Incheon Expands Community Suicide Prevention Network with Local Hairdressers
Incheon Metropolitan City is expanding its community suicide prevention network by launching a new "Life-Loving Hairdresser" initiative this year.
The program trains professionals who regularly interact with the public to recognize early warning signs of suicide risk and connect people with appropriate support services.
The newly introduced initiative takes advantage of the close and ongoing relationships that hairdressers and barbers build with their clients.
City officials say the program is expected to strengthen a community-based culture of respect for life by identifying people at risk in everyday settings and linking them to the help they need.
Namchon Agricultural Wholesale Market to Close for Summer Holidays
Incheon’s Namchon Agricultural Wholesale Market will temporarily close on July 27 to give market workers time to rest and recharge during the summer season.
The temporary closure follows voluntary requests for leave from the market's four wholesale market corporations, and will allow wholesalers and other workers in the fruit and vegetable sections to take a break.
The fruit and vegetable markets will be closed on both July 26, their regular holiday, and July 27.
The market’s normal operations will resume on July 28.
Incheon Public Libraries to Offer Children’s Summer Vacation Programs
Special Programs for Summer 2026 will be offered at the Incheon Library as well as Cheongna Lake, Cheongna International, Yeongjong Haneul and Majeon Libraries for children during the summer vacation season.
The programs are designed for elementary school students, and combine reading with hands-on activities covering topics such as history, economics, music, and world cultures to foster critical thinking and creativity.
Applications and detailed schedules are available on each library's website, with additional information provided by the individual libraries.
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
