Yanggu Love Gift Certificate Plays Key Role in Revitalizing Local Economy... Cumulative Sales Surpass 204.9 Billion Won

Yanggu County Sees Success with Baekkop Pay Incentives and Policy Allowances
Driven by "Baekkop Pay"... Boosting Local Fund Circulation and Small Business Sales

The Yanggu Love Gift Certificate, which has been revitalizing the local economy of Yanggu County in Gangwon Province, surpassed a cumulative sales total of 204.9 billion won as of the end of September, with sales reaching approximately 17.9 billion won in just the first to third quarters of this year (January to September).

Aerial view of Yanggu County Office.

The Yanggu Love Gift Certificate has shown steady growth since the issuance of paper certificates began in 2007, and especially after the introduction of the card-type gift certificate "Baekkop Pay" in 2021. Notably, Baekkop Pay sales jumped from 3 billion won in its first year to 8.5 billion won in 2024, and by September this year, sales had already exceeded 8.6 billion won, surpassing last year's total. As a result, the cumulative sales of the Yanggu Love Gift Certificate reached 204.97699 billion won as of September.

This increase in sales was positively influenced by the livelihood recovery consumption coupon policy, which was implemented in two rounds earlier this year. Through this support, an additional 3.7 billion won in paper certificates and about 620 million won in Baekkop Pay were sold.

In addition, Yanggu County is pursuing a variety of incentive policies to promote the use of the gift certificates. Since May of this year, the recharge limit for Baekkop Pay has been raised from 500,000 won to 700,000 won, and a first-come, first-served discount is offered for payments made through the public delivery app "Meokgaebi." Furthermore, from August to October, an electronic lottery event was held for users who spent over 1 million won in three months to encourage participation.

Since September, the Baekkop Pay cashback accumulation rate has been increased from 10% to 15%, and an additional 5% accumulation benefit is provided on the fourth week of every month, designated as "Traditional Market Day." In addition, various policy allowances such as childbirth incentives and entrance congratulatory funds are provided in the form of gift certificates, encouraging local consumption and playing a key role in revitalizing neighborhood businesses.

Going forward, the county plans to continue offering special discount benefits during specific periods, such as for sports model businesses, local festivals, and holiday seasons, in order to ease the financial burden on residents and stabilize the local economy. In particular, during the "Korea Grand Festival" held until November 9, an additional 5% will be accumulated on top of the existing 15%, for a total of 20% cashback.

Imi Sook, Director of Economic and Sports Affairs, stated, "The Yanggu Love Gift Certificate system greatly helps promote the circulation of local funds, boost small business sales, and stabilize the local economy. We will continue to develop policies that both residents and merchants can feel, building a sustainable local economic ecosystem."

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