Eunpyeong-gu Issues 'Integrity Alert' During Chuseok Holiday Period

Establishing Strict Public Service Discipline for Public Officials Ahead of Chuseok Holiday

Seoul Eunpyeong-gu (District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced that it has issued the third "Integrity Alert" this year to establish strict public service discipline among public officials during the Chuseok holiday, a major national holiday.

Eunpyeong-gu issued the Integrity Alert during periods vulnerable to corruption, such as holidays, personnel changes, and vacation seasons, to prevent laxity in public service discipline. In addition, a special inspection for establishing public service discipline is being conducted to reinforce employees' awareness of integrity and ensure faithful compliance with integrity obligations.

This Integrity Alert mainly covers the key points of the revised Enforcement Decree of the "Improper Solicitation and Graft Act" (commonly known as the "Anti-Graft Act") implemented this year, including the gift value limits during holidays, and the compliance with the code of conduct for public officials during the Chuseok holiday period.

With the revision of the Enforcement Decree of the "Improper Solicitation and Graft Act," from August 30, the gift value limit for agricultural and marine products and processed goods increased from 100,000 KRW to 150,000 KRW during regular times, and from 200,000 KRW to 300,000 KRW during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holiday periods. The holiday period is defined as from the 24th day before Lunar New Year or Chuseok to the 5th day after. For this Chuseok, the holiday period corresponds to September 5 to October 4.

Additionally, online and mobile gift certificates such as coffee gifticons, as well as tickets for plays, movies, performances, and sports cultural events, which were previously not allowed, are now permitted. However, gift certificates that only indicate an amount and are similar to cash, such as department store gift certificates, are not allowed.

The aforementioned rules apply to public officials with job-related relevance, and gift-giving is prohibited when there is a direct conflict of interest.

Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, stated, "Through the continuous issuance of Integrity Alerts, we expect to establish a culture of integrity that public officials lead by example." She added, "We will continue to implement various anti-corruption policies to realize trustworthy and transparent administration for our residents."