Suwon City to Subsidize Replacement Costs for Restaurant Signs and Menus Using "Drug" Terminology

by Lee YeongKyu

Published 15 Apr.2026 08:10(KST)

Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province will provide financial support for the replacement of restaurant signs and displays that use the term "drug."

On April 15, Suwon City announced that it would accept applications from restaurants wishing to participate in the "Support Project for Improving Signs Using Drug-Related Terminology" until April 23. This initiative follows concerns that provocative expressions such as "drug" have recently been used in restaurant names and menus, which could give young people the wrong impression.

The program is open to general and snack restaurants in Suwon that use drug-related names and have been in operation for at least one year after registering their business. The city will provide up to 2 million won for sign replacement, 500,000 won for menu boards, and 200,000 won for packaging materials, with a maximum total support of 2.5 million won per establishment.

Suwon City Hall

Interested businesses can submit their application documents in person or by registered mail to the Saebit Civil Service Office or the Hygiene Policy Division, both located in the main building of Suwon City Hall.

Suwon City will select recipients after reviewing documents, conducting on-site inspections, and internal deliberations. The city plans to verify the completion of sign replacements at the site before providing the subsidy.

A city official from Suwon stated, "We aim to address the indiscriminate use of drug-related terminology in food and other items, and support the renaming and replacement of business names to create a dining environment that resonates with citizens." The official added, "We hope that voluntary participation by business owners will lead to the spread of positive change."