South Korea's step‑tracking apps reward users with cash for walking

South Korean office workers are using health‑tracking apps that pay small amounts of money for meeting daily step goals. The Sonmok Doctor 9988 platform offers up to 100 won (about 1.9 USD) per day to users who reach the required number of steps.

Kim Hae‑jin, a 40‑year‑old employee, has combined the app with digital‑finance services such as Toss and has accumulated roughly 100,000 won (about 1.9 million VND) over three years, which he spends on everyday items. He monitors his activity with an Apple Watch. Similar micro‑earning schemes, including ad‑viewing rewards and point‑collection programs, are being launched by banks, telecoms and insurers, encouraging many Koreans to walk more and supplement their income amid rising living costs.