Hanam City to Expand 'Hamoney' Usable Locations by 1.8 Times... Franchise Criteria Raised to 3 Billion Won

The number of locations where the Hanam City local gift certificate ‘Hamoney’ can be used is expected to increase by approximately 1.8 times compared to before.

Panoramic view of Hanam City Hall. Provided by Hanam City

Hanam City announced that it has revised its detailed operational guidelines, including raising the annual sales limit for franchise membership from the previous 1.2 billion won to 3 billion won, and began implementing the changes on January 1.

This measure, which was implemented in line with the changes to Gyeonggi Province’s ‘Gyeonggi Local Currency Issuance Support Project Operational Guidelines,’ focuses on unifying the government’s ‘Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon’ criteria with the local currency franchise membership standards. The city raised the previous annual sales limit of 1.2 billion won (3 billion won for essential daily living sectors) to a uniform 3 billion won or less for all business types, thereby improving policy consistency and lowering the entry barrier for franchisees.

The scope of deregulation has also been significantly expanded. Previously, registration was restricted for stores inside large shopping malls or major retail outlets, but now, any individual business operator who meets the registration criteria can become a franchisee, even if their store is located within such facilities. In addition, the city has expanded sales channels by allowing Hamoney payments at city-operated online malls for franchisees, where usage was previously not possible.

In particular, the city has also improved its administrative post-management system to prevent indiscriminate expansion of franchisees. For new business operators, sales figures will be checked every January and July, which are the reference points for determining card fee rates. If it is found that their annualized sales exceed 3 billion won, their franchisee status will be immediately revoked, thereby closing loopholes that allowed large local supermarkets to benefit inappropriately.

As a result of these guideline revisions, the number of Hamoney-accepting locations is projected to increase from around 9,000 to approximately 16,000. By region, the number of eligible businesses is expected to increase significantly in Gambuk-dong (about 5.4 times), Chungung-dong (about 5 times), and Choi-dong (about 3.5 times), greatly improving accessibility for residents.

Measures to enhance user convenience have also been strengthened. The local currency holding limit has been raised from 1.5 million won to 2 million won, and the purchase limit has also been clearly set at up to 2 million won, increasing efficiency for users.

A Hanam City official stated, “This revision of the local currency operational guidelines is a preemptive measure to expand franchisees by reflecting Gyeonggi Province’s revised guidelines and to revitalize local businesses,” adding, “We will continue to actively improve unreasonable regulations and pursue policies that citizens and small business owners can truly feel.”