Gwangju Employers Federation: "National Livelihood Recovery Coupons Should Be Used Promptly"

The Gwangju Employers Federation announced on the 23rd that it is requesting that, when the national livelihood recovery consumption coupons are issued, they be used first in areas near member companies such as Hanam, Pyeongdong, and Cheomdan.

The consumption coupons can be used widely within four months, with the choice of local currency, credit, debit, or prepaid cards, at places such as general restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Use is restricted for entertainment and gambling-related businesses. The Gwangju Employers Federation plans to promote a boom in the use of these consumption coupons.

The new government plans to issue livelihood recovery consumption coupons worth between 150,000 and 520,000 won to all citizens, aiming to help small business owners recover from the prolonged economic downturn and to stabilize people’s livelihoods.

When emergency disaster relief funds were distributed during the spread of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, the sectors where the funds were most used were: supermarkets and groceries (26.3%), general restaurants (24.3%), hospitals and pharmacies (10.6%), gas stations (6.1%), and clothing and miscellaneous goods (4.4%), in that order.

Considering that the proportion of home dining was high at the time due to restrictions on gatherings, it is expected that general restaurants will see the highest use of the consumption coupons this time.

A representative from the Gwangju Employers Federation stated, "As supermarkets and groceries are expected to be the main sectors, the 813 member companies of the Gwangju Employers Federation should use the coupons as soon as possible to support struggling small business owners and to revitalize the domestic economy." "We hope that Gwangju City will plan various discount events together with traditional markets and local shopping districts to stimulate local consumption with the coupons, so that the markets become lively again, businesses do well, and the local economy is revitalized," the representative added.