Pohang to Offer 60 Billion Won in Pohang Love Gift Certificates at 13% Special Discount Starting September 9 for Chuseok

Sales End Upon Exhaustion of 20 Billion Won in Paper Certificates and 40 Billion Won in Card/Mobile Certificates, Totaling 60 Billion Won
Reduced Financial Burden for Pohang Residents, Increased Sales for Small Businesses
Revitalization Expected for Neighborhood Markets and Traditional Markets

In anticipation of the Chuseok holiday, the city of Pohang will offer a special 13% discount on 60 billion won worth of Pohang Love Gift Certificates starting from September 9, aiming to stimulate consumption in neighborhood markets and invigorate the local economy.

This special discount offering consists of 20 billion won in paper certificates and 40 billion won in card-type and mobile certificates, totaling 60 billion won. Sales will end early if the budget is exhausted.

The total amount has been increased by 10 billion won compared to the previous Lunar New Year. In particular, the supply of paper certificates has been expanded by 5 billion won to 20 billion won, further supporting increased sales in traditional markets and neighborhood businesses.

The city will apply the increased 13% discount rate through the end of the year, issuing certificates at the same rate at the beginning of each month even after the special discount period ends. This initiative aims to ease household financial burdens, encourage consumption, boost small business sales, and revitalize the local economy.

The monthly purchase limit per person is 700,000 won, combining paper, card-type, and mobile certificates, with a maximum of 300,000 won allowed for paper certificates. The holding limit for card-type and mobile certificates has been raised to 1.2 million won, and users can conveniently check their balance in advance through the iM Shop mobile app.

To purchase, paper certificates are available at 165 designated financial institutions, while card-type and mobile certificates can be recharged via the iM Shop app starting from 12:15 a.m. on September 9. Recharge services are also available at 104 financial institution branches. A list of participating financial institutions can be found on the Pohang Love Gift Certificate website.

The Pohang Love Card can be used not only for physical card payments but also via Samsung Pay, Naver Pay QR payments, and QR payments through the iM Shop mobile app. It is accepted at 24,374 affiliated locations within the region, as well as on the TaboSo taxi app (automatic payment) and the MeokKkaebi delivery app, providing convenient usage options.

A city official explained that the Pohang Love Card, first issued in September 2020, expired as of August 31, 2025, and can no longer be used. Therefore, users must visit the iM Shop app or one of 14 iM Bank branches to reissue the card in order to transfer their balance and recharge.

Additionally, the city plans to conduct crackdowns on illegal distribution to ensure the proper use and sound circulation of local gift certificates, as the discount rate for this Chuseok sale has been significantly increased.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "I hope this special discount sale of Pohang Love Gift Certificates will provide tangible benefits to both citizens and small business owners, serving as a catalyst to revitalize our stagnant local economy. We will continue to implement various policies to strengthen the virtuous cycle of local funds and revive the Pohang economy."