According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the first round of livelihood recovery consumption coupons amounted to a total of 9.0693 trillion won, with approximately 50.08 million people applying, representing 99.0% participation of the total eligible population.
It has been found that about two-thirds of the first round of livelihood recovery consumption coupons were used at restaurants, supermarkets and groceries, and convenience stores.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that, following the distribution of the consumption coupons, sales for small business owners and traditional markets increased,
and economic indicators such as consumer sentiment also improved.
Among these, 6.0177 trillion won distributed through credit and debit cards has already been 88.1% used.
In particular, restaurants accounted for the largest share with 40.3% usage, followed by supermarkets and groceries at 15.9%, and convenience stores at 9.5%.
Consumer Sentiment Index Reaches Highest Level in 7 Years and 7 Months
After the distribution of the consumption coupons, consumer sentiment also shifted positively.
According to the Bank of Korea, the Consumer Sentiment Index reached 110.8 in July, marking the highest figure since 2021,
and rose further to 111.4 in August, setting a new record for the highest level in 7 years and 7 months.
The business outlook for small business owners and traditional markets also improved.
According to the "Small Business Market Business Survey Index (BSI)" conducted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Small Enterprise and Market Service,
the August BSI for small business owners and traditional markets reached 72.3 and 75.6, respectively, the highest levels this year.
Increase in Sales for Small Business Owners and Traditional Markets, and Welfare Benefits
Sales for small business owners and traditional markets increased thanks to the consumption coupons.
According to a survey by the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises and the National Association of Merchants,
55.8% of respondents said their sales increased after the distribution of the consumption coupons.
In particular, 51% reported experiencing a sales growth rate of 10% to 30%.
Coffee gifted by high school student A attending a high school in Sejong City to firefighters. Fire Department Headquarters
원본보기 아이콘Additionally, the consumption coupons played an important role in expanding donations and welfare.
There were numerous cases across the country, including Sejong, Suwon in Gyeonggi Province, and Boryeong and Hongseong in South Chungcheong Province, where coffee, snacks, and daily necessities purchased with the coupons were delivered to fire stations, orphanages, and other facilities.
Local governments also linked welfare services to the "visiting application" process for vulnerable groups during the distribution of the consumption coupons.
From July 21 to September 12, a total of approximately 402,000 "visiting application" cases were processed nationwide.
Second Round of Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons Expected to Further Spread Value Consumption
Yoon Hojung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated, "Consumption coupons are not only revitalizing local businesses but also bringing warm energy to communities across the region," adding, "Through the second distribution starting on the 22nd, we will ensure that value consumption spreads further."
The second round of livelihood recovery consumption coupons will be distributed from the 22nd, providing 100,000 won per person to 90% of the entire population.
High-net-worth households with a total property tax base exceeding 1.2 billion won or financial income exceeding 20 million won are excluded. Support is available if the total health insurance premium assessed in June is below the standard amount per household member.
!['WHO Declares International Public Health Emergency' Why the Untreatable 'Variant Ebola' Is More Deadly Than COVID-19 [Reading Science]](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/323/2026052110164072055_1779326201.png)
!["Please Help Us": How Much Do Those Bowing 90 Degrees These Days Actually Earn? [Data Pick]](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/323/2026052010120870131_1779239528.png)
