Guide to Lunar New Year Agricultural & Seafood Discounts & Onnuri Gift Card Refund Program

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays for Korean families, a time when households purchase various seasonal products to celebrate with relatives and friends.
However, recent price increases in agricultural and seafood products, coupled with inflation, have made holiday preparations more burdensome for many families.
In response, the government introduced the Lunar New Year Agricultural & Seafood Discounts and Onnuri Gift Card Refund Program to alleviate consumer expenses and support sales for traditional markets and small business owners.
This post provides a detailed overview of the program, its benefits, how to participate, and the anticipated economic impact.

Table of Contents

1. Policy Overview
2. Background and Necessity
3. Key Benefits
4. How to Participate and Usage
5. Expected Economic Impact
6. FAQ
7. References and Resources

Policy Overview

This program focuses on seasonal agricultural and seafood products, combining price discounts with Onnuri gift card refunds to reduce household expenses and boost sales for traditional markets and small business owners.

• Discounted Items: Napa cabbage, radish, apples, pears, meat, eggs, chestnuts, jujubes, and around 20 other seasonal items
• Discount Methods: Available at large supermarkets, traditional markets, and online retailers
• Refund Methods: Refunds via Onnuri gift cards, credit card bill discounts, and online/mobile applications

The program aims not only to provide immediate price relief but also to stimulate local economies and encourage domestic consumption during the holiday season.

Background and Necessity

• Rising Prices: Increased demand for seasonal products leads to higher prices ahead of the holiday
• Household Burden: Rising costs of holiday preparations create financial pressure on low- and middle-income families
• Support for Traditional Markets & Small Businesses: Activating local markets and supporting small businesses is a key objective
• Domestic Consumption Recovery: Encouraging spending helps strengthen domestic demand and supports overall economic circulation

The government introduced this short-term, targeted consumer incentive program so that households could directly benefit from discounts and refunds while simultaneously supporting regional economic activity.

Key Benefits

• Discounts on Seasonal Products: Up to 20% off items such as napa cabbage, radish, and meat
• Onnuri Gift Card Refunds: Refunds available upon submitting receipts or via participating credit cards
• Support for Local Economies: Increased sales for traditional markets and small businesses
• Accessible to All Consumers: Anyone can participate regardless of age or location

The Onnuri gift card refund component helps channel spending directly into local markets, boosting regional economic activity.

How to Participate and Usage

1. Online Participation: Available through certain online retailers and credit card promotions
2. Offline Locations: Participating traditional markets and large supermarkets
3. Refund Methods:
   • Submit receipts to receive Onnuri gift card refunds
   • Credit card bill discounts or mobile platform applications
4. Program Duration: Limited to approximately 2–3 weeks before and after Lunar New Year

Consumers should check participating stores and comply with discount/refund requirements to fully benefit from the program.

Expected Economic Impact

• Reduced Household Burden: Lowered expenses for holiday preparations
• Boost for Traditional Markets: Increased sales and support for small businesses
• Stimulated Domestic Consumption: Recovery of consumer confidence and stronger domestic demand during the holiday season
• Policy Effectiveness: A short-term, highly practical program that provides tangible benefits

Overall, this policy not only reduces immediate costs for consumers but also contributes to local economic growth and strengthens the domestic economic cycle.

FAQ

Can anyone benefit from the discounts and refunds?

Yes, all consumers can participate. Some refund programs may have conditions depending on the credit card or online platform.

How can I receive Onnuri gift card refunds?

Refunds are available by submitting receipts, applying through participating credit cards, or using designated mobile platforms.

How long is the discount and refund program valid?

The program is limited to approximately 2–3 weeks before and after Lunar New Year.

References and Resources

• Government Policy Brief – Lunar New Year Agricultural & Seafood Discounts
• Onnuri Gift Card Information
• Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation