- Immediate passport issuance for pregnant women starting March 4 --Aiming for social consensus of respect and consideration for pregnant women-The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city would operate a “priority passport application booth for pregnant women” starting March 4 to assist pregnant women who face challenges waiting for a long time.Under the conventional system, applicants had to take a number and wait in line. In contrast, the priority booth allows pregnant women to process their passport applications immediately, regardless of their arrival order, aligning with the city’s goal of enhancing customer satisfaction with passport services.When a pregnant woman visits the office, a passport guide will assist her in processing the application at the priority booth without requiring a number. Pregnant women can also receive priority assistance when collecting their passports.The city government has installed signage and promotional banners to help pregnant women easily locate the priority booth. Passport guides have also been trained to provide smooth and efficient service.Through this initiative, the city aims to foster greater social consensus on respect and consideration for pregnant women, especially in an era of ultra-low birth rates.Son Hye-won, Head of the Civil Service Division, stated, “We hope to foster a culture of consideration for vulnerable groups by ensuring that all pregnant women visiting City Hall can utilize priority services. Moving forward, we will continue to provide civil services driven by user needs.”The Incheon Metropolitan Government also operates Saturday passport services (9 AM—12 PM) for citizens unable to visit on weekdays. Since September last year, the city government has also received an enthusiastic response from locals by distributing passport cases featuring a spotted seal character.

- Up to three screenings for all men and women aged 20-49, regardless of marital status -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced to expand its prenatal healthcare program starting this year to include men and women aged 20 to 49, regardless of their marital status or number of children.The prenatal healthcare program was launched in April 2023 to identify health risk factors that could impact pregnancy and childbirth early on and to promote reproductive health by covering fertility testing costs.Previously, only couples preparing for pregnancy were eligible for a one-time lifetime subsidy. However, under the expanded policy, any man or woman aged 20 to 49 can now receive support for up to three screenings in their lifetime—one per major reproductive stage (Stage 1: ages 20–29, Stage 2: ages 30–34, Stage 3: ages 35–49).For women, the program covers an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test (also known as the 'ovarian age test') and gynecological ultrasound, with a subsidy of up to ₩130,000. For men, the plan covers a semen analysis to assess sperm count, shape, and motility, with a maximum subsidy of ₩50,000.Applicants can visit their local public health center based on their resident registration address or apply online via the e-Health Center (e-health.go.kr).Incheon Director for Gender Equality and Family Si Hyeon-jeong stated, "So many people preparing for pregnancy are unaware of their fertility status, which can pose challenges for achieving a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. With this expanded support program, we hope individuals will take the initiative in assessing their health status and develop a well-prepared plan for pregnancy and childbirth."

- Michuhol Book declares 'One City, One Book' reading campaign -- Michuhol Library to host various Michuhol Book events, including book discussions and author events -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the Michuhol Library successfully hosted the Michuhol Book 2025 Ceremony and Book Concert on Sat, Feb. 22 at the Michuhol Library Auditorium.Michuhol Book is a part of Incheon's 'One City, One Book' initiative, which includes selecting a Book of the Year and operating relevant programs to foster a reading culture and revitalize reading discussions.This event was organized to proclaim the Michuhol Book for 2025 (Incheon's Book of the Year award), and raise citizens' awareness. Approximately 250 Incheon residents attended, making it a lively occasion.During the book talk, author Kim Min-cheol of Une Vie Libérée, selected for the adult category, and poet Oh Eun introduced the book's themes and read excerpts. Kim also shared his personal reflections on travel, engaging in an interactive discussion with the audience. The event's atmosphere was further enriched by the melodious music of singer-songwriter Choi Go-eun.Meanwhile, the selected book in the children's category Grandma's Summer Vacation (unofficial translation) was showcased through an original illustration exhibition, allowing visitors to dive into the book's warm sentiments through visual experience.The event also featured a participatory exhibition. Participants expressed their own thoughts and photographs related to travel, creating a space for sharing emotions and happiness gained from their journeys, with was met with an enthusiastic response.Following this event, the Michuhol Library plans to host a variety of related programs throughout the year, including book discussions, author meet-and-greets, and curated exhibitions.Mayor Yoo stated in a video message, "For this year's Michuhol Book selections, we have chosen three books under the theme of 'Wandering Humans: Travel.' We w

- Growth consultations tailored to local enterprises, along with sales expansion strategies -- Local enterprises' product sales surged by 322% in 2024, demonstrating tangible support outcomes -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Maeul Community Business (Incheon's local enterprise support agency, led by Director Kim Jae-ho) announced on Feb. 26 to host the 3rd Comprehensive Briefing on Support for Local Enterprises at Orakai Songdo Park Hotel.This briefing was designed to support the growth of local enterprises in Incheon. It will introduce various support programs crucial for their development, such as training, consulting, promotional assistance, and events for market expansion. The session will also provide practical information on operating local enterprises, covering topics such as the social economy, market development, financial support, and taxation.A total of nine organizations will participate in the event, including the Incheon Maeul Community Business and following institutions: Chungwoon University Digital Transformation Support Center; Incheon Metropolitan City Social Economy Support Center; Incheon Metropolitan City Mutual Growth Distribution Support Center; Social Campus On Incheon; Incheon Technopark; Incheon Credit Guarantee Foundation; Social Solidarity Bank; and Small Enterprise and Market Service's Incheon-Gyeonggi Northern Regional Headquarters. Each organization will present policies and support programs to foster the growth and sustainability of local enterprises.A notable feature of this year's briefing is the increased number of participating institutions. The Incheon Credit Guarantee Foundation and the Social Solidarity Bank were added to last year's list of seven participants, allowing Incheon to provide financial support through special guarantees for social economy enterprises and low-interest loans. Furthermore, one-on-one consultation booths will be set up to provide local enterprises with tailored support,

- Vice Mayor Hwang Hyo-jin greets Tianjin Municipal Committee Member Lian Maojun -- MOU signed to promote investment and exchange with Tianjin -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on Feb. 23 that Vice Mayor for Global City and Political Affairs Hwang Hyo-jin greeted Tianjin Municipal Committee Member Lian Maojun to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation and friendship between the two cities.The Tianjin delegation toured the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) I-Vision Center to learn about Incheon's development status and ongoing projects before Vice Mayor Hwang's welcome. Later, representatives signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the IFEZ and the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) to strengthen exchange efforts in economy and investment. Through this MOU, the two cities aim to encompass free trade zones in their cooperative efforts and expand collaborations in various other sectors. Key areas of agreement include economic and investment cooperation, attracting investment in the bio and medical sectors, and promoting international trade.Incheon Vice Mayor Hwang stated, "Our relationship with Tianjin is invaluable as it was the first Chinese city to establish a sister-city relationship with Incheon. The two cities share numerous similarities, including ports and free economic zones, and have actively engaged in exchanges, serving as a bridge for bilateral cooperation between Korea and China."IFEZ Authority Commissioner Yoon Won-seok remarked, "I am pleased that the signing of this MOU between our special economic zones presents an opportunity to advance economic and trade relations between Incheon and Tianjin."Committee Member Lian Maojun responded, "I was deeply impressed by Incheon's development after visiting the IFEZ promotional center. I sincerely appreciate the strong support for the MOU between our free economic zones. I hope that Incheon and Tianjin will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation across variou

- Consistently high satisfaction ratings of 95+ for three consecutive years; participation expanded to include third graders -- Diverse programs, including parenting education, attachment-building activities, and self-help groups -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the recruitment of new members for the 2025 Incheon Father Angel Club, a program jointly operated by the city and the Korea Population Health and Welfare Association’s Incheon branch clinic.The Incheon Father Angel Club was launched on Jan. 19, 2021 with 208 participating fathers, and has since grown to 2,053 active members as of Jan. 20, 2025. As a unique paternal-childcare community, it is the only program of its kind among the 17 local governments in Korea and has received widespread support from families.Those eligible are fathers residing in Incheon who have children in third grade or younger. Starting this year, the previous children’s age limit of second grade and below has been expanded to include third graders, allowing more fathers and children to participate.The Incheon Father Angel Club offers a variety of free programs designed to encourage fathers’ active involvement in parenting. These include community activities, self-help groups, parenting education, attachment-building experiences, and father–child picnic events. The club’s programs have been highly praised, with an average satisfaction score of over 95 for three consecutive years.Incheon Director-General for Gender Equality and Family Si Hyeon-jeong stated, “Parenting is a shared responsibility that goes beyond gender. We hope that the Incheon Father Angel Club will serve as a stepping stone for natural parental involvement and help strengthen family bonds, ultimately contributing to happier households.”For more details on the club and its benefits, visit the official community website (cafe.naver.com/infatherangel).

- Strengthening exchanges between Incheon and China, exploring ways of practical cooperation -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo met with the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing on Feb. 9, congratulating him on his appointment and discussing ways to promote exchanges and practical cooperation between Incheon and Chinese local governments.Ambassador Dai Bing, an expert in international affairs who previously served as Deputy Representative of China to the United Nations, assumed his post as Chinese Ambassador to South Korea on Jan. 27. Ambassador Dai said, “China and South Korea are the closest of neighbors, and in today’s international and regional landscape, I hope our two nations will work together to identify new growth drivers and achieve tangible cooperation. I also look forward to Incheon serving as a focal point for exchanges between local governments in both countries.”Mayor Yoo responded, “Incheon is one of the most active cities in Korea in terms of exchanges with China, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the INChina Forum and the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement’s local economic cooperation project. As the Chairman of the Governors Association of the Republic of Korea, I will work to ensure the swift recovery of engagement between South Korean and Chinese local governments, which have dwindled due to COVID-19.” He added, “I hope we can continue to meet regularly to discuss ways to further advance Korea–China relations.”Since 2019, Incheon Metropolitan City and the Chinese Embassy in South Korea have co-hosted the INChina Forum, which has grown into the country’s premier platform for exchange and cooperation with China. As the forum celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Incheon and the Chinese Embassy plan to continue fostering diverse cooperation and communication initiatives.

- Visits to the Heritage Foundation and the CSIS, emphasizing cooperation in various areas, including economy and security -- Senator Andy Kim invited to the 75th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation- Rep. Young Kim honored as one of 2024 Incheon Figures of the Year, encouraged to advance U.S.-ROK relations -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo discussed strategies for strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance and boosting economic cooperation in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21.His schedule included visits to two leading U.S. think tanks, the Heritage Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), as well as meetings with U.S. senators, representatives, and officials from Delta Air Lines.In the morning, Mayor Yoo met with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), a second-generation Korean American, to present him with an invitation to the 75th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. He also visited the Heritage Foundation and CSIS to share in-depth thoughts on South Korean and Korean Peninsula affairs with relevant experts.At the Heritage Foundation, Mayor Yoo was greeted by Steve Yates, Senior Research Fellow at the foundation’s Asian Studies Center, and his colleagues. Mayor Yoo pointed out, “Maintaining a firm alliance between the U.S. and South Korea and charting a new course for bilateral relations proves ever more critical, given the start of President Trump’s second term. I hope this meeting will be an opportunity for us to share our initiatives.” He added, “The domestic political situation in South Korea will be overcome based on its democratic history, and we must respond to challenges through military, diplomatic, and economic cooperation with allied nations.”He also stated, “We will seek developmental strategies for Incheon, a city with a population of over 3 million and its airport ranked among the top three global aviation hubs, poised to become Korea’s second-largest economic city

- Mayor Yoo meets with ROK Ambassador to U.S. Cho Hyun-dong and the Multicultural Coalition Chairman Dr. Mark Burns -- Mayor Yoo requests President Trump’s attendance to the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation and discussion on strengthening U.S.-ROK alliance -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that during his visit to the United States, Mayor Yoo officially invited U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to attend the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation, scheduled for September, through diplomatic routes and personal requests.In his invitation letter, Mayor Yoo emphasized, “The Incheon Landing Operation holds historical significance comparable to the Normandy landings. President Trump’s attendance will strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance in military, economic, and high-tech sectors, particularly during these turbulent times when global peace is at risk.”Mayor Yoo met with ROK Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong on Jan. 18 to discuss plans for the event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. He mentioned that he would invite leaders of the eight participating countries, along with governors, mayors, and veterans, to embellish the scene as a large-scale international event. Mayor Yoo requested the U.S. government’s active cooperation through the embassy to facilitate the invitation process via diplomatic channels.Mayor Yoo also met with Pastor Mark Burns, a long-time friend of President Trump and a key figure expected to play a significant role in the incoming Trump administration, on Jan. 19. He was asked to deliver an invitation to President Trump and Vice President Vance.In addition to leading the official inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol rotunda, Pastor Burns organized an inauguration celebration at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., attended by tens of thousands. He also hosted a ball for roughly 1,700 guests that evening.Mayor Yoo attended both e

- Miami-based immersive exhibition center Superblue to make its first Asian investment in Incheon -- Mayor Yoo to sign an LOI with Superblue in the U.S. on Feb. 22 -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is pushing forward the vision of becoming a global tourism hub by inviting a world-renowned media art exhibition.Mayor Yoo received a letter of intent (LOI) from Superblue CEO Daniel Dolan at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 22 to establish Superblue Korea, a branch of the immersive exhibition center based in Miami.Superblue is the first immersive exhibition center launched by Pace, a prestigious New York-based gallery with a history of 63 years.The Miami venue, housed in a renovated 50,000-square-meter factory space, features installations by 26 globally renowned artists, including Japan’s leading digital art collective teamLab. Visitors to the exhibition can enjoy multi-sensory experiences in spaces where artists have instilled their artistry and immerse themselves in the artwork to become one with each artist’s design.Since opening in Miami in 2020, Superblue has become a major cultural attraction, drawing 500,000 visitors annually despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid plans to expand to cities such as New York and London, Superblue Korea will be the first of its kind in Asia.A site in Golden Harbor, located within Songdo International Business District, is currently under consideration for Superblue Korea. Golden Harbor is also set to house Therme, Europe’s largest spa complex, further advancing Incheon’s goal of soaring as a global tourism destination.Mayor Yoo remarked, “As South Korea’s gateway city, Incheon boasts high-value assets such as its international airport and seaports. We leveraged these strengths to establish the world-renowned art exhibition center here in Incheon, which will help us transit travelers passing through these transport hubs.” He added, “Once Superblue is built, it will beco