Incheon Launches Population Education Program for Students and Citizens

Incheon Metropolitan City and the Incheon branch of the Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association will launch an outreach population education program for students and citizens starting in May. The initiative aims to help citizens understand social issues arising from rapid demographic changes, such as low birth rates and an aging population, and to foster consensus and strengthen response capabilities. Customized programs will be offered by age group, including interactive sessions for elementary students and broader social issue discussions for middle and high school students. Programs for adults will cover population policy, aging society responses, and intergenerational communication.

Incheon to Provide Free HPV Vaccinations for 12-year-old Boys in May

Incheon Metropolitan City will begin providing free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations for 12-year-old boys (born in 2014) starting May 6, 2026. The city expects the expanded vaccination support to protect the health of both males and females and reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases. Eligible individuals can receive vaccinations free of charge at designated medical institutions or public health centers.

Incheon Recruits Student Food Safety Ambassadors for ‘IF-Heroes’ Program

Incheon Metropolitan City is recruiting elementary school students to participate in the Incheon Food Safety Heroes “IF-Heroes” program. The initiative, taking place for the first time this year, encourages students to plan and carry out campaigns promoting food safety and preventing foodborne illness. Teams consisting of five to six students and one supervising teacher will be selected, with a total of 10 teams chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected teams will conduct at least one campaign activity between May and November.

148 Spotted Seals Observed Near Baengnyeong and Socheong Islands

Green Korea Incheon has announced that 148 spotted seals, designated natural monuments, were observed during a survey conducted from April 20 to 23 around Baengnyeong, Daecheong, and Socheong Islands. Of the total, 145 were observed near Mulbeom Rock and Yeonbong Rock on Baengnyeong Island, while three were observed near the lighthouse coast of Socheong Island. The survey used drones on Baengnyeong Island, vessels around Daecheong Island, and land-based observation on Socheong Island. The group emphasized the need for continued monitoring to assess winter populations and breeding conditions in the three West Sea Islands.

Incheon Completes Safety Inspections at Vulnerable Sites for Thawing Season

Incheon Metropolitan City has completed intensive safety inspections at 595 vulnerable sites to prevent major accidents such as collapses and ground subsidence during the thawing season. The inspections went beyond visual checks, utilizing advanced equipment and collaboration with private experts to identify hidden risks. The city said it will transition to a continuous safety management system while maintaining vigilance.

Incheon Selected for Marine and Fisheries Convergence Talent Development Program

Incheon Metropolitan City has been selected for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ “Ocean and Fisheries Convergence Specialized Human Resource Development Project” in partnership with Inha University Research & Business Foundation. The program will secure a total budget of 4.72 billion won, including 3.72 billion won in national funding and 1 billion won from the city, over five years from 2026 to 2030. The initiative aims to support research, policy development, and workforce training to address regional challenges in the marine and fisheries sector.

Incheon Continues Korean Medicine Treatment Program Veterans

Incheon Metropolitan City will continue its Korean medicine treatment support program for persons of distinguished service to the state for the third consecutive year. The program is a private-public partnership model between the city and the Association of Korean Medicine, providing Korean medical treatments, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion worth up to 1 million won per person, to 100 national merit recipients aged 70 or older. Participants, selected through veterans’ organizations, can receive personalized treatments, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion, at one of 80 locally designated clinics from May to July.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr