- 12 local universities participate in sharing 2025 innovation outcomes -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 26, the city held the Incheon RISE Results Sharing Conference at Songdo Convensia, attended by around 200 participants from Incheon, local universities, and related institutions.The conference provided a platform to share the first-year (2025) outcomes from the Regional Innovation-led University Support System (RISE) project, which brings together 12 universities in the Incheon region. The event also aimed to spread outstanding practices from each university.Held under the theme “Incheon RISE – Results of Innovation, Promising for the Future”, the conference was hosted by Incheon City with Incheon Technopark serving as the organizer. The program included the 2025 RISE awards for contributors, a report on the progress of Incheon’s RISE initiative, presentations of best practices from each university, and an exhibition of results.During the first session, awards were presented to 10 contributors who supported the stable establishment and activation of Incheon RISE over the past year. In the following session, Director General Shin Seung-yeol of the city’s Planning and Coordination Office delivered a presentation titled “Progress and Future Direction of Incheon’s RISE Initiative”, sharing the regional innovation foundation and key outcomes built through cooperation between the city and local universities.During the second half of the conference, 12 universities participating in Incheon RISE presented best practices that reflect the characteristics and strengths of each institution while introducing regional innovation models that connect local government, industry, and academia.Major examples included Gachon University’s “Digital Job Transition for Working Nurses,” Inha University’s “Moduin Platform for Talent Development,” Inha Technical College’s “Virtuous Cycle Industry–Academia Cooperat

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

- Incheon Metropolitan Government, the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (Incheon Regional Federation), and Incheon Technopark sign cooperation agreement -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 25, a business agreement titled “Agreement to Revitalize the Incheon Science and Technology Network” was signed with the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies and its Incheon Regional Federation, as well as with Incheon Technopark.This agreement serves as a follow-up measure that provides institutional support for the operational foundation of the Incheon Science and Technology Innovation Network (i-connect). The network was launched in October last year with the participation of 14 institutions.Up to now, exchanges in regional science and technology have been run separately by institution or project. This structure has limited efforts to build a permanent cooperation system. As a result, the need for a sustainable cooperation platform led by researchers has been repeatedly raised. Since the launch of the network, the city has secured a budget for related projects. Based on this, the city will now begin full-scale efforts to build a cooperative foundation that supports stable operations and tangible outcomes.Under this agreement, the parties will cooperate in several areas, including laying the foundation for revitalizing the network, strengthening Incheon’s science, technology, and RD competitiveness, promoting regular exchanges among local science and technology professionals, and organizing joint seminars and forums.In particular, network operations led by the private sector are expected to expand opportunities for local science and technology professionals to participate in policymaking, while also yielding practical outcomes such as joint research planning and the identification of linked projects.Director General of the Future Industry Bureau Lee Nam-joo stated, “If the launch of the network

- Living-based services, including free medical care every Sunday, and community spaces -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that on February 25, it held an opening ceremony for a new branch of the Incheon Foreign Resident Support Center and will begin the full-scale provision of living-based support services to help foreign residents settle more stably in the local community.The opening of the branch stems from the settlement support agreement for foreign residents that the city and Hana Bank signed in October last year. The project has been made possible through Hana Bank’s Culture Bank social contribution program. Hana Bank will provide vacant space free of charge, while Incheon will use the space to operate comprehensive support services for foreign residents.Around 170,000 foreign residents currently live in Incheon, serving as key members of the community across industry, the economy, and culture. However, many foreign residents still experience difficulties during settlement due to differences in language, systems, and access to everyday information.In response, the Incheon Support Center for Foreign Residents plans to expand settlement support programs, including Korean language education. The branch will also promote projects that improve daily convenience for foreign residents and strengthen connections with the local community, such as providing free medical services every Sunday and operating a multipurpose community space. In addition, public communication activities that encourage respect for cultural diversity and improve public awareness will receive support.Incheon Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Ha Byeong-pil stated, “The branch is the result of joint efforts by Incheon City and the private sector to move one step closer to the daily lives of foreign residents.” He added, “It will serve as a reliable base in daily life that supports settlement in daily life and as a channel that connects foreign residents with

-Appointment Ceremony and First Deliberation Meeting Held… Discussed Development Plans for Yeokgol and Sinteuri Neighborhood Parks-Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it newly formed the ‘11th Urban Park Committee’ on February 20 at the video conference room of Incheon City Hall, holding both the appointment ceremony and the first deliberation meeting.The 11th Urban Park Committee was reconstituted following the expiration of the 10th committee's term in January. The committee comprises 18 members: 2 public officials, 1 city council member, and 15 experts in fields such as parks and landscaping, urban planning, and environment/ecology.Notably, to ensure continuity and enhance expertise in committee operations, one city council member and six private-sector members were newly appointed, while the remaining nine members were reappointed to maintain stability in existing policy direction.Over the next two years, the committee will set the mid-to-long-term direction for Incheon's park and green space policies and provide consultation and deliberation on various park development plans.At the first meeting held immediately after the appointment ceremony, in-depth discussions and QA sessions took place regarding the ▲Initial Plan for Yeokgol Neighborhood Park Development and the ▲Revised Plan for Sinteuri Neighborhood Park Development. The agenda items were approved after reflecting the diverse opinions of the committee members.Yoo Kwang-jo, Director of the City's Urban Balance Bureau (Committee Chair), stated, “The expertise and experience of the committee members will play a crucial role in creating a dignified green city that meets citizens' expectations,” adding, “We request your active participation and valuable insights to help Incheon's park and green space policies take a significant leap forward.”

-Establishing metropolitan-to-local linkage system with expert and relevant agency participation; discussing service models tailored to Incheon's characteristics-Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the formation and full-scale operation of the ‘Incheon Metropolitan City Integrated Support Council’ to establish a metropolitan-level integrated care system, aligning with the upcoming implementation of the 「Act on Integrated Support for Regional Care, Including Medical and Nursing Care」 on March 27.The council comprises representatives from relevant city departments, experts in healthcare, welfare, housing, academia, and related institutions. It will set city-level policy directions through the organic linkage of care resources such as medical, nursing, welfare, and housing within the region, and oversee and coordinate district-level integrated care projects.At its inaugural meeting held on February 20, the council held a commissioning ceremony for its members and shared the 2026 direction for Incheon's integrated care promotion. Discussions covered establishing roles between metropolitan and local governments, a case management linkage system, and building service models tailored to Incheon's characteristics.Committee members actively participated in establishing a practical cooperation system, offering diverse opinions on implementation tasks such as discovering services reflecting regional characteristics, strengthening community connections for discharged patients, and expanding policies addressing loneliness.The city has designated 2026 as the implementation foundation and expansion phase aligned with the enforcement of the Integrated Care Act. Following the January 2026 organizational restructuring, it plans to strengthen on-site execution capabilities by integrating and coordinating medical, welfare, housing, and isolation response sectors under the Integrated Care Division within the Loneliness Care Bureau.Meanwhile, the city expect

- Participants in i+ Eadream and Maeodream Programs Receive Various Benefits When Purchasing Newlywed Home Appliances -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it signed a private sector cooperation agreement with Samsung Stores and LG Electronics Best Shops in the Incheon area on February 19 at the City Hall Annex Conference Room to promote a marriage-friendly culture.Attendees at the signing ceremony included the Director of the Women and Family Bureau, along with representatives from six Samsung Store locations (Yeonsu Songdo, Namdong, Gyeyang, Bupyeong, Nam Incheon, Dohwa) and six LG Electronics Best Shop locations (Incheon Main, Namdong-gu Office, Songdo Main, Gyeyang Main, Bupyeong-gu Office, Cheongna).Through this agreement, participants in the ‘i+ Eardream (Marriage Success Couples)’ and ‘i+ Meokdream (Engaged Couples)’ programs will receive various special benefits, such as complimentary gifts, when purchasing newlywed home appliances at participating stores. Detailed benefit information can be confirmed at each participating Samsung Store and LG Electronics Best Shop location.This agreement is particularly significant as it marks the first official participation of major domestic electronics brands in Incheon City's marriage encouragement support program, combining public marriage promotion policies with tangible private sector benefits. By providing participants with substantial and credible benefits, it is expected to contribute to fostering a marriage-friendly social atmosphere.Kim Kyung-sun, Director of the Women and Family Bureau, stated, “This collaboration with private companies is a tangible marriage encouragement policy that citizens can directly experience, and its joint public-private implementation holds great significance.” She added, “We will continue to proactively develop diverse policies to respond to rapid demographic changes and strive to enhance the quality of life for our citizens.” 

-Investment of 3.37 Billion Won, Scheduled for Completion in November 2026-Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced it will establish Korea's first ‘Smart Design Special Zone’ in the Guwol-dong area of Namdong-gu (approximately 1 km² around Incheon City Hall), investing a total project cost of 3.37 billion won (70% national funds, 30% city funds).The ‘Smart Design Special Zone Creation Project’ is a national government-funded project selected under the Ministry of Science and ICT's ‘Smart Village Dissemination and Expansion Project’. It aims to provide an optimized urban environment for residents of the original downtown area by integrating smart technology and public design.The project site in Guwol-dong is evaluated as an area capable of reflecting diverse citizen needs, as it densely concentrates major public facilities such as Seokcheon Elementary School, Guwol Middle School, Incheon City Hall, and Aetul Plaza, along with hospitals, commercial districts, and business facilities.This project will be implemented across four areas: ▲ Smart Emergency Zones ▲ Smart Safe School Routes ▲ Smart Parks ▲ Smart Pedestrian Safety Zones.Smart emergency zones and safe school routes will be established at Gil Hospital Intersection and Guwol Middle School Three-Way Intersection, where elderly pedestrians, students, and those with mobility challenges frequently pass. These zones will include 530 ground-level pedestrian signals, 70 audio-assisted pedestrian signal devices, and 70 red countdown timers to enhance pedestrian safety.The smart park being created at Aetrel Plaza in front of City Hall will feature 8 smart exercise machines for seniors, along with 10 smart benches, 2 bicycle racks, and 20 security lights, expanding its rest and leisure functions.Furthermore, smart pedestrian safety zones will be established at the Gachon University Gil Hospital Cancer Center intersection, the Central Library three-way intersection, The Happiness Nurs

- Bill establishing Maritime Court passed in plenary session on the 12th, opening scheduled for March 2028 -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the long-cherished wish of Incheon citizens for the ‘establishment of a maritime court’ has been finally confirmed, following the passage of bills related to the maritime court's establishment in the National Assembly plenary session on the 12th. These included amendments to the 「Court Organization Act」 and the 「Act on the Establishment and Jurisdictional Areas of Courts at Each Level」.The officially designated name of the newly established court is the ‘Incheon Maritime and International Commercial Court’. It is a specialized court with comprehensive jurisdiction over maritime cases arising at sea as well as international commercial disputes. Only two such Maritime and International Commercial Courts will be established nationwide (Incheon and Busan), with the target opening date set for March 2028.The Incheon Maritime International Commercial Court will have jurisdiction over the central region, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and Chungcheong. It is expected to significantly improve judicial accessibility, as parties can agree to have cases originating anywhere in the country tried in Incheon.Securing the ‘Incheon Maritime Court’ has been a fervent aspiration of Incheon citizens and a core issue for the city over the past decade. While bills stalled or lapsed due to term expirations in the 20th and 21st National Assemblies, the 22nd Assembly finally cleared the legislative hurdle through bipartisan cooperation and full support from the local political sphere.Throughout this period, Incheon City has conducted multifaceted efforts alongside the ‘Incheon Citizens’ Movement Headquarters for Attracting the Maritime Court'. Notably, a large-scale signature campaign involving 1.11 million participants served as a symbolic achievement demonstrating citizens' strong will for th

-Integrated Pavilion Operation… 8 Incheon and Non-Incheon Companies Participate, Securing Multiple Export Contracts and MOUs-The ‘Metropolitan-level Domestic Medical Device Education and Training Support Center’, jointly operated by Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, demonstrated the global competitiveness of K-medical devices by achieving outstanding results at the ‘2026 World Health Expo (WHX Dubai)’, the largest medical device exhibition in the Middle East.Incheon Techno Park (organizing agency) and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (managing agency) announced that they successfully participated in the ‘2026 World Health Expo (WHX Dubai)’, held at the Dubai Exhibition Center in the United Arab Emirates from February 9 to 12, by establishing the ‘Korea Medical Device Integrated Exhibition Pavilion’.This integrated pavilion, spanning a total area of 90㎡, was located in the prime position of the main hall (Zone S15, F110) within the exhibition center, standing alongside global leading companies. Notably, the pavilion featured a dedicated seminar space and a separate business lounge, showcasing an ‘integrated exhibition model’ that went beyond simple product displays to combine clinical education and business consultations, drawing significant interest from visitors and buyers.A total of eight companies participated in the exhibition, including four companies based in Incheon, such as Tuel Bio, and four companies from outside the region, showcasing the technological prowess and competitiveness of South Korean medical devices. Participating companies conducted 500 consultations (valued at $12.3 million) with global distributors and medical institution representatives during the exhibition period. They also secured 20 export contracts (with a projected value of $2.7 million) and signed business agreements (MOUs), achieving results exceeding expectations.Particularly noteworthy wa