Incheon Sets Goal To Attract 16,000 Foreign Patients This Year

Incheon Metropolitan City will pursue various initiatives to attract 16,000 foreign patients this year. According to the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, total card spending by foreign patients who visited Incheon in 2024 reached 112 billion won across all industries. Of this amount, spending in the medical services sector alone totaled 19.4 billion won. The amount ranked 4th nationwide among metropolitan governments, following Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Busan. To maximize the economic impact of foreign patient visits, the city plans to focus its administrative efforts on attracting high-severity patients with higher per-capita medical costs and linking them with long-stay wellness tourism programs.

Incheon’s Hometown Donations Continue To Rise

Donation amounts raised by local governments in Incheon through the Hometown Donation Program are increasing each year. According to Incheon Metropolitan City, total donations collected by the city and its 10 districts and counties rose from 79 million won for the city and 693 million won for districts and counties in 2023, which was the first year of the program, to 129 million won and 885 million won respectively in 2024. Last year, the figures increased further to 142 million won for the city and 1.051 billion won for districts and counties. Under the Hometown Donation Program, individuals may donate up to 20 million won per year to a local government other than their registered place of residence and receive tax deductions and return gifts worth up to 30 percent of the donation amount. To encourage participation, the city expanded the number of return gift items from 13 to 35 last year and is continuing to strengthen both online and offline promotional efforts.

Incheon Strengthens Safety Management For Seniors Living Alone During Holidays

Incheon Metropolitan City will strengthen safety management systems for seniors during the Lunar New Year holiday. The system will provide customized senior care services and emergency safety and security services for seniors in need of care, including those living alone, from February 14 to 18. The measures are part of the city’s comprehensive Lunar New Year response plan, aimed at enabling rapid response to emergencies that may occur during the holiday period. In cooperation with districts and counties and 33 service providers, the city plans to conduct full safety checks and welfare calls for approximately 22,000 seniors receiving customized senior care services and emergency safety support services.

Incheon Launches ‘1883 Gaehang Salon’ Program For Visitors

Incheon Metropolitan City announced it will fully launch the 2026 “1883 Gaehang Salon” citizen participation program to transform the Open Port area into a cultural space for visitors to stay longer and return to. The “1883 Gaehang Salon” serves as a cultural exchange hub symbolizing the year Incheon opened its port in 1883. In 2026, programs will focus on retro-themed experiences, local Open Port experiences, and Open Port branding activities. Based on this initiative, the city plans to introduce new hands-on programs that allow citizens to directly experience the history and atmosphere of the Open Port area.

Incheon To Recruit Participants For New Midlife Social Contribution Program

Incheon Metropolitan City will support new midlife residents with professional expertise and field experience so they can continue stable social activities while contributing to their local communities. The city said it will recruit participating organizations and individuals for the New Midlife Social Contribution Support Program from February 11th through the 27th. The program connects new midlife individuals who wish to remain socially active after retirement with nonprofit organizations and public service institutions in need of professional talent. It aims to expand social participation among active seniors and support their adjustment to local communities after retirement or career transitions.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr