What Changes in Incheon City for the New Year? ... Opening of the National World Script Museum, Strengthened Support for Homeless Youth

Incheon City Hall

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] This year in Incheon, residents' cultural life and convenience facilities will be significantly expanded, and welfare policies for infants and youth will be strengthened.

First, the National Museum of World Scripts, the third in the world and the first in Korea, will open in the first half of this year in Songdo International City. The museum offers opportunities to experience the characteristics and systems of scripts worldwide through various methods such as art, architecture, and media.

Also, in the second half of next year, a park golf course will be established on the idle land of public sports facilities, Incheon Asiad Main Stadium and Gyeyang Stadium, providing citizens with diverse sports infrastructure.

This month, the Geomdan Fire Station will be newly established in Majon-dong, Seo-gu, increasing the number of fire stations in Incheon to 11. The Geomdan Fire Station is responsible for protecting citizens' lives and property from disasters in the northwest part of Incheon.

Regarding the strengthened welfare policies, the parental allowance (infant allowance) paid to families raising infants under one year old will increase from the existing 350,000 KRW to 700,000 KRW, and therapists will be dispatched to daycare centers to provide customized support for the healthy growth of children with disabilities and borderline developmental issues.

Additionally, a housing deposit interest support project will begin for young household heads aged 18 to 39 without housing (recruiting 150 people). Interest at 2% per annum will be supported for loans up to 100 million KRW on housing deposits of 200 million KRW or less (including residential officetels).

Safe home sets will be provided to women living alone and stores vulnerable to crime to create a safe environment, and opportunities for overseas historical and cultural experiences will be offered to vulnerable youth to foster global talents without discrimination.

To prevent children and adolescents from suffering economic difficulties due to debts left by their parents, litigation costs will be supported up to 2 million KRW per person, and medical care services for multicultural families will be provided in line with population policies.

From January, the veterans' allowance for national merit recipients will also be increased. The honorary allowance for veterans aged 65 to 84 will rise from 80,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW per month, the allowance for bereaved families of war casualties and independence activists will increase from 50,000 KRW to 70,000 KRW per month, and the veterans' welfare allowance will go up from 30,000 KRW to 50,000 KRW per month.