Osan City Accepts Registration Applications for Unregistered 'Osaek Jeon' Affiliated Merchants

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Osan City is accepting applications for merchant registration of unregistered merchants for the local currency 'Osaek Jeon' through both online and offline channels.

This is a measure in accordance with the "Local Love Gift Certificate Usage Activation Act" implemented since July of this year to prevent illegal distribution of local currency.

The local currency 'Osaek Jeon' had previously allowed payments without separate merchant registration for credit card affiliated merchants as long as they did not fall under restricted business categories. However, following the implementation of the Local Love Gift Certificate Act, merchants must now register as local currency affiliated merchants.

Registration targets include local currency affiliated merchants within the city, excluding large discount stores, entertainment/gambling establishments, and franchise direct-operated outlets. Existing merchants must complete their applications by the end of this year, and once application is completed, they are registered as affiliated merchants the following day.

New merchants who opened business after October 5 will complete registration within seven days after the application date through the merchant registration procedures in accordance with the ordinance.

Operating as an affiliated merchant without registration may result in payment restrictions or a fine of up to 20 million won.

The application method is to verify identity through the affiliated merchant registration site (https://with.konacard.co.kr/1-22) and then submit a merchant registration application. Alternatively, applications can be made online through Document24, by visiting the City's Local Economy Department, or through on-site visit marketers.

The City plans to promote the registration process through various channels including text messages to merchants, the City website, SNS, local communities, and related organizations to ensure smooth merchant registration.

Osan Mayor Kwak Sang-wook stated, "Currently, approximately 70% of Osan citizens are using Osaek Jeon," and added, "We hope that many business owners will register to vitalize the local economy through smooth use of Osaek Jeon."

For more information, please refer to the Osaek Jeon website (www.osan.go.kr/money) or contact the Osan City Local Economy Department (031-8036-8949).