Buk-gu to Issue an Additional 9.1 Billion Won in Local Currency “Bukkeumeoni” in Second Half of Year

15% Upfront Discount Offers Savings of up to 75,000 Won
Dedicated Debit Cards Available for Advance Issuance Starting November 10; Top-Ups Begin November 26

Buk-gu in Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City will expand issuance of its local currency, “Bukkeumeoni,” in the second half of the year to stimulate subdued local spending and help small business owners increase sales.

Buk-gu announced on November 4 that it had completed preparations for the second-half 2026 issuance of Bukkeumeoni and had begun providing information to residents in earnest.

2026 Second-Half Bukkeumeoni Poster. Provided by Buk-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju.

The total amount to be issued in the second half is 9.1 billion won, up 1.1 billion won from the 8 billion won issued in the first half. To ease the burden of rising grocery costs on household budgets, the district is maintaining the existing benefits: a 15% upfront discount and a maximum monthly purchase limit of 500,000 won per person. A 500,000-won top-up requires a payment of just 425,000 won, providing a discount of 75,000 won.

In particular, the district has overhauled the purchasing process and system for the second half to make the currency more convenient to use.

Previously, users had to visit a bank branch in person to buy a prepaid card. Starting with this issuance, users will instead receive a dedicated Bukkeumeoni debit card and top it up as needed through a smartphone app or at a bank. This change addresses a drawback of the previous prepaid card, which made payments difficult when a small balance remained, and allows users to top up instantly without visiting during bank business hours.

To accommodate older people and others who face barriers to digital services and may not be familiar with online payments, the district has allocated top-up capacity evenly: 60% for in-person bank counters and 40% for the online mobile app.

Places where the currency can be used have also been significantly expanded. The range of participating merchants, previously limited to brick-and-mortar neighborhood shops, now includes online platforms such as public delivery apps, creating conditions for funds to flow quickly into local commercial districts.

Top-ups for second-half Bukkeumeoni will begin in earnest on November 26 through Gwangju Bank’s mobile app and at all Gwangju Bank branches. To prevent crowding at bank counters on the first day of top-ups, the dedicated debit card will be available for advance issuance starting November 10.

Buk-gu District Chief Shin Sujeong said, “Bukkeumeoni, which has sold out early with every launch and received an enthusiastic response from residents, is returning with a more convenient system.” She added, “We hope that the revamped Bukkeumeoni, with its 15% discount, will play a vital role in supporting small business owners and neighborhood commercial districts.”

Meanwhile, of the 18 billion won worth of Bukkeumeoni issued by Buk-gu this year, approximately 95% had been spent at local businesses as of the end of October, making a tangible contribution to preventing funds from flowing out of the region and promoting local consumption.

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