- Participation by the private sector and experts supports policy sustainability through advisory input on the management and operation of the 1,000 Won Happiness Fund 

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 25, the city established the “2026 First 1,000 Won Happiness Fund Operations Review Committee” and held its inaugural deliberation meeting, along with an appointment ceremony.

The committee consists of ten members, with the Administrative Vice Mayor serving as chair. The group includes three ex-official members, one member of the Incheon City Council, and five other experts from academia and related fields.

The 1,000 Won Happiness Fund was created to secure financial resources that support the stable implementation of Incheon’s flagship livelihood policy, the 1,000 Won Policy. The committee will provide advice on the efficient management and operation of the fund.

Incheon has designated this year as the first year of fund formation and will prepare a financial base that includes private donations. At the same time, the city plans to identify new projects that strengthen the effectiveness of the 1,000 Won Policy, thereby increasing the extent to which residents can feel its impact.

At the first deliberation meeting held that day, the committee reviewed the overall operating plan for the 1000 Won Happiness Fund. The 1,000 Won Happiness Fund has been established to ensure the stable implementation of Incheon’s flagship 1,000 Won Policy and to support systematic planning and the identification of follow-up initiatives.

Based on the committee’s deliberations, the fund will be used to select subsequent 1,000 Won Policies and to support their implementation.

Incheon Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Ha Byeong-pil stated, “We will continue to identify 1,000 Won initiatives that residents can feel in their daily lives. Our goal is for the policy to take firm root, helping build a city where KRW 1,000 is enough and where happiness is universal.”

Meanwhile, Incheon has promoted eight representative livelihood projects under the 1,000 Won Policy, including 1,000 Won Housing, 1,000 Won Parcel Delivery, 1,000 Won Culture Tickets, 1,000 Won Breakfast, 1,000 Won Laundry Services, KRW 1,000 Brokerage Fee, 1,000 Won i-First Counseling, and Incheon i-Sea Pass. The city now plans to introduce a 1,000 Won Camping policy as well. Policies under the program have drawn strong interest and high usage among residents. The impact of the policies has also been recognized through designation as best practices by relevant government ministries and the receipt of a Prime Minister’s Commendation.