IFEZ launches land transaction consultation service for foreigners in Songdo

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ) will introduce a land transaction consultation service for foreigners in Songdo International City called “Sweet Home Guide.” The service was created in response to difficulties foreign buyers face due to complex administrative procedures and documentation requirements in areas subject to the land transaction permit system. In regulated areas like Songdo, foreign nationals must obtain prior approval to acquire land or housing, and are required to move in within four months of approval and reside for at least two years. IFEZ plans to provide one-on-one pre-consultations and assist with preparing permit application documents for foreign buyers.

Incheon ranked top metropolitan government for proactive governance 

Incheon Metropolitan City has been rated “excellent” in the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s comprehensive evaluation of proactive administration for 2025. The city ranked first among metropolitan governments for the second consecutive year. The evaluation assessed 243 local governments nationwide on their performance in proactive governance throughout 2025, including efforts to promote proactive administration, policy implementation, best practices, and execution of national tasks. Incheon received “excellent” ratings in 19 out of 20 evaluation categories, reinforcing its status as a leading example of proactive governance by maintaining a trend of continuous performance improvement in recent years.

Incheon to survey 130 sites at risk of soil contamination

Incheon Metropolitan City will conduct inspections of 130 sites at risk of soil contamination across the city from this month through October. Survey targets include gas stations, transportation facilities, industrial complexes, factory zones, children’s playgrounds, and planned development sites. The investigation will analyze 23 indicators, including soil acidity (pH), heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, organic solvents like benzene and toluene (BTEX), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). Sites found exceeding contamination thresholds will be reported to district authorities, with responsible parties required to carry out detailed investigations and remediation.

Rent reductions on public properties extended for small businesses through year-end

Incheon Metropolitan City will extend rent reduction benefits for public properties used by small businesses and SMEs through the end of the year. The measure aims to support businesses struggling amid an economic slowdown, extending a program that was originally set to expire at the end of 2025. Eligible business owners can apply by submitting a small business verification certificate to the relevant property management department.

Incheon to provide welfare points to young SME employees

Incheon Metropolitan City will recruit participants for its welfare point support program targeting young employees at small and medium-sized enterprises from April 1 to 10. The initiative aims to reduce disparities in employee benefits and prevent early resignations of youth working at smaller firms. Since its launch in 2018, the program has supported around 10,200 young workers and maintained satisfaction rates above 90%. Selected participants will receive up to 1.2 million won per year in welfare points, distributed as 300,000 won per quarter.

Incheon to support better meals for youth in root industries

Incheon Metropolitan City is recruiting companies to take part in its “Root Industry Youth Lunch Improvement” program. Root industries refer to 14 sectors involving core manufacturing processes such as casting, molding, welding, surface treatment, precision processing, and industrial software. Through the program, the city will provide meal improvement subsidies and operate a food truck that delivers snacks directly to workplaces.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr