Incheon Women Entrepreneurs Conference 

Celebrates the 3rd Women Entrepreneurship Week

I Extend My Heartfelt Respect and Gratitude 

to All the Women Entrepreneurs Here Today

It is wonderful to see you all. 

Congratulations on hosting the Incheon Women Entrepreneurs Conference 

in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Incheon Korean 

Women Entrepreneurs Association. 

I truly admire and thank you for your dedication to revitalizing 

Incheon’s local economy, even amid challenging circumstances.

I am well aware of the difficulties you are currently facing.

First, the economic situation is tough. 

As we all know, the financial conditions affecting our citizens are difficult, 

and I understand how this may be impacting your business operations.

Second, women face unique challenges. 

Although society is gradually shifting toward 

being more women-led and women-centered, 

the business environment has not fully caught up with this change. 

While women-owned businesses account for 40% of the total, 

they generate only about 10% of total corporate revenue.

This demonstrates that despite progress, 

women still face significant obstacles in taking a leading role in the economy. 

I encourage you to stay resilient and courageous as you continue to push forward.

Republic of Korea: A Women-Led Society

Despite these challenges, I believe there is hope. 

I am confident that you will continue to play a critical role in leading 

our nation’s economic and social development with a vision for the future.

I often meet with university students, and recently, 

we sent a group of students abroad for internships. 

Remarkably, 80% of those selected were women. 

Across all phases of the selection process

—whether in exams, interviews, or evaluations—

women clearly stood out.

As a result, I believe it’s inevitable that Korea will become a society 

where women are at the forefront. 

Notably, Korea is already one of the fastest nations 

in the world to embrace this trend.

Incheon: Leading Future Growth

We Will Continue to Grow and Prosper Together with You

Despite the challenging economic landscape, 

Incheon achieved a 6% growth rate last year, 

significantly outpacing the 2% growth seen in other regions. 

Incheon has now emerged as the Republic of Korea’s second-largest economic city. 

We are embarking on ambitious global projects aimed at becoming a global top 10 city. 

The environment for economic growth will continue to improve, 

and women entrepreneurs will have access to the same opportunities for success.

Recently, Incheon was designated as a specialized bio-cluster, 

with a massive investment of KRW 36 trillion. 

Incheon is becoming a central hub for bio-production, 

along with advances in semiconductors, aviation, and hydrogen technologies. 

I am confident in declaring that Incheon is a city driving future growth.

I hope you leave here today with renewed hope. 

As your mayor, I will continue to do everything in my power to support you. 

Although the road may be difficult, 

we have a clear and promising future ahead—one that we must create together. 

I encourage you to approach this conference with optimism, 

and know that I am cheering you on. Stay strong, and thank you.