[Article 1]
Local Politicians & Civic Groups Oppose Plan to Move Overseas Koreans Agency to Sejong
Local politicians and civic groups are strongly opposing the government’s plan to relocate the Overseas Koreans Agency from Incheon to Sejong City.
The government announced on October 13 that it plans to move the agency, which opened in Songdo, Incheon, in June 2023, to Sejong.
In response, local political and civic groups have called for the agency to remain in Incheon.
On October 14, the Incheon Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice along with the Geomdan Residents’ Organizations Council and the Yeongjong International City Federation, held a joint press conference at Incheon City Hall.
The groups called for parliamentary audits to address key local issues involving Geomdan, Yeongjong and Incheon, and strongly urged authorities to support the agency’s continued presence in Songdo.
[Article 2]
Incheon Special Judicial Police Uncover Violations at Five Wood Processing Plants
Incheon’s Special Judicial Police have uncovered illegal air pollutant emissions at wood processing businesses across the city and vowed to take firm action.
Incheon Metropolitan City said an investigation conducted from September 29 to October 8 targeted businesses operating sawmills and other wood processing facilities.
Five businesses were found to have violated environmental laws, including the Clean Air Conservation Act.
Among the violations, one business operated air emission and pollution prevention facilities without notifying the relevant district office that operations had begun.
Another failed to conduct required self-monitoring of air pollutants.
The city plans to investigate the cases further, including whether the violations were intentional, and refer the businesses to the Public Prosecution Service on suspicion of violating the Clean Air Conservation Act.
[Article 3]
Incheon Youth Philharmonic Recruiting New Members for 2027
Incheon Metropolitan City is recruiting new members for its 2027 Incheon Youth Philharmonic Orchestra to strengthen musical capabilities of local youth and discover and nurture talent for the future of classical music.
Recruitment is open for 13 instrument sections: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, bass trombone, tuba and percussion. The orchestra will select up to 30 non-permanent members.
Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 24 as of January 1, 2027.
The final selection results are scheduled to be announced on January 5, 2027, on the Incheon Culture and Arts Center website.
[Article 4]
Hana Financial Group Holds Job Fair for Mid-career Job Seekers
Hana Financial Group has held a job fair in Incheon to help middle-aged and older job seekers return to the workforce while helping local businesses find qualified employees.
The 2026 Hana Job Matching Festa in Incheon took place on October 14 at Songdo Convensia.
The event was part of Hana Financial Group’s Hana Power On Second Life program, which supports reemployment for mid-career workers.
Twenty promising local companies from sectors including aviation, ports, tourism, manufacturing, logistics and social services took part, conducting one-on-one job interviews with applicants.
[Article 5]
Incheon to Expand Fleet of Specialized Transportation for the Mobility Disadvantaged
Incheon Metropolitan City plans to expand its fleet of special transportation vehicles and voucher taxis to improve mobility for the transportation vulnerable.
The city will also take steps to enhance vehicle safety and passenger convenience.
This year, the city plans to add three new specialized transportation vehicles, bringing the total fleet to 279, and replace 10 aging vehicles.
To improve safety, the city is also expanding the installation of devices designed to prevent unintended pedal operation.
Following installations in 100 vehicles last year, the devices will be fitted in another 50 vehicles by the end of October, bringing the total to 150.
Sources: https://news.ifm.kr
