Chuncheon launches pilot lunch program for office workers, covering 20% of costs up to 40,000 won a month

【Financial News, Chuncheon—Reporter Kim Gi-seop】A meal-cost support program that reimburses office workers for 20% of weekday lunch expenses, up to 40,000 won per month, will serve 200 employees at small and medium-sized enterprises in the Chuncheon area.
According to Chuncheon City on the 22nd, the city has been running its Hearty Lunch for Office Workers pilot program since this month. Launched for the first time this year, it is being operated by only four local governments in Gangwon Province, including Chuncheon. The program is funded 50% by the national government, 15% by the provincial government and 35% by the city, easing the city’s fiscal burden while ensuring substantial benefits for workers.
The city initially selected 13 small and medium-sized enterprises through an application process, and 200 employees at those companies are currently receiving support. It is recruiting for the remaining 100 places. The city plans to expedite eligibility checks for additional applicant companies, expand the number of participating companies to around 14–15, and continue the program through December this year.
Eligible applicants are employees of small and medium-sized enterprises who receive a lunch allowance from their employer. To lower the barrier to participation, companies that have not previously provided a meal allowance may also apply if they begin doing so when they join the program.
Selected employees will receive support equal to 20% of the cost of lunches purchased on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at general restaurants, snack bars, bakeries and other eligible businesses, up to 40,000 won per person per month. Benefits will be provided through card companies or digital meal-voucher providers chosen by each company, in the form of billing discounts, cashback, points or discounts at the point of sale. Purchases at workplace cafeterias, convenience stores and entertainment establishments, as well as purchases made on public holidays, are not eligible.
Companies wishing to participate can apply to the Food Tech Industry Division of the Chuncheon City Agricultural Technology Center by electronic document, post or email. They must include a small and medium-sized enterprise certificate, proof of meal-allowance payments, employment contracts and other required documents.
A city official said, “Thanks to securing both national and provincial funding, we expect to ease workers’ lunch costs by up to 40,000 won per person each month while also bringing more customers to local restaurants. We will quickly select the remaining 100 people, expand the number of participating companies and ensure that more office workers can feel the benefits.”

[email protected] Kim Gi-seop Reporter