As demand for Onnuri gift certificate payments is expected to rise ahead of Chuseok, some affiliated stores must complete renewal procedures before their registration validity period expires. Failure to apply within the deadline will result in the termination of affiliate status, preventing stores from accepting Onnuri gift certificate payments.

The Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Office of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it will begin accepting renewal applications starting July 19, 2026, as the first validity period expiration dates for Onnuri gift certificate affiliated stores approach.

Renewal Eligibility

Onnuri gift certificate affiliated stores are granted a validity period of three years from the date of registration. This renewal cycle applies to stores whose affiliate validity periods begin expiring sequentially from October 19, 2026, which includes stores registered on or before October 19, 2023.

To maintain affiliate status after the validity period ends, stores must have their eligibility re-verified according to the revised registration criteria and pass a renewal review before expiration.

Application Method and Period

Store owners can check whether they are eligible for renewal and their expiration date by logging into the Onnuri Gift Certificate Affiliate Store Platform and selecting the 'Affiliate Validity Period Renewal' option under the 'Affiliate Information' menu. Applications can be submitted online after identity verification, without the need for separate account registration.

Renewal applications can be submitted starting three months before the validity period expiration date, and no later than 10 days prior to expiration. For example, a store whose validity period expires on October 19, 2026, must apply between July 19 and October 9.

Business owners who have difficulty applying online can prepare the relevant documents and apply in person at the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Office of SMEs and Startups or by mail.

Required Documents

When applying for renewal, applicants must submit the Onnuri Gift Certificate Affiliate Store Renewal Application Form and a business registration certificate. Additionally, one of the following documents — the 2025 Value-Added Tax Taxable Base Certificate, the Value-Added Tax Exempt Business Income Certificate, or the Standard Financial Statement Certificate — must be provided, along with interior and exterior photos of the store.

Renewal Restrictions

Submitting a renewal application does not guarantee automatic extension for all affiliated stores. Under the revised standards of the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on the Promotion of Traditional Markets and Shopping Districts, renewal may be restricted for businesses that fall under prohibited categories or whose annual sales exceed 3 billion won.

Importance Ahead of the Chuseok Holiday

If affiliate status expires during the period when more consumers are seeking to use Onnuri gift certificates around the Chuseok holiday, payments may be declined at the point of sale. For affiliated stores, this could result in missing out on gift certificate sales during the peak holiday season, making it important to check validity periods in advance.

The Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Office plans to provide guidance on renewal eligibility and procedures via text messages and the Onnuri Gift Certificate Affiliate Store Platform. However, rather than waiting for a notification, eligible stores are advised to check their expiration date and application period directly on the platform to be safe.

This notice pertains solely to the renewal procedures for existing affiliated stores and does not concern Onnuri gift certificate purchase discount rates or consumer refund promotions. The schedule for discounted Onnuri gift certificate sales during Chuseok and purchase limits should be confirmed through separate government announcements.

[This article was generated with the assistance of AI. This article is general information based on the Onnuri Gift Certificate Affiliate Store Validity Period Renewal guidance from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Office of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Expiration dates, required documents, and renewal eligibility may vary depending on individual business circumstances, so please verify through the Onnuri Gift Certificate Affiliate Store Platform or your jurisdiction's Regional Office of SMEs and Startups.]