Korea Post under the Ministry of Science and ICT said on Oct. 12 it will sequentially introduce local gift certificates in Gumi in North Gyeongsang Province, Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province and Gongju in South Chungcheong Province to improve residents’ convenience in using financial services and revitalise local commercial districts.

The launch schedule by region is Oct. 12 for Gumi, Oct. 13 for Gwangyang and Oct. 26 for Gongju. Applications can be made via the Korea Post Savings website and mobile banking, the chak app, the Gumi Love Card app and the Gongju Pay app. Older people unfamiliar with mobile apps can bring an ID card to a nearby post office and receive guidance from card issuance to gift certificate top-ups.

The Local Love Card does not halt payment even when the remaining top-up balance is insufficient. If the gift certificate balance is short at a supermarket or restaurant, the payment automatically switches to a regular debit card transaction within the available balance of the user’s Korea Post account.

Korea Post expects the card launch to contribute to increased consumption in the region, higher sales for small merchants and a virtuous cycle of regional funds.

Korea Post President In-hwan Park (박인환) said, "We will continue to expand financial services that improve convenience for local residents and help revitalise local economies."