Dates: November 12–14, 2026
Location: 107 traditional markets and commercial alleys in Busan (with 87 dedicated refund stations)
Key Benefits: Up to KRW 20,000 refund per person for purchases made at participating stores.

BUSAN — The Busan Metropolitan Government announced that it will host the "2026 Traditional Market Consumption Promotion & Onnuri Gift Certificate Refund Event (Phase 2)" for three days, from November 12 to 14.

Co-hosted by the Busan Economic Promotion Agency and the Busan Federation of Traditional Markets, the upcoming second phase expands participation to 107 traditional markets, neighborhood shopping districts, and alley-type commercial areas across the region. This is an increase from the 99 markets that participated in the first phase held last September, designed to ensure residents can easily access benefits closer to their neighborhoods.

Refund Structure and Guidelines

During the three-day event, shoppers who spend KRW 40,000 or more at participating stores will receive a KRW 10,000 refund, while those who spend KRW 70,000 or more will receive KRW 20,000 back in Onnuri gift certificates on-site. The maximum refund limit is capped at KRW 20,000 per person for the entire event duration.

Receipt Combining: Shoppers can combine multiple receipts issued by participating stores within the same market during the event period. Purchases made across different dates or at separate stalls can be pooled to meet the threshold, though receipts from different markets cannot be combined.
Eligible Purchases: The promotion applies to general retail, wholesale, and food service businesses capable of issuing card sales slips or cash receipts. Unlike past initiatives limited to specific agricultural, livestock, or marine products, the refund covers a wide range of goods and local street foods.
Exclusions: Services such as medical clinics, pharmacies, noraebangs (singing rooms), real estate agencies, as well as entertainment, gaming, and speculative businesses are excluded from the refund program.
How to Identify Participating Stores: Look for the official event sticker displayed at participating vendor stalls. Shoppers must present either a credit/debit card charge slip or a cash receipt issued specifically by these verified vendors at the market's designated refund booth.

Operating Hours and Inquiries

A total of 87 refund stations will operate across the 107 participating markets. While standard operating hours run from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, hours at certain locations may vary (e.g., 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM or 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM) based on market schedules and local commercial traits.

Officials noted that refunds at individual markets may conclude early if allocated Onnuri gift certificates run out. Comprehensive details regarding participating markets and specific station hours are available on the Busan Economic Promotion Agency website (www.bepa.kr under Support Programs > Small Business) or via the dedicated event customer center (☎ 051-781-2437, operating from November 9 to 14).

The initial phase in September drew approximately 64,000 participants across 99 markets, generating roughly KRW 7.1 billion in retail performance. City authorities hope this second installment will further alleviate living cost pressures for citizens, boost merchant revenues, and encourage both new and returning visitors to explore Busan's vibrant traditional markets.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]