Financial Authorities Open Hinamno Support Counseling Centers in Pohang and Gyeongju Sites

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Financial authorities have set up on-site consultation centers to strengthen financial support for the Pohang and Gyeongju areas, which were declared special disaster zones due to damage caused by Typhoon Hin Nam No.

According to financial authorities on the 11th, residents affected by Typhoon Hin Nam No can visit the on-site consultation centers to receive advice on the details of financial support and contact information for the responsible agencies. The Pohang center is located at the Seomin Financial Integrated Support Center in Dongyang Building, 231 Jungheung-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, and the Gyeongju center is set up at the Gyeongju branch of the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, 113 Hwarang-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk.

The on-site consultation centers will begin operations on the 13th and will remain open until the typhoon damage situation stabilizes. The Financial Supervisory Service’s dedicated support team for disaster sites will also visit the affected areas directly to assess difficulties.

To apply for financial support, applicants must first obtain a disaster damage confirmation certificate issued by the local government and bring it with them. The certificate can be obtained by visiting the relevant basic local government office, filling out and submitting the damage confirmation form, and then receiving the certificate. There is also an option to obtain the local government confirmation certificate through online application. Even if applicants qualify for support, eligibility and conditions may vary by financial institution. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire about support details with the financial institution or relevant industry association before visiting the financial institution’s branch.

Meanwhile, recently, voice phishing text messages randomly urging people to engage in phone consultations for loan brokerage or to click on links, impersonating government, public institutions, and financial institutions, have been occurring. It should be noted that neither the government nor financial institutions will first encourage signing up for disaster damage loan products via phone calls or text messages.

Also, it is advisable to refuse any requests for fund transfers or personal information under the pretense of loan refinancing or brokerage. Do not engage in calls with scammers or reply to their messages requesting consultations; immediately hang up and delete the messages.