Incheon’s Seo-gu to Be Renamed Seohae-gu Starting July 1

Incheon’s Seo-gu to Be Renamed Seohae-gu Starting July 1

Incheon Metropolitan City’s Seo-gu district will officially change its name to Seohae-gu, effective July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Interior and Safety announced on May 7, 2026, that the Bill on the Name Change of Seo-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City, has been passed by the National Assembly, solidifying the rebranding.

The name change addresses long-standing concerns that the previous name, “Seo-gu” (西區), which simply means “West District,” lacked a unique identity and historical significance for the area. Established in 1988 after separating from Buk-gu (now Gyeyang-gu and Bupyeong-gu), residents felt the directional name did not adequately represent the district’s distinct characteristics. The new name, “Seohae-gu” (西海區), meaning “West Sea District,” is intended to better reflect the region’s geographical context and unique identity, particularly its proximity to Korea’s West Sea.

The selection of the new name was a collaborative process involving local residents. A public naming contest and opinion surveys were conducted, ultimately leading to the choice of “Seohae-gu.” The proposal also underwent official review, receiving opinions from both the Seo-gu Council and the Incheon Metropolitan City Council in August and September of last year, in accordance with Article 5 of Korea’s Local Autonomy Act.

Ahead of the July 1 implementation date, extensive preparations are underway to ensure a smooth transition. This includes adjusting official seals and public records, replacing street signs, and revamping existing IT systems. The Ministry of Interior and Safety anticipates that coordinating this name change with Incheon Metropolitan City’s broader administrative reorganization – which also involves the launch of new autonomous districts on the same date – will minimize costs and potential confusion for residents during the transition period.

Source: 행정안전부 보도자료 — Original Article (Korean)