South Korea Distributes 150,000 Won Cash to Citizens July 21 for Economic Boost

Imagine your government just deciding to put money directly into people’s pockets. Not a loan, not a rebate, but straight-up cash. That’s the bold move coming from the South Korean government this summer. Starting July 21st, every citizen will begin receiving a portion of a massive nationwide cash handout.

President Lee Jae-myung’s government hopes this strategy will give the economy a much-needed jolt. It’s a direct effort to get people spending again. This ambitious plan comes from a special supplementary budget. Lawmakers and the cabinet gave it the green light on July 4th. The total budget for this initiative is a hefty 31.8 trillion Korean Won, which is about 865 billion Thai Baht.

Under the first phase of this program, every South Korean citizen living in the country as of June 18, 2025, will get 150,000 Won. That’s roughly 4,050 Thai Baht per person. People can choose how they want to receive the money. Options include loading it onto their credit or debit cards, getting a prepaid card, or receiving local government electronic coupons.

But the help doesn’t stop there. The government is giving extra support to those who need it most. Low-income families and single-parent households will receive an additional 300,000 Won, about 8,100 Thai Baht. Citizens receiving basic welfare benefits will see an extra 400,000 Won, which is around 10,800 Thai Baht. If you live outside the bustling Seoul metropolitan area, including places like Gyeonggi and Incheon provinces, you’ll get an additional 30,000 Won, roughly 810 Thai Baht. People living in 84 specific rural and fishing communities, where populations are shrinking, will receive a bonus of 50,000 Won, or about 1,350 Thai Baht.

Not everyone living in the country qualifies. Foreigners are generally not included. However, there are exceptions for permanent residents, those married to South Korean citizens, and recognized refugees.

The first phase of payouts will run for eight weeks, wrapping up by September 12, 2025. Citizens can choose their preferred payment method through local government websites and apps. Kim Min-jae, the Deputy Minister of Interior and head of the special task force for this program, stated the government will roll out this measure carefully. He believes it will truly boost the economy and help struggling families.

Looking ahead, there’s a second round planned. It will happen between September 22 and October 31, 2025. During this phase, the top 90% of income earners in the country will get another 100,000 Won, approximately 2,700 Thai Baht. The details for eligibility in this second round will be based on health insurance premium data and will be announced closer to September.

Source: Yonhap News Agency