62 businesses designated as 'good price' establishments, each receiving goods worth 830,000 won annually, with expanded promotion planned
District mayor joins 'good consumption' drive, enjoying a full meal and coffee for under 10,000 won
Seoul's Nowon-gu is stepping up support and promotion for its "good price" business designation program to help small business owners struggling with the economic slowdown and high inflation, with a focus on hands-on, tailored assistance.
The district is strengthening support and outreach for its "good price" establishments — businesses that offer quality services at below-average local prices, helping to stabilize the cost of living in the area. The program is a government and local authority initiative that designates and supports personal service businesses maintaining prices lower than the regional average. A total of 62 businesses are currently designated in Nowon-gu.
The district provides each designated business with goods worth 830,000 won per year to ease operating costs, while also publicizing participating businesses through its newsletter and official online channels. Going forward, Nowon-gu plans to expand promotion so residents can more easily find and visit nearby good price establishments, with the aim of translating that visibility into real sales growth.
Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o personally joined the effort to raise awareness of the program. On Friday, he visited two good price establishments in the district, tried their menus and spoke with the owners. He had a bowl of jjajangmyeon for 5,500 won at Haedam Jjajang Bokneunjip in Sanggye-dong, then a cup of coffee for 2,500 won at Cafe Mare in Hagye-dong. The total came to 8,000 won — proof that a meal and dessert can be had for under 10,000 won.
Seo listened to the concerns of business owners who have kept their prices reasonable despite high inflation and offered words of encouragement. He also urged residents to practice "good consumption" by patronizing these establishments, saying their support would boost small business sales and contribute to local price stability.
The district is also continuing its field-based support programs to help small businesses stay financially stable. Its flagship initiative, the "visiting small business manager" program, sends staff directly to businesses to assess their operational difficulties and connect them with relevant policies and support programs suited to each business's circumstances. Through September this year, the program has made a cumulative 21,548 business visits over three years.
Nowon-gu plans to incorporate feedback gathered through the program into its policies and to keep strengthening communication with small business owners. The district will use its KakaoTalk channel "Nowon-gu Small Business Information" to quickly share details on support programs and useful resources, and will continue developing tailored support policies that reflect the needs of local businesses.
"When residents practice good consumption at good price businesses that have held the line on prices despite high inflation, it will be a strong boost to small business owners and the local economy," Seo said. "We will keep listening to voices from the field and delivering practical support that small business owners can actually feel."
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