Incheon to Provide Additional Subsidies for Scrapping Older Diesel Vehicles

Incheon Metropolitan City will begin accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis from September 1 for additional subsidies to help residents scrap older diesel vehicles. 

The city will use 1.2 billion won in remaining funds from the first half of the year to support the early scrapping of about 400 older diesel vehicles and construction machines. 

Eligible vehicles include all fifth-grade emission vehicles, regardless of fuel type; fourth-grade diesel vehicles; three types of road construction equipment manufactured under emission standards introduced before August 31, 2009; and forklifts and excavators manufactured before 2004. 

This year is the final year of the early scrappage program for fifth-grade vehicles, excluding five types of construction equipment.

Incheon to Attract Digital Finance Companies to Cheongna

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ) says it plans to attract more financial companies to Cheongna International City, where Hana Financial Group is establishing its headquarters. 

Hana Financial Group has built a headquarters complex with seven underground levels and 15 floors above ground, spanning a total floor area of 128,000 square meters. 

Employees from 10 affiliated companies are scheduled to move in starting next month. 

The authority expects about 4,000 employees from Hana Financial Group's affiliates and financial and IT sectors to work in Cheongna, serving as an anchor for attracting other financial companies and related industries. 

Going forward, the authority plans to attract companies specializing in digital finance, including digital assets and blockchain, to foster Cheongna as a financial industry hub.

Incheon to Expand ‘Air Lounges’ for Fine Dust and Ozone Exposure Protection

Incheon Metropolitan City says it will gradually expand its network of “Air Lounges,” or designated spaces designed to protect residents from high concentrations of fine dust and ozone exposure. 

The facilities are equipped with advanced air-purification systems and will be prioritized for fine-dust management zones and other areas frequented by vulnerable groups, including children and senior citizens. 

The city currently operates 116 fine-dust shelters at easily accessible locations, including bus stops, community service centers, senior centers and station waiting areas. 

Incheon also plans to implement additional measures to improve air quality and reduce unpleasant odors in residential areas.

Volunteers Sought for 2026 World Korean Business Convention

Incheon Metropolitan City is recruiting volunteers to help with the on-site operations of the 24th World Korean Business Convention, hosted by the World Korean Business Committee and the Overseas Koreans Agency and co-organized by Incheon Metropolitan City. 

The three-day event will be held from September 28 to 30 around Songdo Convensia. It will also coincide with World Korean Week, which runs from September 27 through October 1. 

The city says it will draw on its extensive experience hosting international events to make the convention a premier business platform where Korean businesspeople from around the world can connect and build partnerships with Korean companies.

Incheon Wins Top Prize at National Local Government Job Awards

Incheon Metropolitan City has received the top prize at the National Local Government Job Awards, organized by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. 

Recognized for its efforts to develop employment policies tailored to the region’s industries and the needs of workers and businesses, the city won the top prize in the public disclosure category. 

The awards ceremony was held on August 19. Incheon also received an excellence award in the outstanding projects category for “Groo-Bee,” an innovative employment service model. 

The two awards mark the city’s fourth consecutive year of recognition at the national awards.

Geomdan Prehistory Museum to Host Archaeology Academy

Incheon’s Geomdan Prehistory Museum will host the 11th Archaeology Academy for adults from September 23 to October 21. 

Now in its 11th year, the program has introduced prehistoric sites and cultures in the Incheon region based on the city’s archaeological discoveries and academic research. 

This year’s program will explore the diverse foods and culinary cultures of ancient Koreans, covering the period from prehistoric and ancient times through the Joseon Dynasty.

Sources: https://news.ifm.kr