Pohang Launches Second Round of Consumption Coupons... Boosting Spending by Combining Traditional Markets and Night Festivals

Government to Begin Distribution of Consumption Coupons on September 22
100,000 Won per Person for 90% of the Population
Traditional Market Shopping and Tourism Programs Planned for Chuseok Holiday
Promotion of Gift Certificate Spending
Nighttime Festivals and Market Programs
Expanding Extended-Stay Consumption, Expecting a Virtuous Cycle of Sales Recovery

With the government beginning the distribution of the 2nd Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons on September 22, the city of Pohang is making every effort to revitalize the local commercial district ahead of the Chuseok holiday, which runs from October 3 to 9.

Following a high application rate of 98.9% nationwide in the first round, the second round will provide 100,000 won per person to 90% of the population, excluding the top 10% by income. Recipients can choose between credit/debit cards or Pohang Love Gift Certificates (mobile or card type) as their payment method.

The city sees the timing of the second coupon distribution, which coincides with Chuseok, substitute holidays, and Hangeul Day, as an optimal opportunity for commercial recovery. Pohang plans to maximize local consumption and boost the local economy during this period.

To maximize the impact of the consumption coupons, Pohang has established a three-pronged strategy: promoting extended stays and spending in traditional markets, encouraging early use of Pohang Love Gift Certificates and consumption coupons, and invigorating nighttime festivals.

In particular, at locations such as Jukdo Market and Ocheon Market, shopping tours and courses linked to tourist attractions will be offered to increase the time visitors spend in the area, going beyond simple purchases. Nighttime events, including a craft beer festival and the Ocheon Night Market, will also be held to further stimulate spending. Additionally, the city will create a trustworthy shopping environment by inspecting price labeling and origin labeling systems.

Immediately after the first round of consumption coupon distribution, it is estimated that approximately 83.7 billion won flowed into Pohang, with a noticeable increase in sales at sites such as Jukdo Market. Cases of weekday sales recovery have also been reported throughout the Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province region.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "With the second round of consumption coupons and the Chuseok holiday overlapping, we will ensure that the coupons translate into on-site sales by leveraging Pohang's extended-stay consumption structure and local currency incentives. We aim to create a virtuous cycle that delivers tangible benefits to citizens and real sales increases for merchants."