IFEZ Journal

❶ International Symposium on AI-Based Aviation Innovation

- 인천경제청, 네덜란드 델프트 공과대학교, 한국스탠포드센터 공동 주관

- 혁신 산업 등 글로벌 산·학·연 네트워크 구축 첫 걸음

On June 4, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) held the “2025 Innovation Growth Platform” in Kyungwonjae Arirang Hall, focusing on the theme of “AI-Based Aviation Innovation and Smart City Integration Strategy” as part of IFEZ’s AI & Aviation Innovation International Symposium. The event aimed to discuss the future directions of global aviation innovation, focusing on AI-based aviation technologies and smart city strategies, while providing a networking platform to share joint research projects and strategies among industry, academia, and research institutions. Building on the event, IFEZA plans to implement concrete models of cooperation, including follow-up joint research, support for corporate partnerships, and talent-exchange programs.

International Symposium on the Path to Becoming a Top 10 Global City

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA)is steadily advancing toward becoming one of the top 10 global cities. In line with this notion, an event was held for the first time this year, organized to address the future of global aviation innovation, including AI-powered aviation technologies and smart city strategies. This initiative closely aligns with IFEZA’s core strategy to expand and strengthen its collaborative platform in pursuit of becoming a top 10 global city.

The symposium was co-hosted by IFEZA, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), and the Stanford Center at the Incheon Global Campus (SCIGC), with support from the Institute for Aerospace Industry-Academia Collaboration  (IAIAC). A total of 12 speakers from prominent domestic and international aviation innovation organizations—including Airbus, Georgia Institute of Technology, Delft University of Technology, Schiphol Airport, Incheon Airport, and Inha University—participated. The symposium covered 12 key topics, such as the SESAME project, Advanced Air Mobility  (AAM), and smart airport services, providing a platform for networking and sharing cases and strategies related to industry-academia-research collaboration.

The Beginning of Establishing a Global Industry-Academia-Research Network

In the morning session, Airbus North America introduced the SESAME project, and this was followed by presentations on examples of aviation innovation initiatives from Georgia Institute of Technology and Delft University of Technology, concluding with a panel discussion on the future of global collaborative research. The afternoon session featured presentations on the following topics: Strategic Framework for Digital Innovation and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) at Incheon Airport; Key Challenges in Introducing Urban Air Mobility (UAM) into Cities (from Inha University); and Innovative Cases of AI-Powered Aviation Safety and Training (from IAIAC). Additionally, the Horizon Europe research-support program for aiation researchers, presented by Delft University of Technology, proposed ways to strengthen international joint research collaborations.

IFEZA Commissioner Yun Won Sok said, “This symposium represents the first step for IFEZ to collaborate with leading international aviation and AI organizations to build an innovative industrial ecosystem and a global industry-academia-research network. IFEZA is committed to evolving into an R&D hub specializing in advanced AI-based aviation technologies and becoming one of the world’s top 10 innovation cities.”.

❷ Discover IFEZ’s Past, Present, and Future

- Grand reopening of the IFEZ PR Center following renovation

- Helping to enhance the brand value of the Incheon Free Economic Zone

Since its opening in 2015, the IFEZ PR Center, which has played a key role in promoting public understanding of development sites across the Incheon Free Economic Zone and enhancing IFEZ’s brand value, officially reopened on July 8, following renovations completed earlier this year. The center has become a popular attraction, drawing approximately 400 people on weekdays and 1,000 on weekends. It offers an overview of the historical development of the three free economic zones—Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna—and has been a primary tour destination for foreign investors and dignitaries of state. In response to this, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) undertook renovations to refurbish outdated facilities and upgrade exhibition and interactive spaces for more effective promotion. 

The state-of-the-art exhibition and experiential facilities introduced through this renovation provide visitors with a clearer understanding of IFEZ, covering its development history, future plans, and vision to grow into one of the world’s top 10 cities. 

Moreover, the efficient layout structured according to different time periods and themes has enhanced visitors’ grasp of IFEZ and their immersion in the exhibitions. The space, designed with floor-to-ceiling glass, offers a magnificent panoramic view of Songdo International City, which is one of the IFEZ PR Center’s greatest sources of pride. By day, the clear and refreshing cityscape captivates visitors, while the evenings bring red-hued sunsets, along with dazzling night views that inspire admiration.

The IFEZ PR Center is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. It is closed every Monday, on national holidays, January 1st, and during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays. Temporary closures due to state visits or other occasions are announced in advance on the center’s website. For group visits of 10 or more individuals, reservations are required via the website or by phone at 032-453-7885.

Meanwhile, IFEZA plans to provide purpose-specific briefings on notable figures paying visits from within Korea and abroad, with active promotion and strategic management of the center aimed at enhancing global recognition for IFEZ.