Gwangju Bukgu to Support Replacement of Signs and Menus Containing "Mayak" Expressions

Ordinance Amendment...
Up to 2.5 Million Won in Support for Replacement Costs

On June 16, Gwangju Bukgu District announced that it will provide up to 2.5 million won in financial support for replacing restaurant signs and menus that indiscriminately use the term "mayak" (meaning "narcotics" or "drugs") in their names or menu items.

Last month, Bukgu established a "Plan to Improve the Culture of Using Drug-Related Terminology in Food and Other Sectors." This support program was launched in response to concerns that expressions reminiscent of drugs could have a negative impact on youth and others.

Exterior view of Gwangju Bukgu Government Office.

Previously, Bukgu enacted the "Gwangju Bukgu Ordinance on Improving the Culture of Using Drug-Related Terminology in Food and Other Sectors," providing a legal basis for financial support for replacing signs and menus. As a result, starting in September, restaurants with signs containing drug-related terminology can receive up to 2 million won for sign replacement and up to 500,000 won for menu replacement.

Eligible businesses that voluntarily replace their signs and menus can submit supporting documents to the district office. After an on-site inspection, they will receive the subsidy. If the replacement cost exceeds the subsidy, business owners must cover the difference themselves.