Special Disaster Zones to Receive Up to 20% Cashback with Digital Onnuri Gift Certificates

💡 Key Message: Shoppers using Digital Onnuri Gift Certificates in special disaster zones can enjoy up to 20% cashback until the end of 2025.

The Korean government has announced a special cashback program designed to revitalize local economies that were designated as special disaster zones. Starting from August 24 and running until December 31, 2025, consumers will receive up to 20% cashback when using Digital Onnuri Gift Certificates at traditional markets and alleyway stores in 49 affected regions.

🔍 What is the Digital Onnuri Cashback Program?

The Digital Onnuri Gift Certificate is a government-backed electronic voucher widely used in Korea to boost small businesses and traditional markets. For this special program, the usual nationwide cashback rate of 10% has been doubled to 20% exclusively in special disaster zones. This measure aims not only to encourage local spending but also to stabilize the livelihoods of residents impacted by natural disasters.

This initiative complements broader win-win payback policies that the government has rolled out to stimulate consumer spending and support regional economies.

🛍 How the 20% Cashback Works

The cashback program is operated on a weekly cycle, from Sunday to Saturday. Consumers who make payments with Digital Onnuri Gift Certificates in participating areas will receive up to 20% cashback in the form of additional digital vouchers.

  • Cashback is processed 10 days after each cycle ends.
  • Refunds must be accepted within 30 days via the “gift” function in the Onnuri app.
  • If the refund is not claimed within the time frame, the cashback will expire.
  • Cashback is provided in increments of KRW 1,000, with a minimum spending requirement of KRW 10,000 (first five cycles) or KRW 5,000 (from the sixth cycle onward).

Example: A consumer in Gwangju spends KRW 10,000 in a nationwide event and KRW 11,000 in a special disaster zone during the same week. They will receive KRW 2,000 cashback for the nationwide purchase and an additional KRW 1,000 for the disaster zone purchase—totaling KRW 3,000 in refunds.

📈 Economic Impact on Disaster-Stricken Areas

Regions designated as special disaster zones often suffer from a sharp decline in local consumption. By offering a 20% cashback incentive, the government expects to directly channel consumer spending into traditional markets and neighborhood shops that are struggling to recover. This policy is part of a broader effort to reduce income gaps, stabilize employment, and rebuild consumer confidence in affected regions.

Related initiatives, such as regional win-win consumption policies, have already demonstrated positive effects by increasing sales in traditional markets. The new cashback program is expected to build on this success, delivering both short-term recovery and long-term economic benefits.

✅ Important Consumer Guidelines

  • Cashback must be accepted within 30 days or it will expire.
  • Consumers holding more than KRW 2 million in vouchers must use part of the balance before claiming new refunds.
  • Each event cycle allows a maximum refund of KRW 20,000; combined, consumers can earn up to KRW 40,000.
  • For inquiries, call the Digital Onnuri Gift Certificate Customer Center at 1670-1600.

For the latest updates and detailed program instructions, visit the official Ministry of SMEs and Startups website.

🔗 Related Reading

If you’re interested in more details about consumer benefit programs in Korea, check out these articles:

🎯 Summary: The Digital Onnuri Cashback Program in special disaster zones offers up to 20% refunds, boosting consumer savings and helping local businesses recover. Make sure to use your vouchers wisely and claim your cashback on time.

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