Busan is launching a cash relief program to ease the burden on residents from prolonged high fuel and consumer prices. The city will focus the first round of payments on vulnerable households, then expand coverage to the top 70% of citizens in the second round to stimulate local consumption.
The Busan Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday that it will implement the first round of "High Fuel Price Relief Payments" from Oct. 27 to Nov. 8. Under the government's distribution plan, basic livelihood recipients, near-poor households, and single-parent families will receive 600,000 won and 500,000 won, respectively. Those who miss the first-round application period can apply and receive payments during the second round, which runs from May 18 to July 3.
The second round will expand eligibility to the top 70% of residents meeting income criteria. Residents of Dong-gu, Seo-gu, and Yeongdo-gu, which are designated as population-decline areas, will receive 200,000 won per person, while those in the remaining 13 districts and counties will receive 150,000 won. Eligibility will be determined based on criteria such as health insurance premiums, with notifications and applications taking place during the second-round period.
Applications can be submitted both online and offline. To reduce congestion in the early application period, a rotating schedule based on the last digit of the applicant's birth year will apply from Oct. 27 to 30. Starting May 1, applications can be submitted without the rotation system. Online applications can be filed through credit card company websites and apps, as well as the local currency app Dongbaekjeon. Offline applications can be made at affiliated bank branches, Busan Bank, and eup, myeon, and dong community service centers in the applicant's registered address. Offline applications are restricted on weekends and public holidays.
Eligible recipients are residents registered in Busan as of March 30. Adults must apply individually, while minors must have the head of household apply on their behalf. However, minors in households without a head of household may apply directly. Eligibility and payment amounts can be checked in advance through the Government24 Citizen Secretary service or major mobile apps.
The funds can be used at small business stores with annual revenue of 3 billion won or less, excluding entertainment and gambling businesses, until Aug. 31. Any unused balance after the deadline will be automatically forfeited.
Ahead of the program's launch, the city has operated a dedicated call center since Sept. 24 and plans to provide a mobile application service for elderly residents and people with disabilities.
"While prioritizing the protection of vulnerable groups, we focused on creating a virtuous cycle in which the funds flow into local consumption, revitalizing small businesses and the regional economy," Busan Mayor Park Heong-jun said.
