Recovery payouts for small business owners who suffered damage from the COVID-19 pandemic will begin next week.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said on Thursday that payouts to one-point-78 million businesses will start next Tuesday.

Eligible businesses are those that adhered to the government's operation bans and restrictions between August 16 last year and July 6 this year, or are facing management crisis after suffering big losses in sales last year. 

Those forced to shut down for six weeks or longer can receive up to 20 million won, while those that shut down for less than that can get up to 14 million won.

Restricted businesses that adhered to quarantine measures for 13 weeks or longer are eligible for a maximum of nine million won.