Gochang County Distributes "Vitality Support Fund" of 300,000 Won Per Resident

Pledge by Governor Shim Deokseop in Local Election
Vitality Boost for Local Economy Ahead of Chuseok

With the Chuseok holiday approaching, Gochang County in North Jeolla Province is drawing attention for its plan to distribute a support payment of 300,000 won per person to approximately 50,000 county residents, raising expectations about whether this initiative will help stimulate local spending and revitalize the region’s economy.

On the 1st, Shim Deokseop, County Governor of Gochang, paid an encouraging visit to the reception center for the Citizen Vitality Support Fund, which provides 300,000 won per person. Provided by Gochang County Office

Starting at 9 a.m. on September 1, Gochang County began distributing the "Vitality Support Fund" at the resident happiness centers in its 14 towns and townships. This initiative, which marks the first major pledge of the 9th popularly elected county administration under County Governor Shim Deokseop, is backed by a total financial commitment of 15 billion won.

The eligible recipients include 50,415 individuals, such as those listed in the Gochang County resident registration as of June 30, marriage immigrants, permanent residents, and newborns. The support fund is distributed in the form of anonymous prepaid cards. To reduce congestion during the first week of applications, an assignment system ties application dates to the last digit of one’s birth year; after that period, applications can be submitted regardless of year of birth.

To further promote local consumption, the county is implementing various benefits: a 10% upfront discount on Gochang Sarang gift certificates, a 10% cashback on Gochang Sarang card payments, a reimbursement of up to 30% in Onnuri gift certificates for purchases of agricultural, livestock, and fisheries products at traditional markets, and up to a 30% discount on major agricultural specialties available at Gochang Market.

From September 16 to 20, shoppers who purchase agricultural, livestock, or fisheries products at traditional markets in the Gochang area can receive up to 30% of their spending refunded in Onnuri gift certificates, an initiative expected to coincide with increased holiday shopping demand. Special discount events will also be available at Gochang Market, the county’s online mall for local specialties, including promotions on melons, Pungcheon eel, Shine Muscat grapes, and more.

This support fund is intended to reduce household financial burdens and encourage regional consumption ahead of the Chuseok holiday, especially at a time of prolonged economic stagnation and contracting consumption in rural communities. In particular, the effect is expected to expand if the support fund is spent within the local market, contributing to the recovery of small business owners and traditional market sales in the area.

Shim Deokseop, County Governor of Gochang, stated, "The Vitality Support Fund is a project that fulfills the first pledge of the 9th popularly elected administration, as promised to the county’s residents. Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, we are committed to ensuring that this fund and the associated gift certificate benefits provide meaningful support in daily life and bolster the local economy by reaching local businesses and markets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.