'We will build a local economy where residents and small businesses thrive together'
Paju, led by Mayor Son Bae-chan, is accepting applications for its second-half "good price" business designation program through Aug. 24, aimed at stabilizing local prices and supporting the everyday economy.
Good price businesses offer services at prices lower than those of nearby competitors, contributing to price stability in the community. The city selects participants through a comprehensive evaluation of price levels, hygiene and cleanliness, in accordance with designation criteria set by the Ministry of Interior and Safety. Paju currently has 82 designated good price businesses and plans to expand that number to 91 by the end of this year.
Eligible applicants are personal service businesses — including restaurants, hair and beauty salons, and lodging establishments — that were operating in Paju as of Tuesday. However, businesses that received administrative sanctions or fines within the past two years, those with three or more instances of unpaid local taxes or outstanding tax arrears of 1 million won ($704) or more, businesses that have been in operation for less than six months, and franchise operators are not eligible.
Interested businesses must submit an application form, a consent form for the collection and use of personal information, and a copy of their business registration certificate. Applications can be submitted in person at the Livelihood Economy Division, by mail to 50 Siheong-ro, Paju, or by email. Further details are available on the official Paju city website under the notices and announcements section.
Businesses selected after review will receive an official good price certification plaque, along with operational supplies suited to their business type and support for public utility costs. Paju plans to actively promote participating businesses through city publicity channels, the good price business website, Naver Maps, Kakao Map and T map, making it easy for residents to find and use them.
Yun Eun-ju, head of the Livelihood Economy Division, said the program is "a community-oriented policy that eases the cost-of-living burden on residents and contributes to local price stability," adding that the city would "build a local economic environment where residents and small business owners thrive together through the discovery of outstanding businesses and meaningful support."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
