Discover How Hwacheon County’s Military Incentive Program is Boosting Local Businesses

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Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province runs an annual “Preferential Business Development and Incentive Support Program for Military Personnel” to bolster local small businesses and encourage spending by service members.
  On the 14th, the county said the program refunds about 20% of purchases made at participating businesses to enlisted service members (excluding noncommissioned and commissioned officers) in the form of Hwacheon Love gift certificates (화천사랑상품권).

Starting next month, enlisted personnel will apply for the refund to Hwacheon County using a QR code. The refunded Hwacheon Love gift certificates must be spent within the local community.

More than 270 participating businesses currently operate in the area, including restaurants, bakeries, lodging and guesthouses, barbers and salons, PC cafes, and butcher shops.

Merchants participating in the program have become known among service members as discount destinations and report measurable increases in sales. The program’s impact has been tangible.

Hwacheon County refunded 403,000,000 won (about $302,250) on 39,086 claims in 2023; 432,250,000 won (about $324,188) on 47,669 claims in 2024; and 523,680,000 won (about $392,760) on 58,778 claims in 2025. The three-year total reached 1,356,000,000 won (about $1,017,000).

Service members have also supported the community through a variety of volunteer activities.

Units based in Hwacheon provided civilian assistance with 591 personnel (80 missions) in 2022; 920 personnel (118 missions) in 2023; 630 personnel (86 missions) in 2024; and 532 personnel (79 missions) in 2025.

County Governor Choi Moon-soon said, “The service and support provided by the troops stationed in Hwacheon have been a great help to residents. We will continue our efforts to strengthen civilian-military cooperation.”