- Incheon now in direct control starting this year since pilot operation in 2018 -

- Prospects of serving as a bridge between locals and reunification policies, leveraging Incheon’s strengths as a border region and international city -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the management of Ministry of Unification's Uni+ Center has been transferred to Incheon starting this January, shifting the leadership of North Korean defector policies from the central government to the local level. 

The center was initially established in Incheon in September 2018 as the first among its kind, launched by the Ministry of Unification to build and activate a foundation for reunification efforts at the regional level. After operating as a pilot project, management of the center has now been handed over to Incheon. 

Located on the 9th floor of Michuhol Tower in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, the center spans a dedicated area of 376.94 square meters and includes office space, classrooms, and a unification lounge. 

Uni+ Centers are regional institutions established in collaboration with local governments to raise public participation and dialog regarding Korea’s reunification. The centers currently operate in Honam (Mokpo) and Gangwon (Chuncheon) areas, making Incheon the third city to establish one under local government management. 

As a regional hub for reunification efforts, Uni+ Center–Incheon will focus on public engagement, fostering integration between North and South Korean residents, raising awareness of reunification, and providing information on North Korea. The center will also carry out specialized projects in cooperation with international organizations and institutions to share reunification and North Korea-related policies. Furthermore, it will also play a key role in regional initiatives, working closely with local Hana Centers and other organizations to support resettlement and integration programs.

On the day of the opening ceremony, Incheon Policy Planning Director Yoo Jun-ho stated, “Uni+ Center–Incheon will be the backbone of raising public awareness of reunification among Incheon citizens.” He added, “We will tap into Incheon’s unique strengths as both a border region and an international city to ensure reunification awareness is widely shared throughout the community.”