200,000 KRW Per Citizen Warms Up the Local Economy
Relieving Living Expenses... "A Big Help for Year-End Spending"
Field-Oriented Administration Reaches Even the Most Vulnerable
Suncheon City has been distributing 200,000 KRW per citizen as 'Livelihood Recovery Support Fund' since the 8th. Photo by Suncheon City
The 'Suncheon Livelihood Recovery Support Fund,' which Suncheon City in South Jeolla Province began distributing on the 8th, is being credited not only with alleviating citizens' living expenses but also with injecting tangible vitality into the local economy, which typically slows down at the end and beginning of the year.
This support fund provides 200,000 KRW per citizen, with the entire budget of 58 billion KRW funded solely from the city’s own resources. This debt-free approach has drawn attention for demonstrating both administrative responsibility and fiscal stability.
The support is provided in the form of Suncheon Love Gift Certificates (paper vouchers in 10,000 KRW denominations), which can be used at 13,840 affiliated merchants, including traditional markets, neighborhood supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and hair salons. Notably, the inclusion of Hanaro Mart locations in towns and villages has enabled both urban and rural areas to experience the benefits.
Citizens have responded positively, saying, "It is a great help at a time when fixed expenses such as food, daily necessities, and medical bills increase toward the end of the year," and "It has eased the burden of purchasing school supplies and winter clothing for our children."
There is particular appreciation for the fund’s real impact on household stability, especially as it coincides with the season for holiday preparations and rising winter heating costs.
Small business owners have also expressed favorable opinions. Traditional market vendors reported, "There has definitely been an increase in customer visits compared to usual," and "With more people using the gift certificates, we are experiencing a year-end sales boost."
The vouchers can be used from December 8th of this year until February 28th of next year, a period intentionally set to naturally support both year-end spending and Lunar New Year preparations, thereby positively contributing to the virtuous cycle of the local economy.
This initiative is being recognized as a structurally designed program that induces local consumption, rather than simply providing short-term cash support.
Applications are being accepted at local administrative welfare centers in each district, town, and township. For seniors with mobility challenges and vulnerable groups, village halls and home visit services are also available, thereby improving administrative accessibility.
Among citizens, there is praise for the policy as "a measure that goes beyond simple distribution to reach those who truly need it," and "evidence that the administration understands the realities on the ground."
Suncheon City expects that this Livelihood Recovery Support Fund will not only quickly revive local consumption but also ease psychological burdens on citizens, thereby reinforcing a virtuous cycle in the local economy as a whole.
A city official stated, "This support fund is not just a financial subsidy, but a catalyst for regional economic recovery that both citizens and small business owners can feel," adding, "We will continue to implement effective policies to stabilize citizens’ lives and revitalize the local economy."
This Livelihood Recovery Support Fund has established itself as a highly impactful policy as the year draws to a close and the new year approaches, and is being recognized as a case that demonstrates the tangible effectiveness of Suncheon City's administration.
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