Governor Kim Youngrok Talks with Merchants at Suncheon Jungang Shopping District

Listening to Voices on the Ground and Seeking Solutions

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok visited the shopping district in Jungang-dong, Suncheon City on the 10th to encourage small business owners struggling due to weak consumer spending caused by the domestic economic downturn. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, visited Suncheon Jungang Shopping District on the 10th to listen attentively to the voices of small business owners struggling due to the economic downturn and to seek solutions.

During the visit, about 20 small business owners from the Suncheon Jungang Shopping District, including members of the Jeonnam Small Business Association, joined Governor Kim to share their difficulties.

Governor Kim listened to the current status of the commercial district and heard about the practical challenges and difficulties faced by merchants at butcher shops, restaurants, and various stores.

The merchants expressed concerns over declining sales due to high inflation, noting that even during the year-end peak season, the number of visitors and consumption have decreased significantly.

Governor Kim stated, "With several adverse factors overlapping recently, I want to offer my support as the difficulties of local small business owners seem to be increasing," and added, "We will inject vitality into the local economy so that the economic recovery can be felt firsthand."

He went on to explain a comprehensive plan worth 118.5 billion KRW prepared for stabilizing people's livelihoods, saying, "Jeollanam-do will take the lead and work tirelessly to stabilize the economy and people's livelihoods."

Jeollanam-do is currently implementing a comprehensive plan for stabilizing people's livelihoods, which includes support for struggling small and medium-sized businesses, helping residents recover their daily lives, and mitigating economic shocks caused by recent political instability and the global economic downturn.

Of this, 47.2 billion KRW has been allocated for measures to stabilize the management of small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners. Key initiatives include: ▲ Issuing 350 billion KRW worth of local gift certificates and increasing discount rates ▲ Providing 300,000 KRW in public utility support for small restaurants ▲ Expanding discounts and delivery fee support for public and win-win delivery apps ▲ Expanding holiday promotions with 30-40% discounts for social economy enterprises ▲ Increasing management stabilization funds for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners from 500 billion KRW to 650 billion KRW, among others.