[Digital Today reporter Ji-young Lee] Hana Bank said on Tuesday it signed a strategic partnership with the operator of public delivery app Mukggae-bi and will provide financial support for local small merchants while promoting use of the delivery app.

The agreement was 추진됐다 to ease management burdens for small merchants struggling with high inflation and rising fees and labour costs, and to expand use of public delivery apps.

Hana Bank plans to provide practical financial support to Mukggae-bi merchants by launching dedicated financial products and linking them to policy financing.

Earlier, Hana Bank contributed 1.5 billion won to the Incheon Credit Guarantee Foundation and is providing 22.5 billion won in financial support to small merchants in Incheon, including Mukggae-bi merchants.

It also plans to improve user convenience and support sales growth for merchants through a co-branded card, discount coupons and links to delivery services for foreign users.

It will also strengthen field-focused marketing by providing guidance on joining the platform and financial consultations for small merchants, and will pursue linked marketing using group platforms such as Hana OneQ, Hana Money and Hana EZ.

A Hana Bank official said, "We will strengthen inclusive finance that reduces small merchants' financial burdens and supports sales growth," adding, "We will build a sustainable delivery ecosystem through public-private cooperation."