Incheon launches official committee to bid for 2028 G20 summit

Incheon has launched a full-scale public-private cooperation framework to pursue hosting rights for the 2028 G20 summit.

The city held an inauguration ceremony Monday afternoon at Jangmi Hall in the city hall to formally establish the 2028 G20 Summit Incheon Bid Committee, kicking off a citywide campaign and external coordination effort that will continue until a host city is confirmed.

The committee comprises 25 experts drawn from politics, economics, diplomacy, the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry, and international exchange.

Assembly member Maeng Seong-gyu of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee was appointed chairman. Maeng will lead bid strategy consultations and spearhead outreach targeting the central government and international organizations.

Incheon is positioning itself on the strength of its status as South Korea's premier gateway city — home to Incheon International Airport and Incheon Port — along with the advanced biotech and international business infrastructure of Songdo International City.

The city also plans to leverage its track record of successfully hosting major international events, including the Incheon Asian Games, the Asian Development Bank annual meeting and an APEC ministerial conference.

"As a global city connecting South Korea to the world, now is the time to prove on the world stage the infrastructure and capabilities we have built," Incheon Mayor Park Chan-dae said at the ceremony. "Working closely with relevant agencies through the bid committee, we will bring the G20 summit to Incheon without fail."

Going forward, the city plans to work alongside the committee on lobbying efforts with the central government, while rolling out a series of public awareness and promotional campaigns to secure the final hosting designation.