Yangju to launch paper-based local gift voucher program

The city of Yangju, led by Mayor Jeong Deok-yeong, signed an MOU with NH NongHyup Bank's Yangju branch and local NongHyup agricultural cooperatives on Wednesday to support the issuance and operation of a paper-based Yangju Love Gift Voucher.

The agreement is intended to lay the operational groundwork for Yangju's planned paper voucher issuance project.

The city is working to launch the paper-format vouchers in the second half of 2026 to improve access for residents who are less comfortable using mobile platforms and to boost local consumption centered on small businesses.

Under the MOU, Yangju will oversee the overall issuance of the paper vouchers and handle all administrative and fiscal support, including securing the budget, building the necessary systems and managing promotions. NH NongHyup Bank's Yangju branch and the local NongHyup cooperatives will serve as the official agents for the paper vouchers, providing financial services covering storage, management, sales and settlement.

The arrangement allows the city to quickly establish a stable retail distribution network for the paper vouchers by leveraging NongHyup's extensive branch network across the city.

Yangju plans to issue the vouchers for the first time in conjunction with the opening of Nari Farm, scheduled for Sept. 18. The vouchers are expected to be used in programs such as admission fee refunds, encouraging visitors to spend locally and helping revitalize neighborhood commercial districts.

"This MOU is an important starting point for building a stable distribution system for the paper-based Yangju Love Gift Voucher," Mayor Jeong said. "We will make every effort to ensure that both residents and visitors can use it conveniently, and to breathe new life into struggling neighborhood commercial areas."