A sticker at the stores where Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon is accepted @news1



People’s Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon is a key economic initiative by the Korean government, which has been in effect since July 21 2025, with the goal of revitalizing domestic demand and supporting small business owners.

Branded as the “Priming Water for Recovery and Growth,” the program aims to inject spending directly into local economies by distributing subsidies in the form of non-cash digital coupons that can only be used at small, local businesses.

By encouraging immediate consumption rather than saving, the government expects the policy to deliver a stronger and faster economic ripple effect across regional commercial districts.

How Does the System Work?

People’s Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons are not cash payments. Recipients receive digital coupons loaded onto cards or mobile payment platforms that can only be used at eligible merchants. This digital format ensures the government stimulus directly reaches small businesses rather than being saved or used for unintended purposes. This non-cash system allows the government to track spending patterns and ensures maximum economic impact through immediate consumption. Unlike direct cash transfers, the coupon system prevents recipients from saving the money or using it for purposes outside the program’s economic stimulus goals.

Program Timeline

- July 21:

Beginning of Application Period



The government implemented a staggered application system based on birth year digits to prevent server overloads. Birth years ending in 1 or 6 could apply on Mondays, 2 or 7 on Tuesdays, 3 or 8 on Wednesdays, 4 or 9 on Thursdays, and 5 or 0 on Fridays. Weekend applications were limited to online submissions only. By July 24, 28.9 million people had applied for the coupons.

- August 31:

Credit card company promotion deadlines



Several credit card companies offer additional benefits through this date. These promotions include cashback rewards and bonus points for coupon transactions, effectively providing extra value beyond the government allocation.

- September 12:

End of First Application Round



Processing of initial applications is completed during this period. The second distribution round begins September 22 2025, targeting 90% of the population with 100,000 won per person, excluding the top 10% income earners.

- October 31:

End of Second Application Round



Applications for the second round close at 6PM on this date. The second round provides 100,000 won per person to 90% of the population, excluding the top 10% income earners based on health insurance premiums with additional high-asset holder exclusion criteria.

- November 30:

Coupon Usage Deadline



All unused coupons automatically expire on this date with no possibility of refund or extension. Recipients must use their full allocation before this deadline.

Essential Program Facts: True or False?

Q1. Consumption coupons can be used anywhere in South Korea.

Answer: X (False)

Coupons must be used in your registered residential area. Metropolitan city residents can use them within any district of that city, but province residents are limited to their specific city or county.

Q2. Department stores accept consumption coupons.

Answer: X (False)

Only businesses with annual sales under 3 billion won can accept coupons. This excludes department stores and large retail chains.

Q3. Online purchases are available with consumption coupons.

Answer: X (False)

Online payments are prohibited. The only exception is food delivery apps that offer “meet and pay” options where payment occurs in person upon delivery.

Q4. Transferring coupons to family members are available.

Answer: X (False)

Coupons cannot be transferred to other individuals. However, you can donate unused coupons to designated charitable organizations.

Q5. Unused coupons can be refunded after the expiration date.

Answer: X (False)

Unused coupons automatically expire on November 30, 2025, with no possibility of refund or extension.

Q6. All foreign residents living in South Korea can apply for coupons.

Answer: X (False)

Foreign nationals are generally excluded. Exceptions include those listed with Korean nationals on resident registration or foreign-only households with permanent residents, marriage immigrants, or recognized refugees who have proper health insurance coverage.

Reporter

Jieun Park

pk325382@g.seoultech.ac.kr