Daegu launches shopping rebate program and autumn festivals to boost traditional markets

Daegu city is linking its Daegu Daebak Sale with autumn festivals and promotions for alley shopping districts to stimulate local spending and revitalize traditional markets and neighborhood commercial areas.

The city is running the Daegu Daebak Sale — an Onuri gift voucher rebate program — at 76 traditional markets, city officials said Monday. The event will continue until the allocated Onuri vouchers run out.

Shoppers who spend at least 30,000 won ($22) in a single visit at a participating market will receive a 5,000-won Onuri voucher, while those who spend 50,000 won or more will receive a 10,000-won voucher.

Residents wishing to claim a rebate should bring their card or cash receipt to the designated rebate booth at each market.

Rebates are limited to one per person per day, and receipts from different markets cannot be combined.

Alongside the sale, 33 traditional markets and alley shopping districts will hold autumn festivals tailored to each area's character, running sequentially from Thursday through the end of November.

The traditional market festival series kicks off Thursday at the Chilseong General Market and Chilseong Night Market area. The alley shopping district festivals follow starting Oct. 23, centered on three designated commercial streets — the furniture specialty street in Seo-gu's Wondae area, Mulbegi Street in Nam-gu, and Seongeo Gyedae Rodeo Street in Dalseo-gu.

Festival venues will offer cultural performances including busking, band concerts and magic shows, as well as food tastings, craft-making workshops and children's activities for families.

"I hope the Daegu Daebak Sale and autumn festivals give residents real shopping benefits and entertainment, while giving merchants a chance to recover their sales and restore vitality to their commercial areas," Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho said.