467.69 Million KRW Raised, 2nd Highest in the Province
Nationwide Hometown Geochang Residents' Love Bears Fruit
Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam Province announced on the 9th that the ‘Hometown Love Donation System,’ which has been in effect since last year, raised 467.69 million KRW, far exceeding the 2023 target of 250 million KRW, thanks to active participation from hometown residents and sister cities, achieving the second-highest fundraising rank among local governments in the province.
This result comes from promptly responding to the implementation of the hometown donation system by establishing ordinances and laying the institutional foundation, as well as dedicating efforts to active promotion and the composition of return gifts. Additionally, it is an achievement enhanced by the enthusiastic participation of patriotic hometown residents nationwide and sister cities.
A total of 3,540 people participated in the Geochang-gun Hometown Love Donation System, of whom 3,033 people, accounting for 85%, donated 100,000 KRW, and 48 donors contributed over 1 million KRW, totaling 143.1 million KRW. Due to steady promotion from the beginning of the year, the discovery of additional return gifts, and concentrated promotion at the end of the year, the number of donors surged in the second half.
Moreover, sales of return gifts such as apples, sesame oil, Hadei rice, local specialty products, and Geochang Love Gift Certificates exceeded 120 million KRW, contributing to the income of local farms and revitalization of the regional economy.
Since the hometown love donation system was first implemented last year, the county focused on promoting understanding of the system and donation methods. They produced and distributed promotional materials such as leaflets, promotional videos, and wet tissues, and actively conducted promotional activities at national festival venues and other events.
During the summer vacation season, when tourists concentrate, and the Geochang International Theater Festival period, the county collaborated with local organizations such as the Nonghyup Geochang Branch and Geochang Saemaul Association to carry out focused promotional activities targeting tourists under the slogan ‘Small Sharing, Great Heart.’
As a result of showcasing various return gifts filled with Geochang’s sincerity, sales of return gifts exceeded 120 million KRW in 2023, significantly contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.
Initially, return gifts started with nine items such as Korean beef and mixed grains, but through the discovery of diverse return gifts and active participation of local companies, the items now include not only agricultural specialty products but also processed foods and tourism services, with 28 companies and 25 items registered.
Geochang-gun plans to set the fund operation direction of the hometown love donation fund into short-, medium-, and long-term goals. For the first three years, the initial implementation phase, the focus will be on increasing donors by promoting projects targeting local elders and children who are family members of hometown residents. In the future, the plan is to diversify into projects linked to core regional businesses, governance operation, and expansion of the resident population.
This year, as fund projects, the county plans to promote the ‘Future Talent Development Program that Blossoms Students’ Hopes’ and the ‘Geochang Our Neighborhood Study Room’ project, which are fitting for the status of an educational city and aim to instill love and pride for the region among students.
County Governor Gu In-mo said, “Exceeding the target for the Hometown Love Donation System is the fruit of the love and support for Geochang from donors nationwide, including hometown residents. I thank everyone who participated, and we will use this grateful sentiment and intention meaningfully for projects that build the future of Geochang-gun.”
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