Incheon Alleyway Commercial Area Signboard Renovation... 1 Billion Won Invested Including Outdoor Advertising Consumption Coupons

Nation's First Initiative to Reduce Outdoor Advertising Permit and Report Fees

Jeil Core Shopping Mall in Namdong-gu, Incheon, renovated through the signboard improvement project
[Photo by Incheon City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City is implementing an 'Outdoor Advertising Support Policy' to help small business owners and local shopping districts struggling with business and livelihood difficulties due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

To this end, the city will invest a total of 1 billion KRW in four projects, including signboard improvement and outdoor advertising consumer coupons.

The signboard improvement project, which enhances advertising effects by preserving the unique characteristics centered on stores and shopping districts operated by small business owners, will support 178 businesses with 900 million KRW next year, renovating their signboards with beautiful designs.

In particular, 100 million KRW will be invested in the 'Outdoor Advertising Consumer Coupon' support project to help revitalize the outdoor advertising business, which has been stagnant due to COVID-19, and to enable small business owners to individually replace old and worn-out signboards.

Additionally, the city will implement a policy to reduce fees charged when small business owners obtain permits or report outdoor advertising such as signboards, the first of its kind nationwide. Last month, the city requested the county and district offices, which have the authority to collect fees, to implement this through ordinance amendments, and some districts are currently proceeding with this.

Furthermore, free one-line advertisements for small business owners and traditional markets will be supported using public advertising media such as electronic billboards, and customized joint public-private consulting will be conducted with traditional market merchant associations to promote beautiful signboards and lawful advertisement postings.

An official from Incheon City stated, "The outdoor advertising support policy is expected to support small business owners facing difficulties due to COVID-19, increase the number of permit and report cases by reducing fees for advertisement permits and reports, and lead to a decrease in illegal advertisements."

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