- The Department in Charge Actively Prepares forMinistry of Foreign Affairs On-site Inspection -- Puts Forth the Best Efforts in Preparing for Pre-site Inspections ofFacilities and Areas such as Safety Checks and Environmental Maintenance -On May 3, Incheon Metropolitan City convened a task force (TF) meeting to address the site inspection for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Candidate City. The meeting took place in the Vice Mayor's office located at the City Hall Office of Global City Affairs and was attended by the department heads from relevant government bodies, both central and local, as well as leaders from tourism agencies.Hwang Hyo-jin, Vice Mayor for Global City Affairs, hosts the ‘2025 APEC Candidate City Site Inspection Preparation Meeting’ at the City Hall Auditorium on May 3.Hwang Hyo-jin, Vice Mayor for Global City Affairs, hosts the task force meeting for supporting the bringing of the 2025 APEC forum to Incheon at the City Hall Auditoriumon April 2.This meeting aimed to actively prepare for the site inspections conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the submission of the application to host the 2025 APEC Summit on April 19. It was held in anticipation of the announcement of candidate cities on May 7, with site inspections of those cities scheduled for mid-May.At the meeting, discussions were held on departmental and institutional cooperation measures regarding issues such as facility inspection and environmental improvement for site inspections, maintenance of major roads (facilities) and transportation facilities for the movement of inspection teams, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the inspection teams. Hwang Hyo-jin, Vice Mayor for Global City Affairs, emphasized, “Thanks to the active cooperation of all departments and agencies, Incheon was able to faithfully compile a vast amount of application documents that meet the evaluation criteria of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” adding, “Now is a c

- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok Promotes Program at Subway Station on Launch Day... Unlimited Benefits for Incheon Citizens -- Membership Registration on K-Pass Website RequiredAfter K-Pass Card Issuance-Incheon is set to launch the ‘Incheon I-Pass’ public transportation discount policy, effective from May 1.The Incheon Metropolitan Government announced plans for the ‘Incheon I-Pass’ program starting in May, which expands the coverage of the government’s public transportation discount initiative, ‘K-Pass.’The Incheon I-Pass offers a 20% refund on public transportation expenses, falling within the scope of benefits provided by the government’s K-Pass program. However, it extends the limit to unlimited, up to 60 times per month for K-Pass holders. Individuals aged 19 to 39, categorized as youth, are eligible for a refund rate of up to 30%, and those aged 65 and above also qualify for the same refund rate of up to 30%.To avail of the benefits of the Incheon I-Pass program, you first need to acquire a K-Pass card and subsequently register as a member on the K-Pass website (https://korea-pass.kr). During registration, if your address is verified to be in Incheon, you will automatically be entitled to receive the benefits of the Incheon I-Pass.* Participating card issuers (K-Pass card issuance): KB, NH, BC Baro, Gwangju Bank, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, K Bank), Samsung, Shinhan, Woori, Hana, Hyundai,DGB U-Pay, as well as Mobile Transit Cards such as T-money and KakaoPayCurrent users of the discounted transportation card can enjoy the benefits of both K-Pass and Incheon I-Pass by consenting to membership transfer on the K-Pass website with their existing discounted transportation card until June 30. The benefits of the Incheon I-Pass are applicable from the day of membership transfer or new membership registration for K-Pass.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok remarked, “The Incheon I-Pass has enhanced and broadened the government’s K-Pass, aiming to offer diverse public tran

– 10% Payback Benefit When Used in Ganghwa-gun andOngjin-gun Starting from the second Half of 2024 –On Apr. 18, the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced it would initiate a policy to provide payback benefits for Incheon Sarang Gift Cards to protect small and independent businesses and support regions experiencing population decline. The policy offers additional support for Good Price Stores and Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun, areas of population decline.Incheon Sarang Gift CardIncheon e-Eum Taxi ServiceThe city will offer a 12% payback for using businesses partnered with Incheon Sarang Gift Card designated as Good Price Stores for struggling citizens and small and independent businesses due to the ever-increasing market prices. Good Price Stores refer to excellent businesses that display features designated by the central and local governments: reasonable prices, hygienic operations, and pleasant services.The policy on additional payback support for Good Price Stores is expected to increase customer benefits and raise the use and revenue of such businesses, aiding the creation of a virtuous cycle within the regional economy.The additional payback support for Good Price Stores is scheduled to start on May 1, 2024; businesses subject to the policy can be viewed at the websites of the Incheon Metropolitan Government (https://www.incheon.go.kr/eco/ECO021002) and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (https://www.goodprice.go.kr/user/cmm/main/mainPage.do#).The Incheon Metropolitan Government also plans to provide a 10% payback on making purchases in partnered stores in Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun, whose annual revenues are KRW 3 billion or lower. This support is expected to potentially increase the de facto population of Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun, such as tourists, contributing to building a robust regional economic foundation through spending within the local areas.Despite having population drops, Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun have been excluded from additional fund

- Follow-up discussions only 10 days sincedelivery of letter of intent on hosting on Apr. 6 -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok eager to host “F1 Incheon Grand Prix,” promoting the charms of Incheon -F1 Grand Prix personnel visited Incheon to discuss additional matters for holding the “F1 Incheon Grand Prix.”Yoo Jeong-bok, the mayor of Incheon, is taking a commemorative photograph regarding Incheon's hosting of F1 with Kang Na-yeon, the President ofTehwa Holdings, and other personnel in the City Hall reception room on Apr. 16On Apr. 16, the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced that the personnel of the F1 Grand Prix, one of the world’s top three sports events, met with Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok to continue the discussion to about hosting the “F1 Incheon Grand Prix.”On Apr. 6, Mayor Yoo made a sudden visit to Japan. He met Stefano Dominicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, during his participation in the Suzuka Grand Prix, to deliver his letter of intent to host the “F1 Incheon Grand Prix.” The second meeting took place only ten days after the last visit.In this interview, Mayor Yoo invited Louise Young, F1's Director of Race Promotion, Jarno Zaffelli, the personnel in charge of F1 circuit design, Kang Na-yeon, the CEO of DROMO and Tehwa Holdings, the Korean partner of F1, and Nicolas Chenot, the CEO of Tehwa SC, to directly describe why Incheon’s infrastructure is optimal as the city to host an urban circuit, displaying his passion for holding the “F1 Incheon Grand Prix.”In particular, Zaffelli, who visited Incheon with his technical staff under Kang’s invitation, plans to design the circuit after looking around the urban circuit candidates with her, meticulously inspecting the surrounding facilities and environments.Mayor Yoo said, “We are grateful to the personnel who insisted on immediately visiting us to have a discussion for the successful initiation of the F1 event,” adding, “Let us push forward to have a good look around Incheon’s urban

- Two additional agreements signed with local women’s hospitals -- Services offered are medical interpretation and psychological support for initial immigrant multicultural families -On Apr. 11, the Incheon Metropolitan Government signed a business agreement for multicultural family medical care services with W Women’s Hospital, Family Health Clinic Incheon Branch of Korea Population Health and Welfare Association (KoPHWA), and Namdong-gu Family Center (implementing agency).On Apr. 11, Incheon signed a business agreement for multicultural family medical care services with W Women’s Hospital, Family Health Clinic Incheon Branch of KoPHWA, and Namdong-gu Family Center (implementing agency) at the Global Business Cooperation Bureau conference room in Booyong Songdo Tower.The multicultural family medical care service project provides services where marriage immigrants with medical interpretation and psychological support capabilities offer not only language communication but also psychological and emotional care services to multicultural families from their home countries. Since the initial agreement was signed in August of last year, participating organizations have expanded from seven to nine*, with W Women’s Hospital and Family Health Clinic Incheon Branch of KoPHWA included.* Ko Eun Women’s Hospital, LY Baby Women's Hospital, MiraeCheil Women’s Clinic,Saebome Women’s Hospital, Ain Hospital, Mother Baby Women’s Hospital, andGreen Obstetrics and GynecologyUnder the agreement, the Incheon Metropolitan Government will provide comprehensive management and support for the medical care service project. The Namdong-gu Family Center will take part in operating the project, managing multicultural family beneficiaries, and promoting the project. On the other hand, each hospital will collaborate with the Family Center to assist multicultural families in need of translation services, ensuring that they are benefited from medical care services.Yoon Hyeon-mo, Direc

- A meeting aimed at communicating with student councils from10 universities in Incheon -- Authentic communication with college students andyoung generation continues this year -On Apr. 11, Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok held the 3rd meeting with the student councils of 10 universities in the Incheon area at the City Hall.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is responding to students’ suggestions at the 3rd meeting with university student councils in Incheon held at the Rose Hall of City Hall on Apr. 11.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok is taking a photo with participants after the conclusion of the 3rd meeting with university student councils in Incheon held at Rose Hall in City Hall on Apr. 11.Around 30 student council presidents attended the meeting this day. Some of the universities include Gachon University, Kyung-in Women’s University, Yonsei University, Incheon Catholic University, Incheon National University, Incheon Jaeneung University, Chungwoon University, Ghent University Global Campus, The State University of New York-SUNY, and George Mason University Korea.During the meeting, attendees discussed the progress of initiatives regarding the suggestions of youths and university students, as well as shared the aspirations of this year’s student council presidents, among other operational matters.Previously, the Incheon Metropolitan Government established a communication network among the student councils of 12 local universities in March of last year for the first time. Accordingly, the discussions covered fostering a youth-centered culture, hosting workshops for student councils, finding ways to encourage students’ participation in municipal affairs, creating youth-specialized streets, and reviewing scholarship support for universities entering Incheon Global Campus (IGC).In particular, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok organized university alliance festivals to foster reconciliation, communication, and friendship among universities. In November last year, Mayor Yoo invited local residents to

- Incheon, National Assembly, county, district, and related agencies gathered for task force meeting to support attracting the APEC forum -- Incheon launches related committee and actively responds to Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ selection evaluation -On Apr. 2, the Incheon Metropolitan Government hosted a task force meeting in the large meeting room at City Hall attended by 43 people including department heads of major organizations and five corporations, as well as leaders at several levels of city government, to discuss support for hosting the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok poses for a commemorative photo after expressing to APEC Executive Director Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria his intentions to bring the 2025 forum to Incheon on Sep. 16, 2022.Hwang Hyo-jin, Vice Mayor for Global City Affairs, gives opening remarks on Apr. 2 at the task force meeting for supporting bringing the 2025 APEC forum to Incheon.This task force meeting was held to discuss measures for all levels of city government and related institutions to dedicate their full strength to preparing application materials to submit for the APEC forum host city selection process, early preparations for spot inspections, and creating a supportive atmosphere among all residents for hosting the event.The meeting, held in an open discussion format, involved discussions on the APEC host city selection process, measures to dedicate all efforts, and guidance on cooperation from institutions and departments.Ahead of the host city selection, Incheon plans to strengthen various promotions for the campaign and hold events for each related institution to attract interest in the forum and cultivate citizens’ aspirations for hosting the event. In addition, the scheduled spot inspections and presentation briefing in May are planned to distinguish Incheon as a city meticulously prepared to hold the event.Hwang Hyo-jin, Vice Mayor for Global City Affairs, said, “Our city began full

- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok meets with Formula One Group CEO and others -- Agreement to open full negotiations to host F1 Incheon Grand Prix -The Incheon Metropolitan Government has begun all-out efforts to attract the Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix, one of the top three sports events in the world alongside the Olympics and the World Cup, to the city.The city announced that Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok made a sudden trip to Japan on Apr. 6 to visit the Suzuka International Racing Course ("Suzuka Circuit") and meet with the head of F1, conveying intentions and opening full-scale talks for hosting the F1 Grand Prix in Incheon.Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok visited the Suzuka Circuit, where the Japanese Grand Prix was held, on Apr. 6 to meet with Formula One Group CEO Stefano Dominicali and convey his intentions for bringing the F1 Grand Prix to Incheon.Mayor Yoo conveyed his intentions to bring the F1 Grand Prix to Incheon while meeting the Formula One group CEO Stefano Dominicali, Tehwa Holdings President Nayeon Kang-Chenot, and Tehwa SC CEO Nicolas Chenot.During the meeting, Mayor Yoo emphasized that Incheon is a global city with a world-class airport and port, as well as 12 five-star hotels and 15 international organizations including the Overseas Koreans Agency.The Incheon F1 Grand Prix, in contrast with the Japanese and Chinese events held on closed road courses, is envisioned to take place throughout the city, much like the events in Monaco and Las Vegas.Following the first Incheon Grand Prix in 2026 or 2027, the event is expected to take place annually for at least five years.CEO Stefano Dominicali responded by saying, “I want to express my sincere gratitude that Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok came all the way to the Japanese Grand Prix to meet with me in person and actively express his interest in bringing the event to Incheon. We will strive to generate lots of interest and successfully host an Incheon F1 Grand Prix. We will be sure to visit Incheon as soon as possible to hold follow-up negotiation

- SSG Landers will host the All-Star Game at their home stadiumfor the first time since the 2008 event -This July, the KBO All-Star Game, an event celebrating the top talents of South Korean professional baseball, is scheduled to take place at SSG Landers Field in Incheon. This is the first time in 16 years since 2008.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok, along with KBO President Heo Gu-yeon and SSG Landers CEO Min Kyung-sam, takes a photo for the "2024 KBO All-Star” venue selection at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on Mar. 26, prior to the game between the SSG Landers and the Hanwha Eagles in the 2024 KBO League.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok shares his sentiments regarding the announcement of the 2024 KBO All-Star Game venue selection at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on Mar. 26, before the match between the SSG Landers and the Hanwha Eagles.On Mar. 27, the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced that the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and its 10 clubs had reached an agreement to host the 2024 SOL Bank KBO All-Star Game at SSG Landers Field in Incheon. This decision was made during a board meeting held the previous day.The upcoming event marks the first time in 16 years, since 2008, that the All-Star Game will be held in Incheon and the first time for it to take place at the SSG Landers' home stadium.In addition to hosting the All-Star Game, Incheon aims to transform into a vibrant venue by enhancing the city's brand and promoting several initiatives.An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Government said, "We are getting ready to hold a variety of programs that will offer diverse entertainment and excitement."

- Discussions on launching nonstop flights to Anchorage andinvigorating sister city partnerships -On Mar. 28, Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson from Alaska visited Incheon City Hall and extended the courtesy to Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok.Her visit was organized under the Korea Foundation's initiative aimed at inviting influential foreign leaders to foster global interactions and establish connections. Senator Gray-Jackson chose to visit Incheon, a sister city of Anchorage, as part of her voluntary itinerary.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok and Alaska Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson exchange souvenir at the G Tower reception room on Mar. 28.Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok and Alaska Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson discuss partnerships at theG Tower reception room on Mar. 28.Senator Gray-Jackson, elected to the Alaska State Senate in 2018, has been a vocal supporter of minority rights in Alaska, including the Korean diaspora.- Apr. 21, 2023:Introduced the bill on "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (SB131)” : mandating the inclusion of the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander in the curriculum of elementary and middle schools in Alaska.In October of last year, on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Incheon and Anchorage, Mayor Yoo visited Alaska to meet with Mayor of Anchorage Dave Bronson and Governor of Alaska Mike Dunleavy. Mayor Yoo proposed the resumption of direct flights or an increase in charter flights between Incheon and Anchorage, emphasizing the need for active cooperation.Subsequently, Anchorage Regional Director Park Jung-seok maintained ongoing discussions with Alaska Senator Gray-Jackson and the Vice President of New Pacific Airlines. Additionally, Alaska Representative Mary Peltola directly communicated with the Federal Aviation Administration, securing a commitment to expedite the permit process (from 18 to 24 months) for air services between th