Busan Port Authority said Wednesday it has been carrying out a sharing campaign for local residents and vulnerable groups ahead of the chuseok holiday. [Busan Port Authority]
Busan Port Authority said Wednesday it has been carrying out a sharing campaign for local residents and vulnerable groups ahead of the chuseok holiday. [Busan Port Authority]

Busan Port Authority (BPA) said Wednesday it has been carrying out a series of community-sharing initiatives for the chuseok holiday, distributing Onuri gift vouchers to support vulnerable residents and help boost the local economy.

For this year's chuseok, BPA distributed 30 million won ($22,100) worth of Onuri gift vouchers — a government-backed voucher redeemable at traditional markets and small businesses — to 16 BPA Hope Storehouses and 13 welfare centers and organizations near Busan Port. It also gave 100,000 won in digital Onuri vouchers to each of 14 children enrolled in its sponsorship program, allowing each household to purchase items of their own choosing.

Recipient organizations used the vouchers to buy food and daily necessities based on local residents' needs, while the use of Onuri vouchers also helped drive sales at traditional markets and small businesses.

BPA plans to continue its community giving beyond the holiday season. Through a matching-grant scheme tied to its BPA ESG Week held in September, the authority will match citizen donations of ramyun, instant rice and instant soup, expanding the total to 500 items for distribution.

BPA Hope Storehouse No. 14, operated by the Busan Jung-gu Volunteer Center, plans to channel those goods through the Busan Veterans Affairs Office to veterans and their families in honor of Armed Forces Day on Oct. 1. On Oct. 2, BPA Hope Storehouse No. 10, run by Sinpyeong Sarangchae Senior Welfare Center, will hold a community sharing event in partnership with Sujeong Market, a local traditional market.


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