Spend KRW 67,000 on groceries and get KRW 20,000 back... Chuseok refunds offered at 10 traditional markets in Jeju

【Financial News Jeju=Jeong Yong-bok】 Ahead of Chuseok, shoppers who purchase at least KRW 67,000 worth of domestically produced agricultural and livestock products at traditional markets in Jeju can receive KRW 20,000 back in Onnuri Gift Certificates. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is expanding the number of participating markets from the initially planned six to 10, aiming to ease the holiday shopping burden and boost spending at traditional markets.
According to Jeju Special Self-Governing Province on the 4th, the “Chuseok Agricultural and Livestock Product Onnuri Gift Certificate Refund Event” will run for five days, from the 16th through the 20th, at 10 traditional markets across the province.
The refund applies to domestically produced fresh agricultural and livestock products purchased at participating vendors. Shoppers who spend KRW 34,000 or more but less than KRW 67,000 will receive a KRW 10,000 Onnuri Gift Certificate, while those who spend KRW 67,000 or more will receive KRW 20,000 back. The refund rate is up to 30% of the purchase amount, with a per-person limit of KRW 20,000 during the event period.
The program is linked to the government’s nationwide Chuseok price-stabilization measures. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) is investing KRW 59 billion in this year’s Chuseok agricultural and livestock product discount support, reducing the burden on consumers at large retailers and traditional markets. At traditional markets, the program supports consumption by refunding 30% of purchases of domestically produced agricultural and livestock products through Onnuri Gift Certificates.
In Jeju, the number of participating markets has been expanded from six to 10. Dongmun Traditional Market, Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, Moseulpo Central Market, Boseong Market, Gwangyang Market Alley-Type Shopping District, Hwabuk General Market, and Seomun Public Market are participating.
Three 5-day markets—Jeju City Traditional 5-day Market, Seogwipo Hyangto 5-Day Market, and Hallim Traditional 5-day Market—are also included. This is an increase of three participating markets from the previous Lunar New Year holiday.
Refund locations have been distributed based on the opening days of the 5-day markets and accessibility by region. This allows residents of western areas, as well as those in downtown Jeju City and Seogwipo City, to benefit from the program.
Refund locations, operating hours, and participating vendors may vary by market, so shoppers should check before making a purchase. Products that are not domestically produced fresh agricultural or livestock products, as well as items purchased from vendors not registered for the event, may be excluded from the refund.
This year’s expanded Chuseok refund program is primarily intended to ease the burden of high prices on household shopping while directing holiday spending toward traditional markets.
MAFRA will supply 163,000 tons of 13 major holiday products, including apples, pears, Korean beef, and eggs, which is 1.6 times the usual volume ahead of Chuseok. It will also provide agricultural and livestock product discounts from September 3 to 23. At traditional markets, a 20% discount on agricultural discount vouchers will be offered alongside a 30% Onnuri Gift Certificate refund.
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province expects the event to boost both consumption of domestically produced agricultural and livestock products and sales at traditional markets. With the number of participating markets increased to 10, actual spending, the number of recipients, and the increase in consumption at each market are expected to serve as indicators when deciding whether to expand the program in the future.
Kim Young-jun, head of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province’s Agricultural and Livestock Food Bureau, said, "Ahead of Chuseok, shoppers can purchase domestically produced agricultural and livestock products at reasonable prices while also receiving Onnuri Gift Certificate refunds." He added, "I hope using traditional markets will ease the burden of holiday shopping and help local businesses as well."
Ko Jeong-ho, president of the Jeju Merchants Association, said, "Residents and tourists will be able to experience the traditional markets’ generous hospitality along with the refund benefits." He added, "We hope strong participation will support local businesses."


[email protected] Jeong Yong-bok Reporter