessions annually. This year, it has prepared six programs themed around minhwa, or folk paintings, and traditional patterns. Programs include “Sparkling Museum” for preschool groups to appreciate minhwa, “Curious Museum” for elementary students to learn traditional ceramic patterns, “Together Museum” for family art experiences, and “Dream Link University,” a high school credit-linked program in cooperation with the education office.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
