Former Theme Park Site on Yeongjong Island to Be Redeveloped as Bio Complex
A large tract of land on Yeongjong Island which was formerly slated for a theme park and resort project will now be redeveloped into a bio cluster. The site is around 1.2 times the size of Yeouido.
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ) announced that it will begin procedures to revise the development plan for a 3.622 million-square-meter reserved site in the third-phase development area of Yeongjong Sky City, owned by the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and the Incheon Housing and City Development Corporation (iH).
Since 2006, the site has seen six failed attempts to develop a large-scale theme park and resort through foreign investment.
The IFEZ plans to complete consultations with relevant agencies on the bio cluster project later this month and seek preliminary consultation from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the proposed development plan revision next month.
Nighttime Operating Hours Expanded for Ferries to Five West Sea Islands
Restrictions on nighttime ferry operations between Incheon Port and the Five West Sea Islands near the North Korean border have been eased.
Incheon Metropolitan City held a ceremony on July 20 at the Incheon Port Coastal Passenger Terminal to mark the easing of night sailing bans for passenger ferries to the Northwestern border islands.
Starting that day, ferries connecting Incheon Port with Baengnyeongdo, Daecheongdo, Socheongdo, Daeyeonpyeongdo, and Soyeonpyeongdo can now operate from three hours before sunrise until three hours after sunset.
Previously, nighttime operations on the route were limited to 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset due to security concerns and navigational safety.
Applications Accepted for Interest Subsidy Program for Families with Newborns
Incheon Metropolitan City has begun accepting applications for its "1.0% Mortgage Interest Support Program," helping to reduce housing costs for families with newborns.
The program aims to address the country's low birthrate and population decline and provides interest support on mortgage loans for households with children born between January 2025 and June 2026.
A total of 1,500 households will be selected, with each eligible to receive up to 3 million won per year, covering up to 1 percent of their outstanding mortgage balance.
Applications will be accepted online through the Incheon Housing Portal from July 27 to August 31.
Incheon Launches Handwashing Awareness Campaign with Dodam Elementary School
Incheon Metropolitan City will hold a "Handwashing Awareness Week" campaign with Incheon Dodam Elementary School from July 20 to 24 to help prevent foodborne illnesses.
The campaign is part of the activities of the Incheon Food Safety Heroes, a student-led initiative designed to raise awareness about proper hygiene and promote a culture of food safety in schools.
Throughout the week, the city and Dodam Elementary School will offer a variety of interactive programs designed to engage children and enhance the educational experience.
The campaign aims to encourage students to check their own handwashing habits and make proper hygiene a part of their daily routine.
Incheon Cracks Down on Violations by Delivery-App Restaurants and Meat Retailers
Incheon Metropolitan City has uncovered food law violations at nine businesses following a special investigation into restaurants and meat retailers registered on food delivery apps.
The inspection, conducted from July 1 to 10, focused on violations concerning country-of-origin labeling and livestock products.
The crackdown was launched in response to the growing volume of online food purchases through delivery platforms, with the aim of preventing false labeling and illegal distribution of livestock products while ensuring a safer food market for consumers.
Among those cited were three meat retailers that failed to include all or part of the legally required product information, such as the type of meat, cut, grade, and slaughterhouse name.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
