Public-Private Council Initiated for the Opening of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge

The Incheon Free Economic Zone has initiated a public-private council to prepare for the opening of the Third Yeonyuk Bridge by the end of this year.

Yesterday, IFEZ held the first meeting of the 'Third Yeonyuk Public-Private Council,' which included participation from the National Assembly, City Council, local residents, and organizations. The meeting focused on sharing the progress and issues regarding the bridge, which is currently 77% complete.

The Third Yeonyuk Bridge, the third maritime bridge connecting Yeongjong Island, home to Incheon International Airport, with the mainland, is being constructed with a total project cost of 770 billion won. The bridge will span 4.68 kilometers in length and 30 meters in width.

IFEZ plans to work with the public-private council to address various issues, including the naming of the bridge, negotiations on compensation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, and the bridge's development as a tourism resource.

Incheon City Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Combat Low Birth Rate

Incheon Metropolitan City has unveiled its comprehensive plan to combat the low birth rate. During a press conference, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok introduced three new Incheon-specific birth policies.

Thanks to these newly introduced policies, Incheon saw 15,242 births last year, an 11.6% increase from the previous year. This rate far exceeded the national average growth rate of 3.6%, positioning Incheon first among the 17 cities and provinces.

Record High Private Education Costs in Incheon 

With private education expenditures reaching 29 trillion won last year, the cost per student in Incheon for elementary, middle, and high school students has hit a five-year high.

On the 13th, the Ministry of Education and Statistics Korea announced the results of the “2024 Private Education Expenditure Survey for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students.” The survey indicated that Seoul had the highest private education participation rate in urban areas at 86.1%, while Incheon had the lowest at 78%.

The average private education expenditure per student in Incheon surpassed 400,000 won in 2023. And last year, it increased to 459,000 won, showing an 8.1% rise compared to the previous year.

Incheon City Launches New Child Protection Agency in Geomam

Incheon Metropolitan City has officially started the operation of the newly established Incheon Geomam Child Protection Agency. 

This initiative addresses the growing number of child abuse cases, the need for expanded in-depth case management, and the upcoming administrative system changes scheduled for July 2026. Recognizing the necessity for an additional child protection agency, Incheon City has launched this new facility to redouble its efforts in child welfare.

An Incheon City official stated, "The opening of the agency is expected to bolster the system for preventing and safeguarding children from abuse."

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr