Over 39 Million South Koreans Apply for Consumer Recovery Coupons

As of July 28, 2025, the South Korean government announced that 39,673,421 citizens, or 78.4% of the eligible population, have applied for the 'Consumer Recovery Coupons,' which provide a basic amount of 150,000 KRW per person. This initiative began just a week ago, and by July 27, approximately 7.12 trillion KRW had been distributed. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous support programs, with a 24% rise from the 2020 emergency disaster relief funds and a 10.2% increase from the 2021 national support funds.

The majority of applicants, totaling 29,727,451, opted for credit and debit cards, while 611,879 chose mobile or card-based local love gift certificates, and 60,462 selected paper certificates. Prepaid card applications numbered 322,629.

Regionally, Incheon recorded the highest application rate at 83.7% (2,526,630 people), while Jeollanam-do had the lowest at 70.4%. In Seoul, 7,231,588 residents (79.2%) completed their applications.

With the application process running smoothly, online applications have been available since July 26, and the offline application process has lifted its day-of-the-week restrictions as of today. All eligible individuals can apply until the deadline of September 12 at 6 PM, regardless of their birth year.

Online applications can be made through the local love gift certificate app, credit and debit card company websites, apps, call centers, and ARS. Offline applications can be submitted at local community centers or partner bank branches.

Additionally, the government is implementing a 'home visit application' service to ensure that all citizens, including the elderly living alone and those with disabilities, can access the consumer coupons. This service allows individuals to request assistance via phone or text, prompting staff to visit homes, community centers, or senior centers to help with the application process.

The government plans to prioritize this service for those affected by heavy rain disasters and residents of facilities for the elderly and disabled.