Incheon rallies behind bid to host 2028 G20 summit

Momentum is building in Incheon as the city pushes to secure the 2028 G20 summit.

Incheon Metropolitan City is deepening cooperation with its 11 districts and counties to win the bid, while support from the broader community continues to grow. City officials and civic groups are working together to expand public participation and build a region-wide atmosphere of support.

At the second deputy-heads meeting of districts and counties for 2026, held Wednesday at a video conference room at City Hall, officials shared updates on the bid and discussed ways to coordinate between the city and its 11 districts and counties.

Chaired by Deputy Mayor for Administration Kim Seong-jung, the meeting brought together deputy heads from all 11 districts and counties to discuss key issues and explore avenues for cooperation in pursuit of the summit.

The city highlighted its competitive strengths, including Incheon International Airport, the Port of Incheon, international transportation and logistics infrastructure, MICE facilities such as Songdo Convensia, a concentration of international organizations, and extensive experience hosting large-scale international events.

Officials particularly stressed that winning the summit would go beyond simply staging an international event — it could raise Incheon's global profile and enhance the city's brand value.

The city has been promoting the bid through official digital channels, downtown electronic billboards and Incheon United's home stadium, among other platforms.

Going forward, the city plans to link promotional activities to local festivals and major events organized by individual districts and counties to broaden public attention and participation.

Community support is also gaining traction. The Inhwahoe issued a statement Wednesday declaring its backing for Incheon's bid to host the 2028 G20 summit.

Should the bid succeed, world leaders, delegations and international media would converge on the host city, presenting an opportunity to raise Incheon's global recognition and inject vitality across the local economy — including tourism, accommodation, exhibition and convention industries.

"Hosting the G20 summit could be a pivotal moment for Incheon to elevate its international standing and emerge as a global city," Kim said, urging the city and all 11 districts and counties to "join forces and spread public interest and support."

Incheon plans to maintain its cooperative framework with districts, counties and related agencies, foster a citywide atmosphere of support, and continue its promotional and outreach efforts toward securing the 2028 G20 summit.