Seoul steps up 'nighttime economy' push with 10 billion won in dedicated vouchers

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Government will issue 10 billion won worth of vouchers exclusively for Seoul Dalbit Night Market to boost the nighttime economy. It will also unveil a new integrated brand identity (BI) for Dalbit Night Market.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 19th that it will begin selling the Dalbit Gift Certificate, worth a total of 10 billion won, at a 10% discount from 10 a.m. on the 23rd. The vouchers can be purchased through the Seoul Pay Plus (Seoul Pay+) app.
The vouchers can be used at six commercial districts selected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for its nighttime economy revitalization initiative: Seoul Dalbit Night Market locations. Dalbit Night Market is a nighttime-focused commercial district created by the city to support outdoor business in neighborhood commercial areas and bring together food and attractions. Following an open call last September, six locations were selected from among 19 commercial districts: Konkuk University Food Street in Gwangjin-gu, Sangbong Meokja Alley in Jungnang-gu, Changdong Station Shopping Street in Dobong-gu, the Sadang 1-dong Food Alley in Dongjak-gu, Sadang Orak Dalbit Night Market in Gwanak-gu, and Sinsa Garosu-gil in Gangnam-gu.
The vouchers can be used at all six commercial districts regardless of district boundaries. Their use is not limited to the areas where the night markets operate; they can also be used at Seoul Love Gift Certificate partner businesses in six administrative neighborhoods: Hwayang-dong in Gwangjin-gu, Sangbong 2-dong in Jungnang-gu, Chang 4-dong in Dobong-gu, Sadang 1-dong in Dongjak-gu, Namhyeon-dong in Gwanak-gu, and Sinsa-dong in Gangnam-gu. However, to encourage spending in neighborhood commercial areas in the evening, use is limited to between 5 p.m. and midnight. Payment is not accepted at some types of businesses, including test-preparation academies, real estate businesses, and liquor wholesalers.
The monthly purchase limit is 500,000 won per person, and each person may hold up to 1.5 million won in vouchers. The vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Unused vouchers can be canceled for a full refund, and anyone who has used at least 60% of the purchase amount can receive a refund of the remaining amount, excluding the discount subsidy. Refunds of balances are restricted for vouchers purchased by credit card.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government also unveiled for the first time an integrated BI to promote the six Dalbit Night Market locations under one brand. The design depicts several lights gathering in the darkness to form a moon, symbolizing the connection between local commercial districts and residents. The new BI will be used on certification stickers for participating voucher merchants, as well as on night-market signage and promotional materials.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government expects the voucher launch to bring more visitors to the night markets and spread spending to nearby shops. It also plans to expand Dalbit Night Market from its current six locations to 25 by 2028, establishing more hubs for nighttime spending throughout Seoul.
Park Gyeong-hwan, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Livelihood and Labor, said, "The Dalbit Gift Certificate was created to let residents visit neighborhood commercial districts throughout Seoul while enjoying discounts." He added, "In conjunction with the newly developed BI for Seoul Dalbit Night Market, we will promote nighttime spending and work to ensure that the warmth of consumer spending generated at Dalbit Night Market spreads to nearby neighborhood commercial districts, bringing vitality to the local economy as a whole."

[email protected] Seong Cho-rong Reporter