790,000 Applications Submitted on First Day of Win-Win Payback
Surge in Downloads for 'Digital Onnuri' App Used for Refunds
As applications open for the “Win-Win Payback” program, which offers refunds of up to 300,000 won, the related mobile app “Digital Onnuri” has climbed to the top spot in app store download rankings, drawing significant attention.
On September 19, the Digital Onnuri app, which issues digital Onnuri gift certificates, ranked first in app store downloads. This surge is attributed to the launch of the government’s consumption support policy, “Win-Win Payback,” which began accepting applications on September 15.
The Win-Win Payback program refunds 20% of the increase in card spending between September and November 2025, compared to the applicant’s average monthly card spending from the previous year. The maximum refund is 100,000 won per month, up to a total of 300,000 won over three months, and is provided as digital Onnuri gift certificates that can be used at traditional markets and shopping districts. Therefore, users must be registered with the Digital Onnuri app to receive their refund.
Additionally, to commemorate the launch of Win-Win Payback, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups is holding an event through September 30. Users who recharge more than 50,000 won in gift certificates via the Digital Onnuri app will be entered into a draw, with 10,000 winners receiving an additional gift certificate worth 10,000 won. These extra benefits appear to have contributed to the app’s rising popularity.
Anyone aged 19 or older, including both Korean citizens and foreigners, who has used a credit or debit card in South Korea in 2024 under their own name, is eligible to apply for the Win-Win Payback program.
The popularity of the policy is evident in the numbers. According to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, on the first day of the five-day application period, September 15, approximately 790,000 people completed their applications. Applications are accepted based on the last digit of the applicant’s resident registration number through September 20, with all eligible applicants able to apply on the final day, September 20.
For those who applied on the first day, notifications regarding eligibility and last year’s average monthly card spending will be sent via AlimTalk starting the morning of September 17, two days later. From September 18, cumulative card spending from September 1, 2025, can be checked through the “Payback and Consumption Lottery Inquiry” menu on the Win-Win Payback website.
However, in line with the program’s purpose of supporting small and micro-businesses, spending at department stores, outlets, large supermarkets, corporate supermarkets, and directly operated franchise stores of large corporations is excluded from eligible spending. The payback based on consumption will be paid on October 15, and the refunded Onnuri gift certificates can be used at 130,000 affiliated stores for five years from the date of receipt.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
