Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon: Gyeonggi Local Currency Can Now Be Used Like a Credit Card

Available from July 21 to November 30 in Gyeonggi Province
Usage expanded to small businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less
and individual outlets within large retail stores

Starting on July 21, recipients of the "Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon" will be able to use the coupon via Gyeonggi Local Currency not only at existing affiliated merchants, but also at locations that were previously not eligible.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

On July 13, Gyeonggi Province announced that, during the consumption coupon usage period from July 21 to November 30, the places where Gyeonggi Local Currency can be used will be temporarily expanded to match those where credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards are accepted.

The Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon is a government policy aimed at overcoming the economic downturn and revitalizing consumption, and local gift certificates (local currency) are one of the main distribution methods. For coupons distributed via credit or debit cards, they can be used at businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less, according to Ministry of the Interior and Safety guidelines.

Previously, Gyeonggi Province restricted the use of local currency at businesses with annual sales exceeding 1.2 billion won and at individual stores within large retail outlets, based on its own standards. This created the risk of confusion, as the range of eligible businesses could differ depending on the payment method, even within the same region.

To address this, the province decided to temporarily relax the eligibility criteria for Gyeonggi Local Currency to match those of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, in order to reduce inconvenience for residents and achieve the policy goal of revitalizing the local economy.

Specifically, from July 21 to November 30, during the "Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon" period, Gyeonggi Province will temporarily allow the use of Gyeonggi Local Currency at businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less, and at individual rental or sales outlets within large supermarkets and department stores (also with annual sales of 3 billion won or less), regardless of whether they are registered as Gyeonggi Local Currency merchants.

This measure is expected to expand the distribution channels for the consumption coupon, allowing more small business owners to directly benefit from the coupon and thereby make a substantial contribution to the recovery of the local economy.

However, this expansion of eligible locations applies only to the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon and does not affect the general use of Gyeonggi Local Currency. In addition, businesses where coupon use is prohibited under Ministry of the Interior and Safety guidelines?such as entertainment and gambling establishments, large supermarkets, department stores, and directly operated franchise outlets?are not included in this temporary easing of restrictions.

Jung Dooseok, Director of Economic Affairs, stated, "This measure is a practical and swift response to enhance consumer convenience for residents and to provide real support for small business owners' sales," adding, "Gyeonggi Province will continue to do its utmost to improve residents' quality of life and support the local economy."