$760M US Investment Helps South Korea Automate Incheon New Port

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced plans to strengthen the nation's aviation and maritime sectors by implementing a series of development initiatives in Incheon, a western coastal city. These plans are designed to enhance the city's capabilities and infrastructure significantly.

Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted that boosting the competitiveness of Incheon is crucial for South Korea's rapid advancement, describing it as a vital step for the country to achieve significant progress.

"We must realize grand innovations in our strategic industries of aviation and shipping using Incheon as a bridgehead," he declared. He promised to first focus on expanding the aviation industry near Incheon International Airport, including the construction of a state-of-the-art aviation complex by 2026.

For the maritime sector, the President revealed intentions to escalate investments in the infrastructure at the Port of Incheon. This plan includes a notable US$760 million investment in two docks at the Incheon New Port to upgrade it into a smart port. This upgrade aims to incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles to automate the processes of loading and unloading cargo.

Additionally, the development of an area behind the Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal is set to proceed, paving the way for the launch of the Incheon Golden Harbor Project within the year's first half. The project is anticipated to feature international cruise services, alongside the construction of new resorts, hotels, and shopping centers, as detailed by Yoon Suk Yeol.

Moreover, the President confirmed the plan to inaugurate the Great Train Express-B line by 2030. This line will connect Incheon with Namyangju, located northeast of Seoul, through the capital city, aiming to cut down the travel time from Incheon to central Seoul to less than 30 minutes.