The Ministry of Science and ICT's Postal Service will introduce local love cards in Muju, North Jeolla Province, and Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province.

The Postal Service said it will launch the Post Office Muju Love Card in Muju on Sept. 10 and the Post Office Chilgok Love Card in Chilgok on Sept. 21.

Local residents can visit a nearby post office counter and receive guidance in one place, from card issuance to topping up local love vouchers. Older people who are not familiar with using mobile apps can use the service on site by bringing only an ID card. The card can also be applied for through the post office deposit website, smart banking and the 'chak' app.

If the topped-up voucher balance is insufficient, the local love card automatically switches to a regular debit card payment within the balance of the user's post office account, instead of cancelling the payment. The Postal Service expects the card launch to lead to expanded local consumption and higher sales for small merchants.

Postal Service chief In-hwan Park (박인환) said, "We are actively using the post office financial infrastructure to reduce inconvenience for residents who had been left out of the benefits of local love vouchers." He added, "We will continue to expand inclusive financial services tailored to residents' needs."