Incheon Earns Top Innovation Ranking for Fourth Consecutive Year

Incheon Metropolitan City has been named the top-performing local government in South Korea’s 2025 Local Government Innovation Evaluation, marking its fourth consecutive year at the top. The prestigious recognition, awarded by the Ministry of Interior and Safety, solidifies Incheon’s position as a national leader in innovative public administration.

The annual evaluation assesses the innovation capabilities and tangible outcomes of regional governments, with the aim of fostering citizen-centric services across the country. Incheon’s consistent top ranking from 2022 to 2025, a first for any major metropolitan self-governing body in Korea, highlights its sustained commitment to policies that directly improve residents’ daily lives and cutting-edge digital transformation initiatives.

A key factor in Incheon’s success is its distinctive “Thousand-Won Policy Series.” This initiative focuses on structurally lowering living costs for citizens by providing essential public services at a symbolic low price of approximately 1,000 Korean won (about $0.75 USD). Programs like “Thousand-Won Housing,” “Incheon (i)-Bada Pass” (for ferry travel), “Thousand-Won Culture Tickets,” “Thousand-Won Parcel Delivery,” and “Thousand-Won Breakfast” have significantly eased financial burdens related to housing, transportation, culture, logistics, and food. Unlike simple subsidies, these policies aim to reduce the overall cost of living, with tangible results such as a reduction in housing expenses by approximately 30,000 won per month and increased usage of public transport services.

Beyond affordability, Incheon was also lauded for its advancements in digital administration. The city has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to enhance efficiency and convenience for residents. Notable innovations include a ChatGPT-based real estate market analysis, the I-Smart local tax payment notification service, the 24-hour civil service chatbot “Incheon TalkTalk,” and a paperless automatic parking fee discount system.

Looking ahead, Incheon plans to further strengthen its innovative policies. The city intends to link “Thousand-Won Housing” with new interest support programs and expand the “Thousand-Won Parcel Delivery” service to all subway stations. New initiatives are also on the horizon, such as “Thousand-Won Brokerage Fee,” “Thousand-Won Laundry,” and “Thousand-Won i-First Consultation,” aimed at extending public service benefits to more areas of residents’ lives. Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok affirmed the city’s dedication, stating, “The true measure of local administration’s innovation lies in how much it transforms citizens’ lives… We will continue to develop citizen-centered policies that create practical changes in daily life, building a better Incheon for all.”

Source: 인천광역시 — Original Notice (Korean)