IFEZ Journal

❶ The 3rd Landing Bridge, Currently Attracting the Global Spotlight, Officially Named ‘Cheongna Sky Bridge’

- A New Name Embodying Citizens’ Hopes for Regional Harmony and Advancement

- Pursuing a Guinness World Record for World’s Tallest Observation Deck on a Sea-Crossing Bridge

Cheongna Sky Bridge – Connecting Citizens and the Region

The 3rd Landing Bridge between Yeongjong and Cheongna has officially been named “Cheongna Sky Bridge.” By convening the 2nd Incheon Geographical Naming Committee meeting on July 28, Incheon Metropolitan City officially designated Cheongna Sky Bridge under its new name, with the committee having examined six proposed names before finalizing its decision, all the while taking into account geographical features, regional symbolism, feedback from residents and experts, and considerations for future use. This new name combines the regional symbolism proposed by Jung-gu and Seo-gu while embodying both the imagery of “Cheongna” and the concept of a “skyway,” harmoniously representing the third bridge connecting Cheongna International City and Yeongjong Aero City. Each district and county of Incheon may raise an objection to this name within 30 days of being notified of the committee’s decision. Should there be no objections, the name will be officially published by the National Geographic Information Institute (NGII), affiliated with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, and subsequently registered in both the national base map and the geographic names database. It will thereafter be registered as the official name across maps, navigation services, and public information systems. Speaking about the process, the Incheon Geographical Naming Committee stated, “A geographical name is more than just a name and serves as an important asset that embodies the history and identity of a region,” adding, “The name ‘Cheongna Sky Bridge’ reflects the aspirations of all citizens to foster mutual regional growth and a vision for the future.” The committee also stated, “Should any objections be raised after a name has been determined, we will actively collect a wide range of opinions and thoroughly carry out subsequent administrative procedures through careful reconsideration.

The World’s Tallest Observation Deck on a Sea-Crossing Bridge Set to Open at Cheongna Sky Bridge

Cheongna Sky Bridge (3rd Landing Bridge) is going to feature an observation deck at a height of 180 meters, making it the tallest among all sea-crossing bridges in the world. With the main tower installed last year, the bridge now boasts its grand stature, and once the observation deck is completed, it will become the highest observation facility among all maritime bridges in the world. The observation deck will offer panoramic views on clear days, stretching as far as Incheon Port, Seoul, and North Korea, while visitors can also enjoy an extreme walk along the edge of the 180-meter-high main tower, experiencing both excitement and a unique adventure. Accordingly, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) plans to apply for inclusion of the observation deck as the world’s tallest on a sea-crossing bridge in the U.K.’s Guinness World Records (GWR) and the U.S.-based World Record Committee (WRC). IFEZA expects to receive official certification in the second half of this year and plans to actively promote the achievement both domestically and internationally. Yoon Won Sok, commissioner of IFEZA, said, “By actively pursuing Cheongna Sky Bridge’s inclusion in the world records, IFEZA seeks to secure global recognition for the bridge’s engineering achievements.” He then added, “We also aim to harness the record’s distinctive value and rarity in our place marketing efforts, establishing Cheongna Sky Bridge as a renowned tourist destination and further elevating Incheon’s standing among the world’s top cities.”

❷ Southern Ganghwa to Become Incheon’s Fourth Free Economic Zone

- Application Submitted to MOTIE Requesting Designation of Southern Ganghwa as a Free Economic Zone

- Expected to Emerge as Incheon’s Next Growth Hub

On December 3 last year, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) officially submitted its “Ganghwa International City Development Plan” to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. The plan was first reviewed on December 17 at the “Free Economic Zone Advisory Meeting” hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, marking the first official step toward designating Ganghwa’s southern region as a free economic zone. In August, IFEZA applied to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy for this designation, denoting a remarkable feat achieved only a year after initial discussions began. The swift progress by IFEZA was made possible thanks to amendments to the 「Act on Designation and Management of Free Economic Zones.」 The amendment shifted the designation process from periodic public solicitations to an on-demand application system, enabling Incheon City and IFEZA to expedite the process with great efficiency. Thanks to the amended law, which clearly defines the requirements for designating free economic zones and the procedures for establishing development plans, IFEZA has been able to lay the groundwork for development plans tailored to the unique characteristics of southern Ganghwa. These changes are expected to continue to have a positive impact on the project. The area to be designated as a free economic zone in southern Ganghwa covers a total of 6.32 km². Although smaller than the initially planned 10 km², the size was adjusted through consultations with the government to prioritize the project’s feasibility. IFEZA has recently finished collecting input from residents and obtaining expert advice. Southern Ganghwa, adjacent to Incheon International Airport, is recognized as a strategic airport economic zone that can be linked to the existing Incheon Free Economic Zone, encompassing Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna. In addition, the region boasts notable cultural and tourism assets, with abundant cultural heritage and the natural landscapes of the West Sea. IFEZA plans to develop the area into a global hub for future industries, focusing on: ▲ a high-tech, AI-driven sustainable city, ▲ a K-culture destination harmonizing history, culture, and nature, and ▲ a future-oriented eco-friendly city. This designation is expected to gain further momentum, particularly as it aligns with President Lee Jae-myung’s key regional commitments.

Approximately KRW 2.9 trillion is planned to be invested in the project by 2035, and the area will be developed to focus on future-oriented industries like biotechnology, smart agriculture, and AI-driven logistics and transportation, alongside historical and cultural attractions, a K-culture cluster, and eco-friendly residential complexes. Speaking about the designation, IFEZA Commissioner Yoon Won Sok said, “Ganghwa benefits from its proximity to Incheon International Airport and the potential to convert farmland into industrial use. We plan to develop the area as a next-generation growth hub connecting Songdo, Cheongna, and Yeongjong.” He further noted that the inclusion of certain development-restricted zones “can be justified by emphasizing the principles of farmland optimization and rural revitalization.”