- KRW 1.5 million to be provided in Incheon e-Eum points from February 3 -- Available for postpartum care centers, hospitals, yoga,and other health-related expenses -On February 3, the Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) will announce the launch of the “Mom-Comfort Postpartum Care Support Project,” providing KRW 1.5 million in Incheon e-Eum points to vulnerable mothers for postnatal care expenses.As part of the “i-Plus One Billion Dream” initiative, this project addresses strong citizen demand for postpartum care support. It allows mothers to use the subsidy not only for postpartum care centers but also for various postpartum health management services.Eligible recipients include mothers from vulnerable groups who have been registered residents of Incheon for at least 12 months and are currently residing in the city. Vulnerable groups include low-income families, persons with disabilities, protected North Korean defectors, multicultural families with incomes below 65% of the median income level, single-parent households, mothers with rare diseases, teenage couples, families with multiple births, and households with incomes below 60% of the median income level. Applicants must have given birth on or after January 1, 2025, and complete an e-learning parenting education program provided by the Central Childcare Support Center.Applications must be submitted by the mother through the GOV.KR website from the 32nd week of pregnancy to within 90 days of delivery. The Incheon e-Eum points, worth KRW 1.5 million, can be used for postpartum care center fees, medical expenses, medication, health supplements, yoga, and other postpartum health-related expenses. The points are valid for one year from the date of issuance.The city implemented this project in response to surveys and research that indicated a high need for postpartum support. Based on the results of these efforts, the initiative aims to promote healthy recovery for mothers while alleviating

- Intergenerational public welfare projects, from birth to senior care,designed to improve livelihoods through policy benefits -The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is ushering in 2025 with diverse initiatives that align with its vision of becoming a “world-class city where citizens are happy.” These policies aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of citizens.A comprehensive guidebook, “2025: A Better Life in Incheon,” will be published to inform citizens about the year’s major policies and initiatives. Available both online and offline, the guidebook ensures easy access to key information.First, support for the economy and employment sector will be strengthened. “Half-Price Courier Service” for small business owners will be expanded to include all 370,000 small business owners in Incheon. Up to KRW 400,000 will also be provided to support moving expenses for young people relocating to Incheon for education or employment. New support for sole proprietorships will be introduced to cover 10% of employment insurance premiums. Support for job-seeking women will also be enhanced through participation subsidies and expanded funding for internship.In the transportation sector, the “Incheon i-Sea Pass” will be introduced, allowing Incheon residents to use passenger ferries at the cost of city bus fares (1,500 KRW), thus improving access to island regions. The “i-Plus Transit Fare Dream” initiative will also be fully implemented, offering subsidies of up to 70% for public transportation costs for children up to the age of seven. In addition, the toll for the Incheon Bridge will be significantly reduced from KRW 5,500 to KRW 2,000. The third bridge connecting Yeongjong and Cheongna will open in December, and the Incheon Metro Line 1 will be extended to Geomdan, significantly improving traffic flow and convenience.In terms of health and welfare, the city will promote a “10,000 Steps a Day Challenge” for Incheon citizens. A

- Access to 25 islands in Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gunwith city bus fare for Incheon residents -- First in the country to integrate passenger ferries intopublic transportation, with fare support expandedup to 70% for non-residents of Incheon -- Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok: “A major turning point inrevitalization of tourism on Incheon’s islands” -The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is set to officially implement the “Incheon i-Sea Pass” project in January 2025. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, enables all citizens to use passenger ferries at the city bus fare.The “Incheon i-Sea Pass” aims to guarantee the mobility rights of Incheon residents and to boost the local economy by revitalizing island tourism. The program covers 25 islands in Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun.Incheon residents are able to use passenger ferries for KRW 1,500 for a one-way trip, which is equivalent to the city bus fare. Non-residents will benefit from increased fare subsidies and pay only 30% of the regular fare. The discount has increased from the previous 50% to 70%. The discounted fare is automatically applied to online reservations or on-site ticketing at terminals without a separate application process, increasing user convenience.On January 2, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok attended a promotional event held at the Incheon Coastal Passenger Terminal to mark the successful launch of this initiative.During the event, Mayor Yoo conducted safety inspections before the ferry departure and engaged directly with citizens, explaining the key benefits and instructions regarding the “Incheon i-Sea Pass.” Brochures were also distributed to highlight the importance and expected impact of the policy. Mayor Yoo stated, “This initiative is a significant turning point, providing an opportunity to visit Incheon’s islands without financial burden. We anticipate the i-Sea Pass will contribute immensely to the revitalization of island tourism.” He also emphasized th

- Addressing current issues from construction progress to open by December next year to reduction of tourism resources -- Plans to hold a meeting to gather opinions from Yeongjong residents ahead ofthe 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge opening –Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo visited the construction site of the 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge to inspect issues on Nov. 13, 2024.This visit was made as a measure to address concerns about preparations for the opening of the 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge by December next year and issues related to the reduction of tourism resources on the Yeongjong side.On this day, Mayor Yoo received a briefing from site officials on the progress of construction and future plans. On section 1 on the Yeongjong side of the 3rd Yeollyukgyo Bridge, installation of the upper structures (i.e., IPC girders) for 15 out of 24 spans of the connecting bridge has been completed. Cable connection and steel bridge installation work for the main tower of the suspension bridge is currently underway.Section 2 on the Cheongna side completed connecting trusses for the main tower of the suspension bridge by the end of November. Subsequently, the plan is to actively proceed with cable connection and steel bridge installation work for the main tower to achieve an overall progress rate of 78% by year-end. Site officials reported that they would proceed without any disruptions to ensure opening by next year through thorough process management.Mayor Yoo urged "to ensure there are no disruptions in construction progress for the grand opening of the bridge by December next year," and instructed "to actively review related alternatives so that tourism support facilities desired by residents can be established."Accordingly, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority plans to prepare alternatives such as utilizing the neighborhood park site (no. 20) near Yeongjong in relation to issues with reducing tourism resources on the Yeongjong side.The 3rd Yeol

- Business consultations and press meeting on Nov. 12 and 14,targeting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City-- Achievements include strengthening promotional networks andattracting tourists through business agreements with Vietnamese broadcaster and travel association -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) and the Incheon Tourism Organization (President Baek Hyun) announced that they successfully held an exclusive roadshow for local businesses and travel agency representatives in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Nov. 12 and 14, 2024.This event, in which 11 member companies of the Incheon MICE Alliance and 6 medical institutions participated along with local industry representatives, is significant in that it worked together to raise awareness of Incheon as an optimal city for tourism and MICE as well as to attract tourism and MICE demand.Particularly, in the business consultation meetings held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a total of 280 consultations took place, of which about 30% were positively evaluated for attracting actual tourists and hosting MICE events in Incheon, expanding the actual visits of Vietnamese tourists to Incheon.In addition, they strengthened Incheon's promotional network through signing a business agreement with VTC, one of Vietnam's major state-owned broadcasters, and visiting Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV), while laying the groundwork for attracting actual tourists through business agreements with the Hanoi Tourism Association and local Vietnamese travel agencies.Director Kim Eun-hyo of Incheon's Tourism and MICE Division said, "Vietnam is one of the largest markets for Korean tourists and MICE groups, and through the exclusive roadshow jointly participated by the local MICE Alliance and medical institutions, I believe we have laid the groundwork for actively attracting Vietnamese tourists to Incheon in the future." He added, "We will continue to make efforts so that many Vietnamese tourists can visit Incheon through ongoing attract

- Rediscovering the history and culture of Incheon's port openingthrough dumpling-making food experience -- Plans to develop Incheon's Open Port Area into a global attractionthrough various programs -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) received a great response by holding the Open Port Food Experience program for foreigners residing in Incheon at the Incheon Art Platform on Nov. 16, 2024.This event was planned as part of the 1883 Gaehang Salon's citizen participation program and was held to introduce the history and culture of Incheon's port opening to participants through food experiences.In particular, this event, conducted in collaboration with the Incheon Support Center for Foreign Residents, was attended by about 20 foreigners of various nationalities, including Chinese, Russian, and Burmese. They had time to make and taste dumplings, a representative food of Incheon's Open Port Area, enhancing their understanding of Korean culture and Incheon's port opening. Additionally, foreign participants had the opportunity to experience the charms of Korean food, which is driving the popularity of Korean culture, and to feel the diverse cultural heritage of the Open Port Area.Dumplings have been a light meal enjoyed among dock workers since the opening of Jemulpo Port in 1883, continuing its fame with Chinese-style meat dumplings in Chinatown and North Korean-style dumplings in Sinpo-dong. Recently, it has been gaining more attention as a popular Korean food both domestically and internationally through cooking competition programs on online streaming services.Director-General Kim Jun-seong of Incheon's Global City Bureau said, "Incheon's Open Port Area is a place rich in historical value with various local content, and we hope that through this program, the Open Port Area can establish itself as a cultural landmark of Incheon for foreigners as well." He added, "Incheon will continue to develop the port opening area into a global attraction through various pr

- Promoting a kimchi-making experience event for3,200 children at 26 kindergartens -- Incheon City aims to convey the importance of traditional foods to children through kimchi-making experience -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it will conduct a “Kimchi-Making Experience” event over three weeks from Nov. 4 to Nov. 22, visiting 26 local kindergartens and engaging approximately 3,200 children.This event is sponsored by Incheon City and organized by the Incheon Kimchi Pickling Cooperative Association. It aims to educate children and their families about the excellence of kimchi, providing hands-on activities such as mixing and tasting kimchi to highlight the importance of traditional foods and promote the preservation and value of kimchi culture.Kindergartens participating in the event were recruited through applications from Oct. 28 to Nov 1, and selected kindergartens will be provided with 2 kg of salted cabbage and seasoning per child, free of charge. Only domestic cabbage and seasoning ingredients are used in this event, and the kimchi made by the children will be distributed to the kindergartens.Incheon City announced that four out of fifteen companies belonging to the Incheon Kimchi Pickling Cooperative Association will participate in this event, including Nongga Food, Sungwon Food, Uri Kimchi, and Jeongwoo Food.Amid recent agricultural supply instability due to climate change, particularly with the summer heatwaves impacting cabbage supply and causing a severe blow to the kimchi manufacturing industry, this experience event is anticipated to support the resilience of local businesses.In addition, the Incheon Kimchi Pickling Cooperative Association launched the integrated brand, Soseongchae, in Aug. 2023 to overcome the difficulties in the kimchi manufacturing industry, and plans to produce and introduce this brand product to consumers next year.Kim Jung-hoe, Director of the Agriculture and Livestock Division, stated, "I hope th

- "2024 Band Day" on Nov. 16 at Dong-gu Culture and Sports Center, in collaboration with Incheon Culture and Arts Center-A concert is being held to celebrate the hardworking youth of this era. It is none other than The 2024 Band Day: Record of Youth, being held at Dong-gu Culture and Sports Center on Nov. 16.Introduced since 2013, Incheon Culture and Arts Center's Band Day has offered special opportunities to experience the music of talented bands up close in an intimate setting. It's a time to enjoy the bands showcasing their distinctive and musical visions, transcending generations and genres with outstanding sound and lighting.Due to the remodeling construction of Incheon Culture and Arts Center's performance hall this year, it is presented in collaboration with Dong-gu Culture and Sports Center. It is part of a collaborative performance initiative aimed at showcasing Incheon Culture and Arts Center's major brand performances to local residents by leveraging the planned expertise and promotional networks of each institution.2024 Band Day speaks to those striving for the most beautiful and green moments in life, honoring the meaning of youth (靑春). Three bands—Dragon Pony, ADOY, and Peppertones—gather in one place to record the precious day in history.Dragon Pony, named by members born in the year of the dragon and horse, transcends diverse genres with all four members of different musical colors participating in composition and production. On this stage, they show their unending passion for music and deliver an unforgettable experience.ADOY, beloved for their polished sound and youth-centered themes, has quickly established itself as the top choice for concerts, earning both domestic and international acclaim from music professionals and fans. This event highlights their live performances, now reaching audiences worldwide beyond Korea.Peppertones, known for their intense and refreshing sound, plans to tell stories of youth in their distinctive style. Deliv

- 3,510 visitors, 88 companies, 230 booths in carbon neutrality and renewable energy -- Export contracts worth KRW 33.7 billion, generating a regional economic impact of KRW 2.9 billion during the exhibition period -The 2024 GreenEnerTEC event, held for three days from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, successfully concluded with a total of 3,510 visitors.Now in its third year, 2024 GreenEnerTEC featured 88 companies across six main areas including carbon neutrality, renewable energy, water resources, climate change and air quality, circular economy, and eco-friendly plastics. Thirty-five overseas buyers from 20 countries were invited.During the exhibition period, a total of 163 export consultations valued at KRW 306.8 billion were conducted, resulting in 4 export contracts worth KRW 33.7 billion.Additionally, the event had a significant impact on Incheon's local economy through various side events and programs. 13 conferences, including the International Eco-friendly Plastic Conference, along with technical seminars, briefings, export consultations, and public procurement consultations were held, generating about KRW 2.9 billion in regional economic ripple effects.An eco-friendly promotion booth at the exhibition hosted tumbler recycling and carbon neutrality campaigns, while 70 participants joined an industrial tour of Incheon Environmental Corporation's Resource Circulation Center to learn about the importance of resource circulation. Additionally, 250 people participated in the Green Partner second-half joint de-icing agent sharing activity, strengthening community efforts for creating a sustainable environment.Kim Chung-jin, Director of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, stated, "This exhibition achieved meaningful results in strengthening global business networks and revitalizing the local economy," and added, "It was significant as it provided a platform for international exchange and cooperation, including export consultation meetings with i

- Actively supporting work-life balance with customized childcare services for elementary school children -- Meeting childcare needs in population declining areas by operating community-based "All Together Care Centers" -Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is implementing customized gap care support projects to address childcare gaps for elementary school children.Incheon City plans to provide night and weekend care, as well as care for sick children, to ensure continuous care for elementary school children. The city also plans to operate community-based "All Together Care Centers" in its older districts.Opening of "All Together Care Centers"Starting in the second half of this year, Incheon will create rest areas at eight designated All Together Care Centers for sick children and introduce a new bed care service for those who are unwell. In 2025, six additional centers will be established to expand the benefits to reach more children.From next year, All Together Childcare Centers will provide evening and weekend care with evening services at 9 PM. Incheon plans to expand the program to 10 centers by 2026, beginning with pilot operations at two locations in 2025. Additional funding will be provided to facilities operating extended care to create a stable care environment. The extended sick child care services aim to provide safe care for children in urgent need and actively support guardians in achieving a work-life balance.This year, Incheon City, in collaboration with Seo-gu, is establishing its first community-based All Together Childcare Center in Seoknam-dong. This center will address the childcare needs of the older districts with declining population, and provide flexible services, including evening, weekend, and sick child care, along with vehicle support.Si Hyun-jeong, Director of Women and Family Affairs, stated, "We plan to build a comprehensive gap care network, ensuring no care gaps even in urgent or unexpected situations," and added, "Incheo