Coast Guard to crack down on illegal fishing in West Sea and Jeju waters

The Korea Coast Guard said it will launch a special crackdown in the waters off Jeju Island and the West Sea to block illegal fishing by Chinese vessels. The crackdown will take place until February 2nd. During the period, four large patrol ships, fixed-wing and rotary aircraft as well as fisheries guidance vessels will be deployed in the area to strengthen patrols. Authorities will focus on unlicensed Chinese vessels with obstructions installed, and organized illegal fishing using hidden fish storage facilities.

61% of Incheon mayor’s campaign pledges completed

Incheon Metropolitan City says 61% of the city government’s campaign pledges have been completed. As of the end of last year, 244 out of 400 campaign pledges under the eighth elected city government have been completed. Key pledges that have been implemented to date include support policies for new births and newlyweds; the implementation of a semi-public bus operation system; the confirmation of the undergrounding of the Gyeongin Expressway, the establishment of the Overseas Koreans Center and a High Court branch; and the opening of Cheongna Haneul Bridge. Of the 400 pledges made by Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, 126 projects, or 31.5%, are mid- to long-term tasks that will continue even after the 8th government’s current term ends in June.

Incheon open port area to reopen through culture

Incheon Metropolitan City will launch a new program to reinterpret the historical value and cultural assets of the open port area in a modern way. The program will be in connection to the Jemulpo Renaissance Project, and the city will hold a public contest from January 20 to January 30 through the Incheon Tourism Organization to select an operator for it. Called the “Jemulpo Renaissance Open Port Complex Cultural Program,” the city plans to present cultural events promoting local cooperation, while showcasing performances and exhibitions that citizens can take part in. The program will use unique local assets formed since the opening of the port, including music, culture, and modern architectural heritage. It aims to go beyond simple viewing events and grow into a sustainable cultural program focused on citizen participation and local coexistence.

Incheon selects 1,000 model taxpayers

Incheon Metropolitan City has selected 1,000 model taxpayers for 2026 to promote a sound tax-paying culture. Model taxpayers are individuals living in Incheon or organizations and corporations with business sites in the city who have had no local tax arrears for ten years. They must also have paid at least two local tax bills in full and on time every year, regardless of the amount. Candidates are selected through random computerized draws using the local tax information system and finalized after review by the local tax deliberation committee. Selected taxpayers will receive notification letters and certificates by mail.

Inha University Intersection on Incheon-daero to open on Jan. 31

The Inha University intersection on the former Gyeongin Expressway section, now called Incheon-daero, will open on the 31st. The section is currently undergoing road conversion and improvement construction. The intersection was built near the Inha University back gate intersection, about 1.6 kilometers from Inha University Hospital intersection. After opening, one left-turn lane will allow vehicles to exit from Incheon-daero to Inha-ro. Two lanes will allow entry from Inha-ro to Incheon-daero. Traffic signals will be installed, while passage of trucks over 2.5 tons, buses with 16 or more seats, and construction equipment will be restricted.

106 companies express interest in Ganghwa seeking FEZ designation

A total of 106 domestic and overseas companies have expressed interest in investing in the southern part of Ganghwa Island. The area is currently undergoing procedures to become designated as a free economic zone. The Incheon Free Economic Zone said 106 companies submitted letters of intent starting in November 2024. The companies include well-known domestic biotech firms and major overseas IT companies.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr