Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, has launched the NH Nonghyup Check Card using the Gochang Love Gift Certificate, which is issued at Nonghyup branches within Gochang.
According to the county on the 29th, the Gochang Love Gift Certificate previously had two types: prepaid cards and Samsung check cards. However, starting in March, the NH Nonghyup Check Card will be newly produced and distributed featuring a night view photo of Gochang Eupseong.
The NH Nonghyup Check Card has lower merchant fees compared to other credit cards, which is expected to reduce the burden on self-employed business owners.
Additionally, it is anticipated that convenience in application and issuance will improve in terms of accessibility for residents.
Issued with the aim of revitalizing the local economy, the Gochang Love Gift Certificate has become a central medium for residents' consumption as it enters its fifth year of implementation, currently with 2,800 affiliated stores.
From 2019 to 2022, the total amount issued was 180.1 billion KRW, and sales amounted to 138.6 billion KRW, achieving a sales performance of 77% relative to the amount issued.
The total redemption amount over four years reached 127.6 billion KRW, which is 92% of the sales amount.
Among these, individual sales accounted for 102.3 billion KRW, representing 74% of total sales, receiving strong response.
This year, with a secured budget of 8.51 billion KRW, a 20% discount sale was held for the Lunar New Year, generating sales of 10.6 billion KRW over the first five days of the year. It was identified that 20% of all purchasers were from outside the region, indicating that usage by outsiders is expected to increase.
This year, a 10% discount sale is planned throughout the year.
Furthermore, in celebration of the 2023 Year of Visiting Gochang, admission fees at Gochang Eupseong, Dolmen Museum, Seonunsa Temple, and the Barley Field Festival are refunded with the Gochang Love Gift Certificate, leading to increased use of Gochang shops such as restaurants, cafes, and traditional markets by tourists.
County Governor Shim Deok-seop said, “This year, we focused on securing a discount budget for the Gochang Love Gift Certificate to overcome COVID-19 and revitalize the local economy,” adding, “We will actively promote it to visitors to Gochang so that sales for small business owners will further increase.”
He continued, “We will create a Gochang where residents, small business owners, and tourists can all smile together.”
Gochang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Jae-gil baekok@asiae.co.kr
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