Gwangju Dong-gu's "Donggurang Pay" Surpasses 2.8 Billion Won in Sales Just One Month After Launch

by Min Chanki

Published 23 Oct.2025 10:16(KST)

Gwangju Dong-gu Office Building Exterior.

Gwangju Dong-gu District announced on October 23 that "Gwangju Donggurang Pay," the local currency for the Dong-gu area launched on September 22, has surpassed 56% in sales, with over 2.8 billion won sold out of the total issuance of 5 billion won.

On the first day of issuance alone, more than 150 million won worth of Gwangju Donggurang Pay was sold, and weekly sales have continued to reach new records since then.

During the recent 22nd Gwangju Chungjang Festival of Memories, an event was held where citizens who spent more than 100,000 won in a single day using Gwangju Donggurang Pay and submitted their receipts received a 50,000 won cashback. This event attracted significant interest from local residents and visitors alike, leading to a surge in inquiries about Gwangju Donggurang Pay and affiliated merchants, and served as an important opportunity to raise awareness of the program.

Currently, 2,839 merchants have been approved as Gwangju Donggurang Pay affiliates, and including those pending approval, the total stands at 3,160, which is 63% of the recruitment goal of 5,000. This initiative is helping to redirect spending that previously flowed outside the community back into the local area, providing benefits to both users and merchants.

As a result, Dong-gu District is being recognized for taking a successful first step in promoting the use of local currency and revitalizing the local economy.

Im Taek, head of the district office, stated, "Next year, we plan to enable Gwangju Donggurang Pay to be used for policy funds and are exploring ways to make it even easier for residents to use," adding, "We will continue to develop policies that can provide tangible benefits to the local economy."

Meanwhile, "Gwangju Donggurang Pay" is a prepaid local currency that can be purchased at Gwangju Bank. It is sold at an 18% discount and can be used for up to five years from the date of purchase.