Gyeonggi Province Limited-Edition Regional Currency (Consumer Support Fund) Assistance: How to Use It?

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun Reporter] Gyeonggi Province's second economic quarantine policy to restore consumer spending dampened by COVID-19, the "Chuseok Economic Recovery Limited-Edition Regional Currency (Consumer Support Fund)" was implemented starting on the 18th. In order to help residents of the province participate in revitalizing the local economy through consumption of the limited-edition regional currency, preparations have been made to allow residents to consume the regional currency more wisely. From "regional currency discount merchants" for budget-conscious consumers to "ethical shops" that support co-prosperity with neighbors in need, here are some recommendations.

■ "Regional Currency Discount Merchants" with Discounts on Top of Discounts

With the limited-edition regional currency, when charging 200,000 won in regional currency, you can receive a basic incentive of 20,000 won plus a consumer support fund of 30,000 won, for a total benefit of 50,000 won. Want to receive additional discounts on top of the limited-edition regional currency benefits? "Regional currency discount merchants" that offer an additional 1~10% discount upon payment with regional currency are the answer.

From opticians to restaurants, flower shops, beauty salons, kids cafes, and study rooms, approximately 1,300 stores across 31 cities and counties are currently participating as regional currency discount merchants. Gyeonggi regional currency discount merchants can be found on the Gyeonggi Regional Currency website (www.gmoney.or.kr) under discount merchant search or in the local government home menu within the Gyeonggi Regional Currency app.

Currently, additional discount merchants are available on the home menu from Suwon City, Yangju City, Yeoju City, Icheon City, Anseong City, Ansan City, Gwangmyeong City, Dongducheon City, Yangpyeong County, Gwangju City, Yongin City, Goyang City, Hanam City, Guri City, Yeoncheon County, Paju City, and Anyang City.

■ "Barajima Market," Gyeonggi Province's First Regional Coexistence Cooperative Store

Barajima Market, located in Siheung, is Gyeonggi Province's first regional coexistence cooperative store where you can find idea products from small and medium enterprises in the province, socially-valued products manufactured by cooperatives, regional self-reliance centers, and senior clubs, as well as youth startup products.

Various products are sold here including handmade soaps, masks, brown rice snacks, bean chocolate, multipurpose cleaner, flower tea, viscose bedding, and pouches. Although it is located on the 3rd floor of Siheung Premium Outlet, it accepts payment in "Siru," the regional currency of Siheung City. For Chuseok, until the 29th, hanbok (traditional Korean attire) from "Modum Sambang," a fair trade hanbok production company, is being sold.

■ "Saenghwal Ssok," a Value-Based Convenience Store Supporting Self-Reliance of the Vulnerable

"Saenghwal Ssok," operated by the Gyeonggi Siheung Small Place Regional Self-Reliance Center, is an activation store for self-reliance projects that support the independence of the vulnerable.

Here you can purchase not only various products manufactured by the Siheung Regional Self-Reliance Center such as herbal shampoo, hinoki wood soap, dishes, and solid wood desks, but also handicrafts from Banheuidam, a self-reliance business in Gwangju City, and Gumbengyi pills from Anseong Pungmul Beng-i of Anseong Custom Regional Self-Reliance Center. Until the 30th, a special Chuseok exhibition with 10% discount on all items is being held.

■ "Tteurang Chuar Bakery," a Hopeful Bakery Baking the Dreams of People with Disabilities

"Tteurang Chuar Bakery," a protected workshop operated by the Gichuon Global Social Welfare Foundation, is famous as a bakery where people with severe disabilities bake their dreams. Tteurang Chuar bread produced by people with severe disabilities in a safe and hygienic environment certified by HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) can be purchased at an unmanned sales stand on the first floor of the protected workshop located in Suji-gu, Yongin.

Consumers can choose the bread they want, put cash in a money box, or pay with "Y Pay," the regional currency of Yongin City.

Additionally, the Gichuon Global Protected Workshop is running a "Tteurang Chuar MD Recommendation Special Exhibition" until the 25th. The signature walnut pie set is being sold for 12,000 won, and a gift set of walnut pie made 100% from domestic Gapyeong pine nuts is being sold for 22,000 won.