Wando Healing Pay: Revitalizing the Local Economy and Spreading Warmth Through Sharing

11 Benevolent Companion Businesses Donate 100 Electric Fans

Wando County in South Jeolla Province is ambitiously promoting the local currency "Wando Healing Pay" ahead of the "2025 Year of Visiting Wando." The initiative is not only revitalizing the local economy but is also extending a warm helping hand to marginalized neighbors.

On July 22, Wando County announced that a goods delivery ceremony for vulnerable groups was held, attended by County Governor Shin Woo-cheol and representatives of benevolent companion businesses participating in the "Wando Healing Pay" project. The donated items consisted of 100 electric fans, valued at 6 million won, which were purchased using a portion of the sales generated through "Wando Healing Pay."

Representatives of benevolent companion businesses participating in the Wando Healing Pay project held a goods delivery ceremony for Wando County and vulnerable groups. Photo by Wando County

This sharing initiative involved 11 businesses, including Dalsweet, Daehanmulsan, Rivera Pension, Anaeui Jeongwon, Wando Hoe Town, Cheonjiga Jeonbok, Danurim Memorial Shop, Donggoriui Achim, Segyero Susan, Wando Eojeon, and EMP Design. These "benevolent companion businesses" voluntarily offer a 10% discount when tourists use "Wando Healing Pay" at their stores and take the lead in returning a portion of their sales to the local community.

Governor Shin Woo-cheol stated, "I sincerely thank the small business owners for voluntarily practicing sharing despite challenging economic conditions. The accumulation of such gratitude will help Wando grow into a healthy and happy community."

The county regards this event not as a one-off, but as the first step in a "benevolent circular economy" led by small business participation, and plans to establish it as a sustainable sharing model.

As of the end of June, a total of 9,320 teams had participated in "Wando Healing Pay," with cumulative spending reaching approximately 3.3 billion won. Of this amount, more than 2.58 billion won was spent within the local community.

Going forward, the county plans to continue using "Wando Healing Pay" as a focal point to not only boost the local economy but also spread a culture of warmth and community.