[What's New in the New Year] Incheon to Undergo First Administrative Reorganization in 31 Years... Third Bridge Opens on the 5th

Jemulpogu, Yeongjonggu, and Geomdangu to Launch in July
"Incheon KTX" to Open in December: 2 Hours 20 Minutes to Busan
Free City Bus Fares for Incheon Residents Aged 75 and Older in the Second Half of the Year

This year, Incheon will undergo its first administrative reorganization in 31 years, and both the third sea bridge connecting Yeongjongdo and the mainland and the KTX departing from Incheon are scheduled to open. In addition, city bus fares in Incheon will become completely free for residents aged 75 and older.

Incheon City is publishing a booklet titled "2026, A Better Life in Incheon," which outlines major policy changes and improvements in citizens' daily lives for the year. The booklet will be available both online and offline.

The booklet is organized around key city policies in areas closely related to citizens' lives, such as daily life, safety, environment, education, culture, sports, family, care, welfare, health, economy, and employment, to enhance understanding of city administration.

First, in the areas of daily life, safety, and environment, changes will be implemented to improve convenience and safety for citizens. Starting July 1, Incheon's administrative structure will be reorganized from "2 counties and 8 districts" to "2 counties and 9 districts." Jung-gu and Dong-gu will be restructured into "Yeongjong-gu," centered on Yeongjongdo, and "Jemulpo-gu," covering the inland areas of Jung-gu and Dong-gu. Seo-gu will establish a new "Geomdan-gu" by separating the Geomdan area, while the remaining area will continue as "Seo-gu."

Additionally, the Third Bridge, connecting Yeongjong International City (Jungsan-dong, Jung-gu) and Cheongna International City (Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu), will open on January 5. The Third Bridge, with a total project cost of 770 billion won, is 4.68 kilometers long, 30 meters wide, and has six lanes for two-way traffic. It features the world’s tallest sea bridge observatory (184.2 meters above sea level). Upon opening, residents of Yeongjong and Cheongna can use the bridge toll-free, and the free passage will be expanded to all Incheon citizens in the first half of the year.

The KTX departing from Incheon, expected to establish a "half-day living zone nationwide," is also scheduled to open in December this year. The KTX departing from Songdo Station on the Suin Line will connect with the KTX Gyeongbu Line in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Once operational, it will take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Songdo Station to Busan, and 2 hours and 10 minutes to Mokpo. This will save about 1 hour and 30 minutes compared to traveling to Seoul Station or Gwangmyeong Station to use the KTX from Incheon.

Incheon City also plans to make city bus fares completely free for residents aged 75 and older in the second half of the year. The existing "Senior Free Pass" subway card will be renamed "i-Silver Pass" (provisional name), allowing free access to both city buses and the subway with a single card. In addition, starting in January, the integrated public service application "Incheon e-Wallet" will launch, enabling identity verification, one-stop civil service applications, and issuance of electronic certificates via smartphone.

In the fields of education, culture, and sports, citizen-focused infrastructure will be expanded. One public library each will be established in Ongjin County (Baengnyeong Middle and High School) and Seo-gu (Geomdan New Town), and new park golf courses will open in Seo-gu (Asiad Stadium), Gyeyang-gu (Gyeyang Stadium), and Namdong-gu (Namdong Stadium). National sports centers will be built in Gyeyang-gu, Seo-gu, and Yeonsu-gu to promote community sports. Additionally, with Incheon United’s promotion to K League 1, various benefits for citizens and the club will be offered.

Support for families and care services will also increase. The "1,000 Won First Consultation" program will provide initial counseling for just 1,000 won, and a new integrated medical and nursing care support project will be launched for citizens in need, such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Existing welfare programs, including support for low-income single-parent families, daycare operation expenses, and the "Angel (1040) Grant," will also be significantly expanded.

A view of the Incheon Third Bridge, opening on January 5. Provided by POSCO E&C

In the areas of welfare and health, the "1,000 Won Brokerage Fee" program, which subsidizes rental brokerage fees for newlywed couples without homes and other housing-vulnerable groups, will begin in January. The "Basic Food Security Program," which provides food and daily necessities to vulnerable groups, will be piloted until April and then fully implemented from May. In addition, a pet welfare and culture center will open, and the children's fruit snack program will support the development of healthy eating habits and promote consumption of domestic fruit.

In the areas of economy and employment, support for workers and businesses will be further strengthened. The "1,000 Won Workwear Laundry" program will be operated for workers, and the half-price parcel delivery service for small businesses will be expanded to the "1,000 Won Parcel Delivery" program. Incheon Job Platform will offer customized job and policy information to users, and the Geomdan Workers’ Complex Cultural Center will open to provide various cultural and welfare services.

The "2026, A Better Life in Incheon" booklet will be available at county and district civil service offices, township and neighborhood administrative welfare centers, and public libraries, and can also be accessed as an e-book on the Incheon City website.

Mayor Yoo Jeongbok of Incheon stated, "The year 2026 will be a year in which citizens will tangibly feel improvements in all areas, including the economy, culture, and welfare," adding, "We will listen more closely to citizens’ voices and do our best to usher in an era of happiness for all citizens."