Incheon to Execute Supplementary Budget in Response to Middle East Crisis

Incheon Metropolitan City has finalized its supplementary budget for livelihood stabilization following approval by the city council on April 24, and began immediate execution. The supplementary budget is aligned with the government’s extra budget to address the Middle East crisis, and totals 543 billion won. It consists of six projects aimed at stabilizing livelihoods and easing the burden of high oil prices, and will be implemented with the city fully covering the local government share. Notably, Incheon designed the budget so that the city will bear all local costs for key livelihood support programs, including compensation for damages caused by high fuel prices, without placing any financial burden on district governments.

Incheon Recruits Bus Operators for New Routes

Incheon Metropolitan City plans to introduce seven new city bus routes in Yeongjong, Gyeyang, Geomdan, and Ganghwa, where demand for public transportation has increased. The city will open applications for operators from April 27 to May 11 for six general routes (five branch and one mainline) and one express seat route. The new routes will operate under a limited license for three years, with the possibility of renewal for up to nine years.

Incheon Introduces Lottery System for Sports Center Bookings to Ease Competition

The Samsan World Gymnasium, operated by the Incheon Facilities Corporation, will overhaul its membership registration system to improve accessibility for residents. A lottery system granting Incheon citizens priority access to 80% of available slots will be introduced to ease booking competition and promote fairer use of facilities. According to the corporation, the change follows a revision to the municipal ordinance on public sports facility management, aimed at strengthening residents’ access while reducing competition with non-residents. Under the new system, anyone can apply during the registration period, after which 80% of slots will be allocated to Incheon residents through a computerized draw, with remaining spots offered to applicants from other regions.

Ongjin-gun Issues Licenses for Yeongheung Laver Farming Sites

Incheon’s Ongjin-gun has issued 14 licenses for laver farming sites covering a total area of 280.1 hectares, or around 392 soccer fields, in Seonjae-ri, Yeongheung-myeon. The sites received development approval from Incheon Metropolitan City in July last year following consultations with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, but licensing had been delayed due to opposition from some fishing vessel operators. With the latest approvals, the total laver farming area in Ongjin-gun has expanded to 1,444 hectares.

5,000 tons of Seoul and Gyeonggi Waste Sent to Incheon Landfill

About 5,000 tons of household waste from Seoul and Gyeonggi-do have been transported to Incheon following the temporary allowance of direct landfill disposal in the capital region. According to the Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation, a total of 5,380 tons of municipal waste were directly landfilled at the Incheon landfill site in Seo-gu between March 23 and April 22. By region, 1,692 tons came from Seoul and 3,688 tons from Gyeonggi Province, while Incheon did not send any waste during this period. All waste was contained in standard volume-based garbage bags, transported by 462 vehicles.

Incheon to Train 100,000 ‘Resource Circulation Guardians’

Incheon Metropolitan City is shifting beyond traditional environmental campaigns by focusing on education, aiming to train a cumulative total of 100,000 “resource circulation guardians.” Starting in May, the city will launch “visiting resource circulation classes” for elementary, middle, and high schools across the region. The initiative seeks to fundamentally reshape environmental awareness among future generations and establish proper recycling and trash sorting practices as part of daily life.

Incheon to Host Middle-aged Job Fair on April 28

Incheon Metropolitan City will hold the “Incheon Middle-Aged Job Fair” on April 28 at the central hall of Incheon City Hall. The event is the first of three job fairs scheduled this year under the “2026 Incheon Job Fair” series. Running from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the fair will feature 35 companies looking to hire around 300 employees.Further details and job postings are available on the official website.

Shintree Library Launches Reading Club ‘Book Flower Road’ for Seniors

Shintree Library under the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education has introduced a reading program aimed at enhancing emotional well-being and quality of life among senior residents. The library will operate a reading club called “Book Flower Road” for residents aged 50 and older. The program is designed to encourage participants to share thoughts and emotions through books, fostering empathy and communication. It will run from May 15 to July 3, with weekly sessions held every Friday for a total of eight meetings.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr