Seongbuk-gu's 'Good Rent Campaign' Provides Great Support to Small Business Owners!

Voluntary Participation of General Landlords Leads to Rent Reduction Up to 100%... Relay of Sharing Difficulties and Warm Hearts Continues

Seung-ro Lee, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, is participating in a challenge to support landlords who have voluntarily offered reduced rent. (2020.03.05. Mayor's Office of Seongbuk-gu)

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) is bringing a warm breeze to the local commercial districts frozen by COVID-19. A voluntary good rent campaign by landlords is spreading, centered around Seongbuk-gu's traditional markets.

The 'Good Rent Campaign' is a movement where landlords voluntarily reduce rent to ease the difficulties of small business owners amid the shrinking local commercial districts caused by COVID-19.

A district official said, “Currently, about 100 landlords of stores in traditional markets and alleyway commercial districts are participating in rent reductions ranging from 5% to 100% for a minimum of one month up to six months, and the number is increasing significantly every day.”

To express gratitude to the landlords who stepped forward to share the pain, the traditional market merchants' association is hanging placards with messages of thanks at market entrances, warming and encouraging the hearts of merchants and residents who have been discouraged by COVID-19.

A landlord who first started the good rent campaign at Jeongneung Market in Seongbuk-gu said, “I just did what was right during these difficult times for everyone,” adding, “I hope this help can be even a little support to the merchants.”

Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, stated, “Although the 'Good Rent Campaign' is spreading throughout Seongbuk-gu due to the recent economic downturn caused by COVID-19, I understand that many landlords are also going through difficult times because of the pandemic,” and added, “I deeply appreciate this generous decision despite the hardships. In these times when the entire nation is facing difficulties, I hope we all unite and wisely overcome this crisis together.”

Seongbuk-gu is making various efforts to support traditional markets and small business owners who are struggling due to decreased visitors and sales caused by COVID-19, including expanding local gift certificate projects, operating damage consultation desks, strengthening traditional market quarantine activities, and expanding public job projects.