Mokpo City Surpasses 100 Million Won in Hometown Love Donations in Just 79 Days

Discovering New Projects and Thoughtfully Selected Return Gifts Drive Success

Mokpo City, Jeonnam (Mayor Park Hongryul) announced on the 21st that the amount raised through the Hometown Love Donation program for 2025 surpassed 100 million KRW as of the 20th.

Now in its third year, the Hometown Love Donation program allows individuals to donate to local governments other than their registered address, receiving tax deductions and return gifts in exchange. In both its first year, 2023, and in 2024, the city exceeded its fundraising goal of 500 million KRW each year, collecting a cumulative total of 1.261 billion KRW in donations.

Mayor Hongryul Park (center) and city officials are conducting a gratitude campaign to celebrate surpassing 100 million won in hometown love donations in 2025. Provided by Mokpo City

This year, Mokpo surpassed the 100 million KRW mark in just 79 days through 958 donations, receiving nationwide support.

Notably, 943 donors, or 98% of all donors, contributed amounts of 100,000 KRW or less, which are eligible for full tax deductions, indicating a healthy culture of small donations. In addition, there were four major donors who contributed over 1 million KRW.

The city attributed this success to the effective implementation of the first Hometown Love Donation-funded project, the "Education Support Project for Youth Preparing for Independence After Leaving Care," as well as the discovery of new projects benefiting various community groups, and the offering of 90 carefully selected return gifts that have resonated with donors.

Furthermore, to promote regional coexistence and overcome the risk of population decline, the city has launched campaigns to encourage participation in the Hometown Love Donation program, not only among public officials but also in collaboration with financial institutions such as Nonghyup and Gwangju Bank, as well as sister cities and other local governments. The city is also actively conducting outreach to promote the program.

Mayor Park Hongryul stated, "Thanks to the heartfelt support from donors last year, we were able to provide educational support to 17 young people preparing for independence after leaving care, helping them take their first steps into society. The accumulated donations will continue to be used in meaningful ways that both donors and local residents can relate to."

Meanwhile, the city plans to implement five Hometown Love Donation projects within the year: continued support for education expenses for youth preparing for independence, the "Dream Study Room" project for group homes, the "Beginner Parent Escape Project," installation of pedestrian safety facilities at crosswalks, and expansion of library collections to meet citizens' reading needs.