Available Only at Small Businesses with Annual Sales Under 3 Billion Won
Franchise Stores Eligible, Direct Management Stores Not
Check for Stickers at Store Entrances or Confirm on Official Websites
On July 21, the first day of the initial application period for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon, crowds gathered at administrative welfare centers and banks across the country, drawing significant attention to where the coupons can be used. Despite various guidance efforts, many consumers remain confused about eligible locations.
According to a Yonhap News report on July 22, the coupon can be used at 'small business establishments' with annual sales of less than 3 billion won, excluding large supermarkets, department stores, and entertainment venues. Since there are restrictions on where the coupon can be used, even within the same brand, direct management stores are not eligible, and only franchise stores can accept the coupon. Therefore, it is necessary to verify eligible locations before use.
On the 21st, when the application for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon began, a citizen is receiving the consumption coupon at the Geoyeo2-dong Community Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Major eligible locations include 'dining franchise franchise stores.' However, as the coupon is limited to small business establishments, only franchise stores with annual sales under 3 billion won are eligible, not direct management stores, even within the same brand.
For example, among chicken franchise chains such as BBQ, bhc, and Kyochon Chicken, the coupon can be used at franchise stores. Among coffee shop chains, the coupon is accepted at franchise locations of Angel-in-us, Pascucci, Twosome Place, and MegaMGC Coffee, but not at Starbucks, which operates 100% direct management stores.
The coupon can also be used at burger franchise franchise stores. While Lotteria and Mom’s Touch have a high proportion of franchise stores, most McDonald’s and Burger King locations are direct management stores. In addition, the coupon is valid not only at local bakeries but also at bakery franchise stores such as Paris Baguette and Tous Les Jours.
The Born Korea has posted promotional materials at its franchise stores for brands such as Paik’s Coffee, Saemaeul Sikdang, Yeokjeon Udon, Hong Kong Banjeom, and Rolling Pasta, indicating that the coupon is accepted. At Domino’s Pizza franchise stores, the coupon can be used if the order is placed through the company’s app and paid for in person at the store.
Convenience stores are mostly franchise-operated, making them a representative location for coupon use. Convenience store chains are preparing various promotional events and discount campaigns, hoping to benefit again as they did during previous emergency relief fund distributions. GS25 is currently offering a 25% discount on popular ramen and private brand (PB) products when paid with a partner card. They are also introducing special products focused on livestock products. CU, in addition to card company discounts, is running a point payback event on its own app Pocket CU and offering limited ready-to-eat meals. 7-Eleven is holding discount events on daily necessities and special promotions on delivery service products.
On the 22nd, a notice about the usage of the livelihood recovery support fund is posted at an Olive Young franchise store in downtown Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
In the case of Olive Young, about 15% of all stores, or approximately 200 locations, are franchise stores, and the coupon can be used at those with annual sales under 3 billion won. Olive Young has decided to attach stickers to stores where the coupon is accepted. In addition, the Olive Young website’s store information and Naver search results for each branch will indicate whether the coupon is accepted.
At Daiso, the coupon cannot be used at about 70% of stores, which are direct management stores, but can be used at the remaining 30% or so, which are franchise stores. Although there are no special events or promotions, franchise stores have placed a sticker at the entrance indicating that the coupon is accepted. The Daiso Mall website and app also display labels such as 'Consumption Coupon (Card)' and 'Consumption Coupon (Local Currency)' in store information, allowing consumers to check eligibility.
While the coupon cannot be used at large supermarkets, it can be used at some businesses located within large supermarkets. At Emart and Emart Traders, the coupon is accepted at about 960 out of 2,600 tenant stores nationwide (37%). An Emart representative stated, "Eligible locations include stores operated by small business owners, such as hair salons, optical shops, pharmacies, car washes, and photo studios. Emart will provide notices throughout the store to help customers easily find tenant stores that accept the coupon."
The Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon can also be used on some delivery app services. Woowa Brothers, the operator of Baemin (Baedal Minjok), has decided to enhance the accessibility of the 'Meet and Pay' function, which allows the coupon to be used for delivery orders, to support increased sales for participating restaurant owners. 'Meet and Pay' is a payment method available when ordering 'store delivery,' not Baemin’s own delivery or single-household delivery. In principle, the coupon cannot be used on delivery apps because it is impossible to verify the actual sales and location of the seller. However, if the payment is made face-to-face using the franchise store’s own payment terminal when meeting the delivery driver, the coupon can be used. There are about 200,000 stores on Baemin where 'Meet and Pay' is available.
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