Samsung Electronics has chosen to issue vouchers linked to local small-business districts instead of offering direct discounts. Samsung said on Monday it has started issuing digital Onnuri gift vouchers to customers taking part in the “With the People, Samsung Electronics Thank You Festival.”

The event runs for four weeks from June 8. Customers who buy Samsung Electronics products will receive digital Onnuri gift vouchers worth 20 percent of the purchase amount. An additional 10 percent benefit will be provided to “K-heroes” such as soldiers, police, firefighters and correctional officers.

To receive the benefit, customers must join the membership program on Samsung.com by Sept. 30 and enter the purchased item, place of purchase, model code and serial number. After registration is completed, vouchers will be issued in stages on the “Digital Onnuri” app starting about two weeks later. Customers must install the app in advance and complete sign-up to receive them.

Onnuri gift vouchers can be used like cash at traditional markets, alleyway small-business stores, convenience stores and neighborhood restaurants. Users can select QR payment in the app and scan a store’s QR code, or the balance is automatically deducted when paying at affiliated stores with a registered debit or credit card. Use is restricted at stores with annual sales exceeding 3 billion won and at 33 categories of businesses including medical clinics and legal and accounting services.