Up to 430,000 Won Per Person in Support
Online Applications Strongly Encouraged
Ulsan City will begin accepting applications for the first round of "Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons" starting July 21, in an effort to stimulate local consumption and revitalize the sluggish regional economy.
This support is available to all citizens whose resident registration is in Ulsan, regardless of income level.
The basic amount provided is 150,000 won per person. For those in the lower-income bracket, 300,000 won will be provided, and for basic livelihood security recipients, 400,000 won will be given. In addition, as Ulsan is a non-metropolitan area, an extra 30,000 won per person will be added, resulting in ▲180,000 won for general citizens, ▲330,000 won for the lower-income bracket, and ▲430,000 won for basic livelihood security recipients.
The first application period will run from July 21 to September 12, 2025.
Applications can be submitted online through card company websites or apps (credit/debit cards) and the Ulsan Pay app (local gift certificates). Residents who are unfamiliar with online applications can visit their local administrative welfare center to apply for a prepaid card in person.
However, for in-person applications during the first week, an application day system based on the last digit of the applicant's birth year will be implemented.
The day system is as follows: (Monday) 1, 6; (Tuesday) 2, 7; (Wednesday) 3, 8; (Thursday) 4, 9; (Friday) 5, 0. For example, those whose birth year ends in 1 or 6, such as 1971 or 1976, can apply on Monday.
Those whose birth year ends in 2 or 7, such as 1972 or 1977, can apply on Tuesday.
Adults must apply in person, while minors may have their application submitted by the head of household at the same address.
A "visiting application service" will also be provided for seniors and people with disabilities, but this will be restricted if there is another household member in the same household who can assist.
The consumption coupons can only be used at small business merchants in Ulsan with annual sales of less than 3 billion won, including approximately 95,000 Ulsan Pay affiliated stores. The coupons must be used by November 30, 2025.
To clearly inform citizens where the coupons can be used, Ulsan City has produced and distributed informational stickers to be attached to eligible merchants across all five districts and counties.
In particular, to ensure smooth distribution of the consumption coupons, Ulsan City has formed a dedicated task force led by Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs Ahn Hyodae, divided into a general management team, a field response team, and an administrative support team.
Additionally, to reduce the staffing burden on districts and counties and enhance on-site response, Ulsan City will assign one city official and two volunteers to each township, town, and neighborhood community center for two weeks starting July 21, the first day of applications, to support field operations.
These personnel will not only guide citizens but also assist vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, in filling out applications and perform various other roles.
To promote the program, Ulsan City is also running a separate banner advertisement and dedicated page on its official website, while actively promoting through banners, leaflets, and other means.
Inquiries by phone will be promptly handled through the 120 Haeuli Call Center and the district and county response teams.
The second round of consumption coupon distribution, excluding the top 10% of income earners, is scheduled to take place separately starting September 22, 2025.
A city official stated, "We are thoroughly preparing so that all citizens can receive benefits without inconvenience," and added, "We strongly encourage online applications to reduce congestion at administrative welfare centers."
To minimize the financial burden on districts and counties, Ulsan City has set the local government funding ratio for this project at 8:2 between the city and the districts/counties. This is an unusually high ratio for Ulsan City compared to most other cities and provinces, which typically use a 5:5 or 6:4 ratio.
The total budget required for the first round of consumption coupon issuance is estimated at 209.6 billion won, with Ulsan City covering 16.8 billion won and the five districts and counties covering 4.2 billion won each.
Ulsan City Hall.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.

