Ruling Party and Government: "Up to 50% Discount at Large Marts for Seol... Highway Toll Fees Exempted"

'Seol Minsheng Stability Measures Civil-Party-Government Council' at the National Assembly on the 3rd
Seong Il-jong "Requesting the largest-ever discount coupons for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products"

[Asia Economy Reporters Bomryeong Geum and Youngwon Kim] Ahead of the upcoming Seol holiday, customers purchasing essential items at large supermarkets will be able to receive discounts of up to 50%. Additionally, vehicles using highways during the Seol holiday are expected to be exempt from toll fees.

On the morning of the 3rd, Seong Il-jong, Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party, met with reporters after the 'Seol Livelihood Stabilization Measures Related Civil-Government-Party Consultation' held at the National Assembly and stated, "Among large supermarkets, well-prepared stores have committed to offering substantial discounts ranging from 30% to 50% so that the public can comfortably celebrate Seol." Attendees of the consultation included government officials such as Bang Ki-seon, First Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance, and Kim In-jung, Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as retail industry representatives including Lee Je-hoon, CEO of Homeplus, Shin Young-ho, CEO of Nonghyup Hanaro Distribution, and Chu Gwi-seong, President of the Seoul Branch of the National Merchants Federation.

A large supermarket in Seoul (Photo by Yonhap News)

The People Power Party emphasized to the government the importance of supplying Seol essential goods to minimize the burden on consumers' shopping baskets. Chair Seong explained, "We requested sufficient supply of seafood and agricultural products in all sectors to the market," adding, "We also asked for the use of agricultural, livestock, and seafood discount coupons on the largest scale ever. We expect more discount benefits than ever before."

During the consultation, Lee Je-hoon, CEO of Homeplus, said, "Last year, the consumer price inflation rate was 5.1%. I believe the public felt it even more strongly," and added, "The large supermarket industry, including Homeplus, plans its business with consumer price stabilization as the top priority this year as well, following last year."

More than 1,500 traditional markets nationwide also plan to hold separate meetings to review support measures for Seol. The People Power Party intends to actively support the more vigorous use of Onnuri gift certificates in traditional markets and elsewhere, considering that the budget for Onnuri gift certificates has increased by 500 billion KRW to a total issuance of 4 trillion KRW, and that a new mobile card version has been introduced.

The party and government also plan to promote toll fee exemptions on highways and free parking lot access during the Seol holiday, anticipating increased travel. Chair Seong stated, "We will actively consider exempting highway toll fees during the four-day holiday including substitute holidays so that people can visit their families with a happier heart." Additionally, considering that visitors spend time with their families, support measures for cultural experiences such as visits to royal palaces and art museums will also be explored.

Measures to reduce heating cost burdens on vulnerable groups due to increases in public utility fees such as electricity and gas were also discussed. The People Power Party proposed to the government to include in the Seol measures energy vouchers and welfare discounts on electricity and gas bills for approximately 1.18 million households, increased emergency welfare support funds for basic livelihood security recipients, and care support for homeless people, children suffering from food insecurity, and vulnerable groups.

Small business owners were not overlooked. Chair Seong emphasized, "We requested special attention to ensure that there are no unpaid wages for workers of small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners, and asked for the supply of funds to the market before the holiday so that small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners do not face financial difficulties ahead of the holiday," adding, "We also requested that subcontract payments, which are likely to be substantial, be paid early rather than on the normal schedule."

Detailed contents and specific support scales discussed on this day are scheduled to be announced on the 4th through a joint announcement by multiple government ministries.

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