2025 Sangsaeng Payback: A Foreigner's Guide to Getting Money Back

Living in Korea means constantly adapting to new things, from unique cultural norms to government policies. One of the most recent and exciting developments is the "2025 Sangsaeng Payback Program" (상생페이백). This is a government initiative designed to give back to consumers while stimulating the economy.

And here's the best part: it’s not just for Koreans. If you're a foreigner with a valid ARC (Alien Registration Card), you can also apply and get a significant amount of money back on your credit and debit card spending. Think of it as a special cashback program for a limited time.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this program, from eligibility and application steps to how to use the cashback. We'll go beyond the basics to help you maximize your benefits and get the most out of your everyday spending. Let’s dive in and make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Are You Eligible? Check Your Qualifications

The great news about the 2025 Sangsaeng Payback Program is that it's open to most people living in Korea, including foreigners. But there are a few simple conditions you need to meet to be eligible.

• You Must Be an Adult: You have to be at least 19 years old. This is based on the Korean legal age.

• You Must Be a Resident: You need to be a Korean citizen or a foreign resident with a valid Alien Registration Card (ARC). The system uses your resident registration number (or ARC number) to track your spending, so this is a must-have.

• You Must Have Used a Korean Card Last Year: The program compares your spending this year (September to November 2025) to your average monthly spending last year (2024). This means you must have a history of using a domestic credit or debit card issued by a Korean bank.

The government has allocated a specific budget for this program, and the cashback is given on a first-come, first-served basis. This is why it's so important to apply as soon as the application period opens in September.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Sangsaeng Payback

Applying for the program is surprisingly easy. You only need to register once, and the system will automatically track your spending for the three-month period. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: Get Ready

Make sure you have your Alien Registration Card ready. You will also need a mobile phone registered under your name and a valid public certificate (공인인증서) or a bank-issued verification method for identity authentication.

Step 2: Visit the Official Website

On September 15, 2025, visit the official website for the program: 상생페이백.kr. The website will be in Korean, so it's a good idea to use a browser with a built-in translation feature.

Step 3: Agree to the Terms and Conditions

Once on the website, you will see a page with the program's terms and conditions. Click the checkboxes to agree to all the terms, as you cannot proceed without agreeing.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

This is the most critical step. You will be asked to verify your identity. The most common methods are:

• Mobile Phone Verification: If your phone is registered under your name and ARC number, you can verify your identity with a simple text message.

• Bank-issued Public Certificate: If you have a public certificate from your bank, you can use it to log in and confirm your identity.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After successful identity verification, you will see a final application page. The system will automatically pull your name and ARC number. Simply review the information and click the final "Submit" button. You’re done! You only need to do this once.

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Maximizing Your Cashback: Expert Tips for Foreigners

Just applying for the program isn’t enough. To truly get the most out of it, you need to understand how the system works and adjust your spending strategy.

Tip 1: Understand Where to Spend Your Money

The program is designed to boost small businesses. This means spending at large supermarkets, department stores, and major online shopping malls will not count towards your increased spending. Instead, focus on these places:

• Traditional Markets (전통시장): These are the prime targets for the program. Buying your groceries and household items here will contribute significantly.

• Small Local Restaurants and Cafes: Instead of going to big chain coffee shops or fast-food joints, try out a local neighborhood restaurant.

• Local Shops: Any small, independent shop, from a stationery store to a neighborhood bakery, is likely to be a participating business.

Tip 2: Your Spending from All Cards Will Be Combined

You don't need to use just one card. The system automatically combines your spending from all credit and debit cards registered under your name and ARC number. This makes it easy to track your total spending without having to juggle different cards.

Tip 3: Don’t Miss the Bonus Lottery!

This is a detail many people miss. For every ₩50,000 you spend at a participating small business during the program period, you get one automatic entry into the "Sangsaeng Consumption Lottery" (상생소비복권). The total prize money is ₩1 billion, with 2,025 winners. The best part? If you spend in non-metropolitan areas (outside of Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon), you have a higher chance of winning a top prize.

Tip 4: Use Your Digital Onnuri Gift Certificates Wisely

Your cashback won’t be in cash. It will be issued as digital Onnuri Gift Certificates (온누리상품권). These are digital vouchers that can be used like cash at traditional markets and small local shops. To use them, you’ll need an app that supports them, such as Zero Pay (제로페이). Make sure you have the app ready so you can use your cashback easily.

the status, not the visa sticker itself.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need to apply for each month (September, October, and November)?

No, you only need to apply once on the official website. The system will then automatically track your eligible spending for all three months and calculate your cashback.

Q2. What types of spending are NOT included in the calculation?

Spending at large supermarkets (like E-Mart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart), major department stores, and certain franchise headquarters-owned outlets are generally excluded. The program is specifically for small, local businesses. Spending at online shopping malls is also not included.