The project to gradually redevelop Incheon Inner Port, whose port functions have declined due to decreased cargo volume, has entered full swing.
On October 15, Incheon City announced that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries had officially published the project plan for the 'Redevelopment of Incheon Port Inner Port 1 and 8 Piers.'
Incheon City, together with Incheon Port Authority and Incheon Urban Development Corporation, formed a consortium and submitted a project proposal to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in December 2023. Following government negotiations and expert advisory meetings, the project plan was finalized. The plan includes details on project implementation methods, installation of infrastructure and public facilities, land use, funding procurement, and traffic management strategies.
The Incheon City consortium plans to invest a total of 590.6 billion won (562.3 billion won from the project operator and 28.3 billion won in financial support) by 2028 to develop a mixed-use urban district, cultural complex facilities, tourism facilities, parks, and plazas on a 429,000-square-meter site at Inner Port 1 and 8 Piers in Bukseong-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon.
The cultural complex facilities will be designed as spaces that reflect the history and identity of Incheon Port’s opening, creating a maritime cultural landmark where modern and contemporary eras coexist. The mixed-use urban district is planned as a residential complex that encompasses apartment housing, workspaces, and living facilities.
Incheon City plans to promptly complete the administrative procedures for approval of the implementation plan following the official announcement of the project plan. The project will begin in earnest in the first half of next year with the demolition of fences and buildings at Piers 1 and 8.
The redevelopment project for Incheon Inner Port 1 and 8 Piers, which began with a citizen petition in 2007, is moving forward in earnest after approximately 18 years of delay. It is the first port redevelopment project in the country in which a local government directly participates as the project operator.
Since its opening in 1974, Incheon Inner Port has experienced a decrease in cargo volume as other port developments in Incheon, such as the New Port and North Port, have accelerated. Residents living near the Inner Port have consistently raised the need for redevelopment due to ongoing noise and dust issues.
To advance the 'Jemulpo Renaissance' (Incheon Old Downtown Revitalization Project), a key pledge of Mayor Yoo Jeongbok’s eighth municipal administration, Incheon City signed a basic business agreement for the redevelopment of Inner Port 1 and 8 Piers with Incheon Port Authority and Incheon Urban Development Corporation in March 2023. Incheon Inner Port consists of eight piers in total, and the remaining piers will also be redeveloped in response to changes in cargo volume following Piers 1 and 8.
An official from Incheon City stated, "The redevelopment of Incheon Inner Port 1 and 8 Piers is a core project preparing for Incheon’s next 100 years, in line with the launch of Jemulpogu District (scheduled for July 2026). We will swiftly create a maritime cultural urban space to revitalize the old downtown area."
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