Jeonnam Province to Provide Hygiene Supply Packages and Public Utility Fee Support for Small Restaurants

As Part of Comprehensive Measures to Revitalize the Livelihood Economy
Electricity Bill Support Provided to 20,000 Restaurants

Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok listened to the difficulties faced by restaurants struggling due to the prolonged economic downturn and discussed various economic stimulus measures at the "Small Restaurant Package and Public Utility Support" event held on the 20th at the Jeonnam Provincial Office Meeting Square. Photo by Jeonnam Province

On the 20th, Jeonnam Province provided 300,000 won each in public utility fee support, such as electricity and gas, to 20,000 small restaurants, and delivered 10,000 hygiene product packages, each containing five items worth 50,000 won.

The delivery ceremony held at the provincial government office was attended by Kim Yungrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, Song Kihyun, President of the Jeonnam Branch of the Korea Foodservice Industry Association, and about 30 others including heads of city and county foodservice branches.

This support project is part of Jeonnam Province’s preemptive 118.5 billion won comprehensive livelihood economic measures, implemented to stabilize the livelihoods of residents by supporting small business owners struggling with depressed consumer sentiment due to the current emergency situation, helping residents recover their daily lives, and mitigating economic shocks.

The hygiene product package support project targets 10,000 small restaurants in the Jeonnam area with annual sales of less than 104 million won.

The package consists of five essential items identified through a survey of restaurant owners: customer aprons, leftover food takeout containers, transparent cooking masks, range hood cleaner, and spray-type mold remover. These will be distributed before the Lunar New Year holiday.

Additionally, 20,000 small restaurants with annual sales of less than 104 million won will receive a one-time support of 300,000 won for public utility fees such as electricity, gas, and water. Eligible businesses can apply at their local town or township community centers starting in February.

To help revive restaurants facing management crises due to reduced sales from decreased consumption and to stimulate spending, a total of 900 million won will be provided. Events will also be held, such as consumer discounts and delivery fee support through the local public delivery app.

Following the delivery ceremony, a meeting was held with executives of the Jeonnam Branch of the Korea Foodservice Industry Association. Foodservice industry representatives proposed various field issues, including the expansion of dining-out culture, promotion of local gift certificates, campaigns to encourage eating out, adjustments to support methods for businesses using domestically produced kimchi, and reduction of guarantee fees from institutions such as credit guarantee foundations.

Governor Kim Yungrok stated, "We will actively review and reflect on the suggestions from the foodservice industry, which supports the local economy, in our policies. I hope that the public utility fee support and package items provided this time will be of some help to restaurants, which have been most affected by the sharp decline in consumer sentiment."