Daegu Office of Education Cuts Rent by 50% for Small Business Owners Operating School Stores, Cafeterias, Pools, and Vending Machines; 40% Reduction for SMEs

The Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education announced on October 31 that it will reduce rental fees for public property by up to 50% for this year, in order to support small business owners and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling due to the economic downturn.

This reduction measure was finalized through the Public Property Review Committee to ease the financial burden on local small business owners and SMEs. It is based on the revised Enforcement Decree of the Public Property and Commodity Management Act, which now allows rent reductions not only for disaster damage but also in economic crisis situations such as an economic downturn, as well as the notice from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education

Accordingly, from January to December 2025, small business owners and SMEs who have been granted permission to use public property at various institutions (such as schools) will benefit from reduced rental rates. The rate for small business owners will be lowered to 2.5% (a 50% reduction) and for SMEs to 3% (a 40% reduction), compared to the usual rate of around 5%. Rent already paid can also be retroactively reduced.

This policy applies to small business owners and SMEs currently renting spaces such as school or institutional stores, cafeterias, vending machines, and swimming pools.

Additionally, to further ease the burden, the deadline for rent payments will be extended by up to one year, and late fees will be reduced by 50%.

Applications for the reduction can be submitted through the relevant institution (school) during November. Applicants must provide a certificate verifying their status as an SME (or small business owner), supporting documents for sales or employment, and a copy of their bank account. The reduced amount will be provided either as a refund or through an extension of the contract period.

Kang Eunhee, Superintendent of the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education, stated, "I hope this rent reduction measure will be of great help to local small business owners and SMEs who are struggling financially," and added, "Our office of education will continue to actively work to serve as a pillar in the recovery of the local economy."