During the opening ceremony of the National Environmental Specimen Bank at the National Institute of Environmental Research on March 29, Environment Minister Han Wha-jin delivered a congratulatory speech. The Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, Yoo Jeong-bok, and the Mayor of Seo-gu of Incheon, Beomseok Kang, were in attendance. Together, they unveiled a signboard and planted a commemorative tree. Following the ceremony, the Environment Minister and Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City toured the freezer where biological specimens are stored.