The 6th Incheon International Ocean Forum

Welcome to the 6th Incheon International Ocean Forum!

I extend my sincere welcome to everyone 

attending the 6th Incheon International Ocean Forum. 

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation 

to Kim Sung-bum, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries; 

Hwang Dae-il, President & CEO of Yonhap News Agency; 

and Lee Kyung-Gyu, President of Incheon Port Authority, 

for taking the time out of your busy schedules to join us today. 

I would also like to give special thanks to Cho Myung-woo, 

President of Inha University, for his dedicated efforts in preparing this event.

The Ocean: The Republic of Korea’s Core Asset and Future

I would like to share these thoughts with you. 

The Republic of Korea has achieved remarkable 

and unprecedented growth and development, 

becoming a country we can be proud of. 

How was this possible? 

The Republic of Korea actually has a very small land area. 

South Korea is only about one one-hundredth the size of the United States or China.

Fortunately, we have the ocean. 

It is no exaggeration to say that the sea—surrounding us on three sides—

has been the most crucial asset in the Republic of Korea’s growth and development. 

Through exports, we achieved today’s economic growth, 

and it was the ocean that provided the essential infrastructure for logistics. 

Therefore, the ocean is an invaluable asset 

that plays a central role in our logistics, industry, and economy.

That’s not all. The marine ecosystem, our lives, resources, 

and even future renewable energy —including wind power—all lie within the ocean. 

I believe the ocean is our industry, our economy, our energy, and our future.

Incheon: A City Born of the Sea

Incheon has an even more special connection to the ocean. 

As a maritime city, Incheon launched the modernization of 

the Republic of Korea with the opening of Jemulpo Port in 1883, 

and it was Incheon that became the driving force behind our country’s growth.

Just before this event, I attended the launch of the organizing committee 

for the International Peace and Security Forum Incheon, 

because Incheon is the proud city that secured the foundation of 

today’s free Republic of Korea through the Incheon Landing Operation in 1950.

Incheon’s bond with the sea is inseparable, 

and this connection will continue to be Incheon’s future and hope. 

As Kim Sung-bum previously served as Administrator of 

the Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, 

I am confident that he will serve as a strong bridge 

between Incheon and the central government. 

I would like to first ask for his continued guidance 

so that Incheon can truly become the future of the Republic of Korea.

“Treasure Island Project”: Incheon’s Dream, the Republic of Korea’s Future

As mayor, I am working to make that dream a reality. 

The 168 islands off the coast of Incheon are truly treasures to us. 

That’s why I am promoting the “Treasure Island Project.”

As you may have seen in the news, starting this year, 

any Incheon citizen can travel to Baengnyeong Island 

for a fare of just 1,500 won—the price of a city bus ticket. 

This has become extremely popular. 

Residents of Seoul and other regions also receive a 70% discount. 

The sea and our islands should no longer be considered remote or neglected

—they must become our hope and our future.

Based on this “Treasure Island Project,” we will bring about tremendous change. 

This is Incheon’s dream, and it will become the future of the Republic of Korea.

A Forum for Shared Wisdom

In that spirit, I hope that this Incheon International Ocean Forum 

will also be a meaningful gathering, recognizing the value of our precious asset

—the ocean—and bringing together the wisdom 

and capabilities to create an even brighter future. 

The City of Incheon will continue to do its utmost to realize 

the importance of the ocean and to fulfill our dreams for the future through it.

Once again, I thank everyone for joining us, 

and I hope this will be a truly meaningful forum. Thank you.