Incheon Wins Prize for “Excellence in Child Protection System” for Two Consecutive Years 

Incheon has been awarded the top prize in the “2024 Child Protection System Excellence Evaluation,” hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, for the second consecutive year following its win in 2023. 

The Ministry of Health and Welfare evaluates outstanding local governments of their child protection systems annually across 17 metropolitan and provincial governments and 229 cities, counties, and districts nationwide. Incheon received high praise for strengthening its public-centered child protection system and expanding support for children under protection and youth preparing for independence. 

Incheon plans to establish a more robust child protection system by 2025 through measures such as strengthening support for crisis pregnancies and protected births, expanding financial aid for children in care, and improving working conditions for facility staff. Additionally, the city intends to expand the “Inpum Project,” which fosters the stable growth and independence of children and youth preparing for self-reliance, based on public-private collaboration. 

Schubert’s Winterreise Heard Through the Wooden Voice of the Cello 

The final performance of the year in the “Coffee Concert” series at the Incheon Culture & Arts Center will feature cellist Yoo-Shin Park and pianist Florian Ulrich, accompanied by the delightful aroma of coffee.

The two artists, renowned experts in German music, will reinterpret their extensive repertoire of German lieder, showcasing the unique musical nuances that emerge when vocal works are expressed through the bowing of the cello. 

The “Coffee Concert”, a signature matinee series of the Incheon Culture & Arts Center, takes place once a month on Wednesdays at 2 PM. Since July of last year, the concert has been held in the historic district of Dong-gu due to renovation work at the center’s main performance hall. 

Incheon Consumer Day Celebration: Awards for Excellence in Consumer Protection 

Incheon announced that yesterday (3rd), it held the “2024 Incheon Consumer Day Celebration” at the Incheon YWCA auditorium to commemorate the 29th annual Consumer Day. During the event, awards were presented to individuals who contributed to the advancement of consumer rights. 

This ceremony was organized to honor the legally designated commemorative day aimed at raising awareness of consumer rights, strengthening their protection, and fostering social attention to consumer issues. Over 100 participants, including members of consumer organizations and related personnel, attended the event, adding to its significance. 

An official from Incheon stated that this has been a year of efforts to strengthen consumer capacity in a rapidly changing consumption environment. They added that they will continue to work closely with consumer organizations to ensure consumer safety, address gaps in protection, and do our utmost to enhance citizens’ rights and interests. 

Incheon Holds Public Briefing on Basic Plan for Aging Planned Urban Areas Redevelopment 

Incheon announced that it will hold preliminary briefings for residents in areas designated as aging planned urban zones from December 4th to December 11th. 

These briefings aim to help residents better understand the Special Act on the Maintenance and Support of Aging Planned Urban Areas, which came into effect on April 27th, as well as the Aging Planned Urban Areas Redevelopment Act and the process of establishing the basic redevelopment plan. The sessions also seek to gather residents’ feedback to facilitate the smooth formulation of the plan. 

The briefings will cover the key points of the Special Act on the Maintenance of Aging Planned Urban Areas, directions for establishing the basic plan and procedures for designating special redevelopment zones and implementing projects. 

Additionally, on-site Q&A sessions will be held to actively reflect residents’ opinions in the planning process. 

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr