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A sign at an Olive Young branch in Seoul on July 22 informs customers that the store accepts “livelihood recovery coupons” on the second day of first-round applications. / Source: Yonhap News

With South Korea’s “livelihood recovery consumer coupons” officially in use, food purchases have surged across the country since the program’s launch.

On July 22, the second day of first-round applications, major convenience stores reported a sharp increase in food sales. Compared to the previous month, sales of beef, gimbap, lunchboxes, and ice cream jumped by 30% to 170%.

As most coupons are expected to be distributed by this weekend, sales of daily necessities such as food and household items like toilet paper are projected to rise even further.

To coincide with the coupon rollout, Nonghyup Hanaro Mart launched a special discount event on July 24 to mark its 55th anniversary. The event runs through August 20 and features discounts of up to 58% on a wide range of items, including Korean beef, green onions, radishes, and instant noodles.

Normally, consumer coupons cannot be used at Hanaro Marts, which are operated by Nonghyup. However, an exception has been made for 125 locations situated in rural towns (myeon areas) that lack alternative grocery stores or supermarkets. These select stores now accept the government-issued coupons.