The government is launching the “Win-Win Payback” program on the morning of September 15th to boost consumption and revitalize traditional markets. This program allows consumers to receive payback of up to 300,000 won over three months (September to November) in the form of digital Onnuri gift certificates, depending on the increase in their monthly card spending compared to the previous year’s average.
To participate, eligible participants—Koreans and foreigners over the age of 19 with domestic credit or check card usage in the previous year—can apply online from September 15th to November 30th. Applications are simple, requiring no additional documentation, and the paybacks will automatically reflect the increased monthly spend for up to three months. Starting from October 15th, paybacks will be issued sequentially on the 15th of each month.
The program covers spending in traditional markets, local marts, small restaurants, and other small business outlets. However, transactions at department stores, outlets, large supermarkets, corporate supermarkets (SSMs), large electronics retailers, franchise chain stores, online shopping malls, and delivery apps are excluded.
Additionally, the government is running a parallel event called the “Win-Win Consumption Lottery.” Participants will accumulate one lottery ticket for every 50,000 won spent at qualifying venues through October 12th, with up to 10 tickets available. In November, a total prize pool of 1 billion won in digital Onnuri gift certificates will be awarded to 2,025 winners.
To avoid system overload during the initial application period, a staggered submission system will be in place based on the last digit of applicants’ birth years. For those who have difficulty applying online, assistance is available at traditional market merchants’ associations, small business support centers, and selected bank branches.