Goseong-gun, in South Korea’s Gangwon-do province, is leveraging the burgeoning “Hometown Love Donation System” with a unique Valentine’s Day and White Day promotion. The local government announced plans to host a ‘handmade chocolate gift event’ as part of its efforts to boost participation in the donation program.
The Hometown Love Donation System, launched on , allows individuals to donate to their hometown or any local government of their choosing, receiving tax benefits and return gifts in exchange. The system was created as a response to South Korea’s demographic challenges – a declining birth rate and an aging population – and aims to revitalize local economies.
As of , Goseong-gun had already surpassed a cumulative donation amount of 15.9 million won, demonstrating the early success of the initiative. This figure continued to grow, with the system showing “smooth progress” according to local officials. The appeal isn’t limited to those with direct ties to Goseong-gun. a significant portion of donations have come from individuals with no prior connection to the region.
The popularity of the system is linked, in part, to the attractive return gifts offered by local governments. In Goseong-gun, approximately 70% of donors contributed 100,000 won, likely motivated by the full tax credit benefit available on donations up to that amount. The most popular return gifts were valued around 30,000 won, suggesting donors are prioritizing value and tangible benefits alongside their philanthropic contributions.
The chocolate gift event, timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day and White Day – significant gifting occasions in South Korea – is a creative attempt to further incentivize donations. While details of the event weren’t specified, it highlights the proactive strategies local governments are employing to attract donors and maximize the impact of the Hometown Love Donation System.
Nationally, the Hometown Love Donation System has experienced substantial growth. By , the total amount raised through the system exceeded 150 billion Korean won – the first time this milestone has been reached since the program’s inception. This demonstrates a growing public willingness to support local communities through this innovative donation model.
The success of the system isn’t without its challenges. According to a report by The Beautiful Foundation Center on Philanthropy, local government officials are grappling with the need to develop compelling donation projects and select attractive gifts for donors. This requires a delicate balance between addressing local needs and providing incentives that resonate with potential contributors.
The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. While local governments are responsible for managing the Hometown Love Donation System, private foundations and non-profit organizations possess valuable expertise in addressing regional issues and managing donation funds effectively. Cultivating talent within the private sector, with a deep understanding of local government characteristics and donation culture, is crucial for sustained success.
A study by the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) further underscores the need for increased public awareness of the Hometown Love Donation System. While awareness levels have risen – from 12% in April 2022 to 35% in August 2022 – a significant portion of the population remains uninformed about the program’s details. Active publicity campaigns are essential to raise awareness and encourage participation.
The KREI study also revealed donor preferences regarding donation amounts and return gifts. Nearly half of respondents indicated a willingness to donate 100,000 won or less, and a majority favored community-based gift certificates as return gifts. Over half of those surveyed expressed a desire for their donations to be used to support socially vulnerable groups within their chosen communities.
These findings provide valuable insights for local governments as they design donation projects and select return gifts. Prioritizing community needs and offering practical, locally-focused incentives are key to maximizing the impact of the Hometown Love Donation System.
The recent donation of 6.1 million won by employees of the Dongchangwon Agricultural Cooperative to Goseong County exemplifies the growing momentum behind the program. Chairman Hwang Sung-bo and 60 cooperative employees contributed to support the neighboring region and promote the Hometown Love Donation System, demonstrating a commitment to regional collaboration and economic revitalization.
The Hometown Love Donation System represents a novel approach to addressing the challenges facing local economies in South Korea. By incentivizing donations and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the system has the potential to generate significant benefits for communities across the country. The innovative strategies, such as Goseong-gun’s chocolate gift event, demonstrate a commitment to maximizing participation and ensuring the long-term success of this important initiative.
