Paju City Lowers Barriers for Paju Pay Merchants... Annual Sales Threshold Raised to 3 Billion Won

Annual Sales Threshold Raised from 1.2 Billion Won to 3 Billion Won

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced that, starting from December 15, it will expand the annual sales threshold for Paju Pay local currency merchant registration from the previous 1.2 billion won to 3 billion won, aligning with the national standard. This move aims to revitalize the stagnant local commercial districts and enhance convenience for citizens.

Paju Pay. Provided by Paju City

This measure reflects the revised Gyeonggi Province local currency operation guidelines enacted on December 1. It is intended to improve the user experience for citizens who have faced inconvenience due to the limited number of participating merchants and to boost local consumption. As a result, businesses in sectors closely tied to daily life, which previously could not register as Paju Pay merchants due to sales restrictions, will now be able to join.

With the expansion of the annual sales threshold to 3 billion won, businesses with annual sales of up to 3 billion won can now register as Paju Pay merchants. To apply for merchant registration, businesses can visit the Gyeonggi Local Currency website or apply in person at the Department of Civil Economy at Paju City Hall.

Citizens will benefit from a greater number of merchants accepting Paju Pay in their daily lives, making it more convenient to enjoy the advantages of local currency. Paju City expects that expanding the range of participating businesses will lead to increased usage, ultimately boosting sales for small businesses and revitalizing the local economy.

Paju City also addressed concerns raised by some regarding the possibility of sales concentrating at large merchants due to the relaxed criteria. The city analyzed transaction data from the Paju Pay consumption coupon issuance period (July to November 2025) and found that, even during the period when the 3 billion won threshold was applied, the average monthly sales of small businesses with annual sales under 1 billion won actually increased. This positive effect is attributed to a wider variety of merchants, which led to more users and higher transaction volumes for local currency.

A Paju City official stated, "The expansion of merchant registration was carefully considered through transaction data analysis to ensure both the protection of small businesses and the convenience of citizens. We hope that the expanded benefits of Paju Pay will stimulate consumption and serve as a catalyst for mutual growth between small businesses and citizens, thereby revitalizing the local economy."

Meanwhile, Paju City is also considering raising the monthly discount purchase limit from the current 1 million won to 2 million won. In addition, the city is working to enable Paju Pay usage at public online malls in line with the establishment of the 'Coexistence Economy Platform.' The implementation timeline will be finalized after revising relevant regulations and securing budget agreements. Other measures under review include expanding 'refund events' to stimulate consumption and supporting small businesses by subsidizing card payment processing fees, as part of a broader set of initiatives to support the local economy.