Incheon Population Projected to Fall to 2.42 million by 2060

Incheon’s population is projected to shrink to around 2.42 million by 2060, according to a new study. A report released on April 23 by the Incheon Institute estimates that the city’s population will grow from 3.05 million this year to a peak of 3.1 million in 2032 before entering a sustained decline, reaching 2.42 million by 2060. The institute forecasts that the pace of decline will accelerate after 2040, with annual decreases of 20,000 to 30,000 people continuing from the mid-2050s. Based on the projections, the report recommends expanding community-based integrated care and strengthening medical and long-term care infrastructure to prepare for a super-aged society.

Incheon’s Local Merchant Associations to be Recruited for Revitalization Project

In efforts to strengthen the self-sustainability of Incheon’s local commercial districts and boost the alleyway economy, the city will launch the “2026 Local Merchant Association Revitalization Project”. The program targets traditional markets and shopping streets across the city, offering tailored support that reflects local characteristics and on-site demand to enhance competitiveness, and encourage merchant-led revitalization efforts. The Incheon Small Business Support Center will evaluate applicants based on project relevance, necessity, feasibility, and contribution to local commerce, selecting around 10 associations.

Incheon to Overhaul Public Design Promotion Plan

Incheon Metropolitan City is pushing forward with a project to update its public design promotion plan in response to changing urban environments and administrative conditions. The city plans to select a service provider through a proposal evaluation committee by the end of April and begin the project in May. The plan, a legally mandated five-year framework under the Public Design Promotion Act, will update guidelines and policies through 2028, building on the city’s 2022 urban design promotion plan. Officials expect the revision to provide an opportunity to comprehensively review and improve public design policies.

Incheon to Host Job Fair for Middle-aged Workers on April 28

A job fair for middle-aged job seekers will be held on April 28 at the central hall of Incheon City Hall. Amid a slowdown in employment due to the economic downturn, the event, hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City, aims to provide job opportunities for middle-aged workers. Running from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the fair will feature 35 companies seeking to hire around 300 employees.

One-on-one interviews between recruiters and job seekers will be conducted on site.

Incheon to Conduct Overhead Cable Maintenance in Older Districts 

Incheon Metropolitan City announced plans to improve safety and urban aesthetics in older districts by organizing overhead power and communication cables. The project targets areas where undergrounding is difficult, focusing on reorganizing tangled cables above ground. This year, with 13.3 billion won secured from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the city will maintain 4,206 utility poles, 1,635 communication poles, and 215 kilometers of cables across 21 zones in six districts by December.

Inha University Develops Adhesive Material from Cashew Nut Byproducts

Researchers at Inha University have developed a high-performance, biodegradable pressure-sensitive adhesive using cashew nut byproducts. The team designed a new polymer structure based on cardanol, a compound derived from cashew shells, achieving adhesive performance comparable to commercial tape without additional bonding agents. The material decomposes quickly under mild conditions and does not interfere with recycling processes, combining strong adhesion with environmental sustainability.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr