Gwanak District to Provide Up to 1 Million Won for Kitchen Ventilation Upgrades in Small Restaurants

Apply in Person or by Email by the 19th

Gwanak District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Junhee) is launching an initiative to support the replacement costs of kitchen ventilation facilities in small general restaurants, aiming to create a healthier dining environment.

Kitchen ventilation facility replacement scene at a general restaurant in Gwanak-gu. Provided by Gwanak-gu.

This project is being implemented to improve outdated kitchen ventilation systems inside restaurant kitchens, reduce fine dust emissions, and enhance hygiene standards to foster a pleasant food environment. Following last year’s efforts, the program continues this year as well. In the first round of applications announced in March, 22 establishments were selected and received support, and additional support will be provided through this second round of applications.

Eligible applicants are restaurants with a business area of 100 square meters or less that have been in operation for at least one year since the business registration date (including succession of business status). However, entertainment bars, karaoke bars, and establishments that have received food hygiene-related administrative sanctions within one year from the announcement date are excluded.

Restaurants wishing to apply can visit the Hygiene Division of Gwanak District (02-879-7256) or submit an application via email to the person in charge (jin2jin2@ga.go.kr) by the 19th.

After a thorough on-site inspection, the district will provide support covering 90% of the total project cost per establishment, up to a maximum of 1 million won. This includes 'replacement costs' for severely aged or contaminated hoods, ducts, and ventilators, as well as 'cleaning costs' such as grease removal.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, stated, "By supporting the replacement of kitchen ventilation facilities in small, struggling restaurants, we hope to address food hygiene hazards such as grease residue, protect the health of our residents, and help revitalize the businesses of small entrepreneurs facing difficulties due to rising labor and ingredient costs."