Korea Launches Payback Program “상생페이백": Up to 300,000 KRW Cashback for both Korean and Foreign Shoppers

South Korea is set to launch the “Sangsaeng Payback (상생페이백)” program next month, a government initiative designed to boost domestic consumption and support small businesses. Under this plan, shoppers can receive up to 300,000 KRW (approx. $225) in digital vouchers when their credit or debit card spending increases compared to last year.

Korea's payback program 상생페이백

How the Cashback Works

The Sangsaeng Payback program will run from September to November. If a consumer’s monthly card spending during this period exceeds their 2023 monthly average, they can earn 20% cashback on the increased amount, up to 100,000 KRW per month and 300,000 KRW in total.

The refund will be issued as digital Onnuri gift certificates (온누리상품권), which can be used at traditional markets, small shops, and local stores nationwide.

For instance, if you spent an average of 1 million won per month last year, but in October 2025 you spent 1.3 million won, the extra 300,000 won will be calculated. You will then receive 20% of that amount (60,000 won) in Onnuri vouchers, paid out on November 15.

상생페이백 cashbag calculation example

Who Can Apply

Eligibility: Anyone over 19 years old, including Korean citizens and foreign residents, who used a domestic credit or debit card in 2024.

Application: Available at 상생페이백.kr starting September 15 – November 30.

• The first week will follow a “5-day application rule” based on the last digit of birth year.
• From September 20, applications will be open without restrictions.

Offline Support: Those unable to apply online can get help at traditional market associations or local small business support centers.

상생페이백 payback program details

Where the Cashback Applies

Eligible spending includes purchases at small merchants and local stores. However, spending at department stores, large supermarkets, franchise-owned outlets, and online platforms will not be counted.

The digital Onnuri gift certificates will be distributed starting the 15th of each following month (e.g., September spending paid back on October 15). The vouchers are valid for five years and can be used at over 130,000 affiliated shops across Korea.

상생페이백 사용처 Places available for cashback usage

Extra Incentive: “Sangsaeng Lottery” Event

To further encourage participation, the government is also introducing the “Sangsaeng Consumption Lottery (상생소비복권)”. For every 50,000 KRW spent at eligible stores, shoppers receive one lottery entry (up to 10 entries). In November, winners will be selected:

• 1st prize: 10 people, 20 million KRW each
• 2nd prize: 50 people, 2 million KRW each
• More prizes for a total of 2,025 winners, with a prize pool worth 1 billion KRW in digital vouchers.

According to Lee Dae-geon, policy director at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the program is aimed at reviving consumption, boosting small business sales, and strengthening local economies following the success with the Cash Voucher program “민생회복 소피쿠폰”

Related post: Your Guide to 2025 Korea's Cash Voucher: Eligibility, Application, Usage & FAQs

References: 상생페이백.kr, hani news, yonhap news, ytn news, ...

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