Incheon municipalities compete to host Maritime International Commercial Court

Local governments in Incheon are intensifying competition to secure the site for the main building of the Maritime International Commercial Court, which is scheduled to officially open in 2032. The Court Administration is set to conduct on-site inspections on October 5 to evaluate potential locations based on criteria including site readiness by 2029, public building construction feasibility, transportation networks, and southern orientation.

Six local districts are vying for the site. Jemulpo-gu has proposed the redevelopment area of Incheon Port's Inner Harbor Piers 1 and 8, emphasizing balanced development for the old city center. Seohae-gu, supported by local politicians and residents, is advocating for Cheongna International City, citing its proximity to Incheon International Airport and Incheon Port, along with access to the Airport Railroad and Seoul Subway Line 7 extension.

Other candidates include Yeongjong-gu, which is conducting a resident signature campaign focusing on global accessibility, Michuhol-gu, which aims to complete a legal town by linking with existing court sites, and Yeonsu-gu, which highlights the clustering of related agencies like the Korea Coast Guard. The establishment of the court is expected to retain hundreds of billions of won in maritime legal fees currently sent to overseas arbitration centers and could generate up to 500 billion won in annual economic impact through legal services, tourism, and MICE industries.