Haenam County to Distribute Livelihood Recovery Coupons... "Up to 500,000 Won"

Receive Online or In-Person at Your Local Township Office

Haenam County in South Jeolla Province announced on July 17 that it will begin the first round of distribution for the "Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon" aimed at revitalizing the local economy, starting from July 21.

This consumption coupon initiative is being implemented nationwide in accordance with the government’s policy, with the goal of stimulating local spending and boosting the sales of small business owners and self-employed individuals to invigorate the regional economy.

The recipients include all residents of Korea as of June 18, the day before the government announced its consumption coupon distribution plan. The distribution will take place in two phases: the first round will run from July 21 to September 12.

A view of Haenam County Office.

In the first round, the amount distributed will be 200,000 won for general residents, 350,000 won for those in the second-lowest income bracket and single-parent families, and 450,000 won for basic livelihood security recipients. As Haenam County is classified as a depopulated area, an additional 50,000 won will be provided per person. Therefore, basic livelihood security recipients can receive up to 500,000 won. The second round will take place from September 22 to October 31, during which an additional 100,000 won per person will be provided to all residents except for the top 10% income bracket.

The coupon can be received in the form of credit or debit card points, or as Haenam Sarang gift certificates (either mobile or paper), according to the recipient’s preference. Non-face-to-face applications are available 24 hours a day: Haenam Sarang gift certificates can be applied for via the dedicated "chak" app, while credit and debit card points can be applied for through the card company's website, app, or call center. In-person applications are available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 4 p.m. at bank branches) at the local township or town office or at a bank branch.

During the first week of applications (July 21-25), a day-of-the-week system based on the last digit of the applicant’s birth year will be applied. Haenam Town Office will operate this system for two weeks until August 1, after which applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. As the application methods differ by township, it is recommended to inquire in advance before visiting.

The consumption coupon can only be used within Haenam County. The Haenam Sarang gift certificates can be used at affiliated merchants, while card points can be used at small businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less. Usage is restricted at large supermarkets, online shopping malls, delivery apps, entertainment and gambling establishments, and cash-convertible businesses. The coupon must be used by November 30; any unused amount will be automatically forfeited. Objections can be filed through the National Petition Portal or at the local township or town office, with the same day-of-the-week system applied during the first week of objections.

An official from the county stated, "Any internet link included in a text message about the consumption coupon is 100% a scam," and added, "Official messages from the government, local authorities, or card companies do not contain links." The official also advised, "As offline service counters are expected to be crowded during the initial application period, please use online applications whenever possible."