Seoul Started Expanding the Discount Program Up to 500 won for Personal Cup Use
- Dogeon Lim
- May 21
- 1 min read
May 21, 2026
Doyoung Lim
Seoul expanded its discount program for customers bringing their own cups to cafes starting from Monday, as it applies to more stores to promote using reusable cups and eco-friendly habits. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, customers using their own cups at participating cafes can save at least 500 won per drink, with stores discounting a minimum of 100 won and the city affording 400 won.
Starting this year, Seoul has eliminated the Seoul Pay membership requirement, offering participation to a broader range of stores, including cafes and restaurants. At the locations with Seoul Payment Membership, customers can find and choose the affiliated stores and get points rewarded on the application. To encourage public participation, Seoul will encourage stores to hold a monthly "Tumbler Day,” where customers can bring their reusable cups and receive an additional 2,500 won discount per drink up to 50 drinks per day.
The official said that the information about the events at stores can be found on the Seoul city website and the application. Stores such as snack bars, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes are eligible to apply for the registration. Participating stores are required to offer at least a 100 won discount on their own, and the payment system must apply the discount immediately during the payment.
According to the director of the city’s Climate and Environment Department, reducing just one disposable product we use every day can reduce the annual consumption of disposable products and make the city a plastic-free community. The government will continuously encourage stores and people to participate in these eco-friendly events in the upcoming days.
