Key Facts
• South Korea launched a voucher program worth up to ¥50,000 per person.
• Eligible recipients include all citizens and permanent residents.
• Vouchers range from ¥15,000 to ¥50,000 and are distributed as e-money.
• Applications can be made online via credit card or bank apps, or at local offices.
• Major supermarkets, department stores, and online platforms are excluded from usage.
• Vouchers must be used by the end of November 2025.
• A butcher shop owner reported increased customer spending since the program began.
• The Lee Jae-myung administration aims to counter economic stagnation and tariff concerns.
Summary
The South Korean government has introduced a voucher program to stimulate its struggling economy. Each citizen and permanent resident is eligible to receive vouchers worth between ¥15,000 and ¥50,000, distributed as electronic money. Applications are available online or at local offices. However, the vouchers cannot be used at major supermarkets, department stores, or online stores, and they must be spent by November 2025. The initiative, part of President Lee Jae-myung’s economic strategy, aims to mitigate the effects of economic stagnation and potential tariff impacts. Early feedback from small business owners suggests the program is encouraging increased consumer spending.
