[Article 1]
‘Songdo’ Likely to Have Originated from Japanese Colonial-Era Place Name
Incheon’s Songdo is drawing attention amid questions over whether the name of the city should be changed or retained, following findings that it may have originated from a Japanese-style name during Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea.
According to Incheon Metropolitan City, a review conducted since 2021 to identify place names suspected of having Japanese origins found strong evidence that Songdo may have a Japanese origin.
One theory is that the name came from the Matsushima, a Japanese naval cruiser that served as a flagship during the First Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, both of which took place during the colonial era.
In August, the city sent an interim progress report on the project to Yeonsu-gu, calling for the review and correction of place names suspected of Japanese origins to be completed by next year.

[Article 2]
Gyeongwonjae to Host Fall Festival Celebrating Traditional Korean Culture
Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority will host the 2026 Neighborhood Walk at Gyeongwonjae by Walkerhill Citizens’ Festival at the hanok hotel on October 14 and 15.
The event marks Incheon Citizens’ Day and the anniversary of the establishment of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority.
It is also designed to give residents a more accessible way to experience Gyeongwonjae, a five-star hanok hotel recognized as one of Korea’s leading traditional Korean-style hotels.
Last year’s festival attracted around 1,000 residents and tourists and received a positive response.
This year, the event will place greater emphasis on citizen participation and cooperation with the local community, offering a variety of programs that combine traditional Korean culture with a modern sensibility.

[Article 3]
Incheon to Step Up Crackdown on Bus Lane Violations
Incheon Metropolitan City will step up enforcement against vehicles illegally using bus lanes to ensure schedule reliability and foster smooth traffic flow.
The city said it will conduct an intensive eight-day crackdown from October 19 to 28, excluding weekends. On-site campaigns will also be held to encourage drivers to comply with bus lane regulations.
To improve the effectiveness of enforcement, the city plans to concentrate personnel in areas with frequent violations and locations that regularly generate complaints.

[Article 4]
Incheon to Hold Peace City Policy Seminar
Incheon Metropolitan City is seeking to develop regional peace policies in consultation with residents, drawing on its geographical characteristics as a border and maritime city.
The initiative aims to incorporate residents’ views into policy planning in response to changes in inter-Korean relations and broaden public support for peace and unification across the community.
The city announced it will hold the Incheon Peace City Policy Seminar on October 15, at Harbor Park Hotel in Jemulpo-gu.
Around 100 people, including civic group representatives, experts and researchers, are expected to attend.
The event is being organized in conjunction with the Incheon Unification Plus Center’s public engagement and communication initiatives.
It will focus on incorporating input from local communities into the city’s second Basic Plan for the Promotion of a Peace City, which covers the period from 2026 to 2030, and identifying practical measures suited to local conditions.

[Article 5]
Incheon and iH Expand Housing Support for Youth Aging Out of Care
Incheon Metropolitan City is expanding its housing support program with Incheon Housing and City Development Corporation, also known as iH, to help young adults transition to independent living after aging out of child welfare facilities at 18.
The city signed a memorandum of understanding with iH on housing support for young adults preparing for independent living.
Under the agreement, iH will provide rental housing tailored to their needs, while the city will provide administrative support, including recruiting applicants and recommending eligible candidates.
It will also allocate funding to help cover rental deposits and monthly rent.
The two organizations will begin by providing five rental housing units in the Geomdan area this month, with plans to expand the program to other parts of Incheon.


Sources: https://news.ifm.kr