Gwangju to Distribute Consumption Coupons Worth 180,000 to 530,000 Won to All Citizens

Phase 1: 180,000 won for ordinary citizens, 330,000 won for lower-income and single-parent families, 430,000 won for basic livelihood security recipients
Phase 2: Additional 100,000 won for all except top 10% income group
Applications: July 21 - September 12 and September 22 - October 31
"Use by November 30... Unused amounts will expire"

Gwangju City Hall exterior view.

On July 7, the city of Gwangju announced that it will distribute "Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons" to all citizens as part of its policy to revitalize the local economy, starting from July 21.

The consumption coupons will be distributed in two phases. In the first phase, from July 21 to September 12, ordinary citizens will receive 180,000 won, those in the lower income bracket and single-parent families will receive 330,000 won, and basic livelihood security recipients will receive 430,000 won each.

In the second phase, an additional 100,000 won per person will be provided to citizens, excluding the top 10% income group based on health insurance premiums. Applications for the second phase will be accepted from September 22 to October 31. Detailed information regarding the second phase will be announced separately at a later date.

Citizens can choose to receive the consumption coupons via credit/debit card or the Gwangju Sangsaeng Card (prepaid). The coupons can be used at small businesses in Gwangju with annual sales of 3 billion won or less until November 30. Usage is restricted at certain businesses such as large supermarkets, department stores, online shopping malls, and entertainment venues. Unused coupons will automatically expire after the deadline.

If there are any objections regarding eligibility, citizens can file a complaint through the National Petition Portal or at their local community center. Applications can be submitted online through the card company’s website or app, or in person at bank branches affiliated with the card. For the Gwangju Sangsaeng Card (prepaid), applications must be made in person at the relevant administrative welfare center.

During the first week of applications, a day-of-the-week system based on the last digit of the applicant’s birth year will be implemented. Applications with last digits 1 and 6 can be submitted on Monday, 2 and 7 on Tuesday, 3 and 8 on Wednesday, 4 and 9 on Thursday, and 5 and 0 on Friday. On weekends, applications can be submitted regardless of the year.

For citizen convenience, from July 14, individuals can check their eligibility and support amount in advance through the "National Secretary Notification Service." The city also urged citizens to be vigilant against smishing scams. The government and Gwangju City emphasized that they will not send text messages containing URLs or links regarding the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons, and neither card companies nor Gwangju Bank will send related messages.

Joo Jaehee, Director of the Economic and Startup Bureau, stated, "These consumption coupons are a policy that will simultaneously invigorate both households and the local economy," and added, "We will thoroughly implement the program to enhance citizens’ satisfaction and support small business owners in their recovery."

In addition to the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons, the city is also providing multifaceted support for small businesses through four main strategies and 37 projects, including: Gwangju Sangsaeng Card discount policies, public delivery app discount support, digital transformation and fostering of outstanding business districts, expansion of special guarantees (worth 170 billion won), and support for loan interest in the secondary financial sector (up to 700,000 won).