Incheon City Invests 26 Billion Won to Create 'Livable Fishing Villages'...Improving Environment at Five Ports

On January 22, the Incheon City Government announced that it will invest 26 billion won this year to improve the quality of life for fishermen and to revitalize the fishing village economy.

The city plans to implement the "Fishing Village New Vitality Enhancement Project" at five locations-Janggothang, Jumunhang, and Seondoo Port in Ganghwa County; Jido Port in Ongjin County; and Yedanpo Port in Jung District-in order to upgrade the underdeveloped living conditions in fishing villages to urban standards.

The construction at Janggothang aims for completion within this year, while Seondoo Port and Yedanpo Port will establish community-based councils to begin developing their master plans. The city intends to comprehensively expand infrastructure for the economy, education, and jobs, thereby dramatically improving the residential environment in fishing villages.

Efforts are also being made to build safe harbor infrastructure to protect the lives and property of fishermen. The city will carry out construction, repair, and reinforcement projects for local fishing ports, enhance the breakwater at Janggothang in Ganghwa County, and dredge Soyonpyeong Port to strengthen port functions. Additionally, multifunctional floating piers will be installed at Seodumul Port and Deokgyo Port to improve the ability to respond to natural disasters such as typhoons, and thorough measures will be taken to prevent safety accidents at 51 fishing ports in the region.

Installation of artificial reef facility. Provided by Incheon City

To support fishermen struggling with high fuel costs and labor shortages, the city will provide eco-friendly energy-saving equipment and install small vessel hoists, as well as establish a system to prevent fishing boat accidents. Furthermore, the city will support tax-free fuel for fishing and insurance premiums for fishing vessel crews to create a stable working environment.

In addition, the city aims to lay the foundation for sustainable fisheries by releasing fishery seeds such as blue crabs and webfoot octopus that are well-suited to the coastal waters of Incheon, and by installing artificial reefs in the Ongjin area to create a rich fishing ground environment. The city will also promote eco-friendly aquaculture and fish farm purification projects to strengthen the production base for high-value-added seafood and increase the income of fishermen.

An official from Incheon City stated, "This year's fisheries policy focuses on improving the fishing villages' structure and generating tangible income," adding, "We will do our utmost to implement and manage various projects so that the entire Incheon sea, from Ganghwa County to Ongjin County, can regain its vitality."