Incheon to Ring in the New Year with Bell Ceremony at Culture & Arts Center

On December 31st, the outdoor plaza of the Incheon Culture & Arts Center will host the year-end bell ringing ceremony.

Incheon Metropolitan City has announced that the year-end cultural festival will take place at the plaza, inviting citizens to join in the celebrations and feel the festive spirit as the year draws to a close.

The festivities will begin at 10 PM with performances by singers Lee Solomon and Kim Ji-hyun, followed by cultural performances from winners of the Incheon Music Competition and local art organizations.

The highlight of the night will be the bell ringing ceremony at midnight. Fifteen citizen representatives will ring the bell 33 times to welcome the new year.

Incheon to Ban Vehicle Idling Citywide from New Year's Day

Starting January 1st next year, all vehicles, including motorcycles, will be banned from idling throughout Incheon. Violators will face a fine of 50,000 won.

Incheon Metropolitan City has strengthened its regulations on vehicle idling by amending the "Ordinance on the Restriction of Vehicle Idling" in June to improve air quality and minimize residents' discomfort caused by exhaust fumes and noise.

As a result, from January 1st, the vehicle idling restriction area will be expanded to cover the entire city of Incheon. Existing idling restriction zones, such as terminals, parking lots, and public facilities, will be designated as 'priority idling restriction zones' for special management.

The restrictions include motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles, and the maximum idling time will be reduced from 3 minutes to 2 minutes.

Incheon High Court Opening Set for March 2028

The Incheon High Court is scheduled to open its doors in March 2028.

In a recent press briefing, Incheon Metropolitan City officials stated that the Incheon District Court building in Hakik-dong, Michuhol-gu, will be used for the new High Court.

The Court Administration Office will spend the next few years preparing by reallocating resources and staff to ensure the Incheon High Court is ready for its official opening on March 1, 2028.

97.5% of Incheon’s Agricultural Products Pass Safety Inspections in 2024

Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Health & Environment announced that, out of 4,588 agricultural product samples tested this year, 4,474 (97.5%) met safety standards, while 114 non-compliant items were blocked from distribution.

The inspection covered various distribution channels, including two wholesale markets, online platforms, large discount stores, and local food direct stores. The tests included 4,440 samples for pesticide residues, 109 for radiation, and 49 for other harmful substances like heavy metals.

A total of 1,986 kg of non-compliant agricultural products were immediately seized and destroyed to prevent distribution. The information on the producers was reported to relevant administrative agencies for further action.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr