Ganghwa’s Free Economic Zone Designation Unlikely to Occur In March
The additional designation of a Free Economic Zone in the southern part of Ganghwa Island, Incheon, is unlikely to be completed within this month as originally targeted by the city. According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is currently consulting with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Environment, to review the designation. Once consultations are completed, the ministry plans to conduct written and on-site evaluations before submitting the agenda to the Free Economic Zone Committee. While Incheon Metropolitan City and Ganghwa-gun have been carrying out signature campaigns with the goal of securing designation within March, it is widely expected that deliberation by the committee will not take place this month.
Incheon Confirms Maritime & International Commercial Court Establishment
Incheon Metropolitan City has held a public reporting session to celebrate the National Assembly’s passage of a bill to establish the Maritime International Commercial Court. The event was organized to express gratitude to citizens who united in support of attracting the court and to officially commemorate the securing of key infrastructure for Incheon’s leap forward as a global maritime city. The ceremony began with a congratulatory performance, followed by the presentation of plaques of appreciation, congratulatory remarks by distinguished guests, and a commemorative performance. Attendees shared the profound emotion of successfully attracting the court.
Pre-Feasibility Study to Extend Incheon Line 1 to Songdo Launched
Incheon Metropolitan City has officially begun research for a pre-feasibility study of the Songdo District 8 extension project of Incheon Subway Line 1, aimed at expanding rail infrastructure in Songdo International City. The research, launched on February 24, was commissioned to establish proactive and professional response strategies to pass the preliminary feasibility study currently being conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Korea Development Institute (KDI). Through the study, the city plans to secure objective feasibility data and maximize logical persuasiveness for the subway line extension during the evaluation process.
Incheon Launches ‘2026 On-site City Policy Tour’
Incheon Metropolitan City has fully launched its “On-site City Policy Tour” for 2026. The “On-site City Policy Tour - Yeonpeyong Island Course,” which received strong public response last year, will expand from a pilot operation to regular service. Linked with the Incheon i-Sea Pass, Incheon citizens can experience a one-day security tour near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea for just 1,500 won. The tour course begins at the security education center and proceeds to Peace Park, Croaker History Hall, the memorial site preserving Sergeant Seo Jeong-woo’s hat badge, the Peace Observatory, and the 7th Artillery Company, offering participants an opportunity to reflect on the importance of peace and security.
Incheon Expands Transportation Support For Bedridden Persons
Incheon Metropolitan City has prepared an institutional basis to substantially guarantee transportation rights for bedridden persons who have been in a blind spot of mobility support. The ordinance establishes the scope and eligibility criteria for transportation support services for individuals who are unable to move independently and live in a bedridden state, thereby creating a systematic foundation for mobility assistance. By providing a basis to ensure healthcare access and safe hospital transportation, the city expects the measure to contribute to expanded social participation and improved welfare for bedridden persons in the future.
Incheon Expands High-Concentration Seasonal Fine Dust Reduction Agreements
Incheon Metropolitan City has signed a voluntary agreement with JCET STATS ChipPAC Korea, a total emission limit management site, to reduce high-concentration seasonal fine dust emissions. The agreement aims to induce substantial emission reductions in the industrial sector during the seasonal management period from December to March. This year, the number of participating workplaces has increased from 33 to 34. Under the agreement, participating businesses will aim to reduce air pollutant emissions by 5% compared to the same period last year, and implement operational improvements and voluntary reduction measures targeting key pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. The city plans to provide institutional support, including incentives, to participating workplaces.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
