Sokcho to pay every resident 200,000 won in livelihood support

Sokcho, Gangwon Province, will pay every resident 200,000 won ($133) in livelihood recovery support.

The city announced Monday that it will accept applications for the payment from Monday, July 20, through Sept. 11.

The payment is Mayor Lee Byeong-seon's top campaign pledge. It aims to ease the financial burden on residents struggling with high prices and fuel costs, and to stimulate local spending.

Eligible recipients are residents registered in Sokcho as of June 30, as well as marriage immigrants and permanent residents with a registered address in the city.

The support will be distributed as 200,000 won per person, either as a top-up to the Sokcho Love Gift Voucher CHAK app or as an anonymous prepaid card.

Online applications can be submitted through the Sokcho Love Gift Voucher CHAK app or the Sokcho City Hall website. App applicants must register in advance.

In-person applications can be made at the applicant's neighborhood community center with a valid ID. Those applying on behalf of another person must bring a power of attorney and supporting documents verifying the relationship, such as a family relations certificate.

For elderly residents and people with disabilities who have difficulty visiting in person, community centers will offer a home-visit application service.

The city will designate July 20 through July 31 as a concentrated application period, anticipating heavy demand.

During that period, applications will be accepted on a staggered schedule based on the last digit of the applicant's birth year: those ending in 1 or 6 on Mondays, 2 or 7 on Tuesdays, 3 or 8 on Wednesdays, 4 or 9 on Thursdays, and 5 or 0 on Fridays.

The payments can be used at Sokcho Love Gift Voucher member merchants with annual sales of 3 billion won or less. The spending deadline is Nov. 30, and any unused balance will expire automatically after that date.

Mayor Lee said he hopes the payments will provide real relief to residents facing hardship from high prices and help revitalize local small businesses and neighborhood commercial districts. "We will take careful steps to ensure residents can receive their support quickly and conveniently," he said.

jshan@heraldcorp.com