Seoul, South Korea – The Hometown Love Donation Campaign, a South Korean government initiative aimed at revitalizing regional economies, has seen a significant surge in donations in its second year.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, a total of 774,000 donations were made to 243 local governments in 2024, amounting to 879.3 billion won (approximately US$665 million). This represents a 35% increase in donations and a 47% increase in the number of donors compared to the previous year.
The data revealed that all 17 provinces and metropolitan cities experienced growth in both donations and the number of donors. Rural areas generally outperformed urban areas, with South Jeolla Province, North Gyeongsang Province, and North Jeolla Province leading in terms of total donations.
A breakdown of donor demographics showed that individuals in their 30s accounted for the largest proportion of donors at 33.2%, followed by those in their 40s and 50s. Notably, the proportion of donors aged 20-30 increased by 7.9 percentage points compared to the previous year.
The campaign has also been effective in promoting regional economic development. The average donation to areas with declining populations was 1.7 times higher than the average for other regions. Furthermore, the designated donation system, which allows donors to specify the use of their contributions, has proven successful in addressing local issues such as supporting youth sports programs and providing disaster relief.
To further promote the campaign, the government plans to increase the annual donation limit per individual from 5 million won to 20 million won, and expand the range of fully tax-deductible donations. Additionally, the number of private platforms for making donations will be increased from 6 to 12.
The Hometown Love Donation Campaign has not only succeeded in generating significant revenue for local governments but has also fostered a sense of community and regional pride among South Koreans.
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