10.58 Million Applications in Just One Month
Most Applicants from the Seoul Metropolitan Area and in Their 30s
Retroactive Refunds Available Even for October Applications
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on October 16 that a total of 10.58 million people had applied for the Win-Win Payback program between September 15, when applications began, and October 14.
The Win-Win Payback program provides a digital Onnuri gift certificate refund equivalent to 20% (up to 100,000 won per month) of the increase in monthly credit card spending from September to November, compared to the previous year's monthly average, for all citizens aged 19 and over.
By region, the Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon) accounted for the largest share of applications at 54% (5.7 million people). Outside the metropolitan area, Busan (6.4%) and South Gyeongsang Province (6.0%) had the highest application rates. By age group, those in their 30s accounted for 25.4%, those in their 40s for 24.8%, and those in their 50s for 19.6%.
Among the applicants who completed their applications by October 9, a total of 4.15 million people qualified for the September payback. On October 15, they received a total of 241.4 billion won in payback. The average amount paid per person was approximately 58,155 won.
The 241.4 billion won represents 20% of the increase in credit card spending compared to the previous year, excluding spending at department stores, outlets, large discount stores, and online shopping malls. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups estimates that this has led to a consumption-boosting effect of approximately 1.207 trillion won, which is five times the amount paid out.
Meanwhile, even those who applied for payback after October 10 will receive the September payback retroactively on November 15, together with the October payback, if their September credit card spending increased compared to the previous year's monthly average.
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