Onnuri Gift Certificate overhaul announced — up to 10% benefit at traditional markets, 8% in local shopping districts
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
Using an Onnuri Gift Certificate at a traditional market brings a total 10% benefit (5% discount at purchase plus 5% refund after use); in local shopping districts it is a total 8% (5% discount at purchase plus 3% refund after use). The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the inter-ministerial overhaul plan on October 1, 2026.
Key facts
| Traditional markets | 5% discount at purchase + 5% refund after use = total 10% benefit |
|---|---|
| Local shopping districts | 5% discount at purchase + 3% refund after use = total 8% benefit |
| Digital Onnuri certificate (local areas) | Linked benefits from local governments, including tickets to local attractions, accommodation vouchers and local online mall discount coupons |
| Merchant criteria | Operated mainly for merchants with annual sales of 3 billion won or less since June this year; hospitals, clinics and professional services such as legal, accounting and tax services are restricted from joining |
| Announcement | October 1, 2026 Economic Ministers' Meeting — inter-ministerial 'Onnuri Gift Certificate overhaul plan' |
| Inquiries | Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Traditional Market Division, 044-204-7900 |
Last checked:
On October 1, 2026, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (중소벤처기업부) announced the inter-ministerial 'Onnuri Gift Certificate overhaul plan' at the Economic Ministers' Meeting. Using the certificate at a traditional market will bring a total 10% benefit (5% discount at purchase plus 5% refund after use), and in local shopping districts a total 8% benefit (5% discount at purchase plus 3% refund after use). Digital Onnuri Gift Certificate users in local areas will also be able to receive linked benefits provided by local governments, such as tickets to local attractions, accommodation vouchers and discount coupons for local online malls.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
How do the benefits differ between traditional markets and local shopping districts?
Traditional markets give a total 10% (5% discount at purchase plus 5% refund after use); local shopping districts give a total 8% (5% discount at purchase plus 3% refund after use).
Can foreign tourists use it?
The ministry said it plans to build infrastructure so that foreign tourists can pay by QR code at traditional markets using the payment apps they use in their home countries, without currency exchange or a card.