The Ministry of the Interior and Safety noted that the total amount raised through the hometown love donation system in the first quarter of this year was 18.35 billion won. This is a 93% increase compared to the same period last year (9.47 billion won).
Additionally, the number of hometown love donations in the first quarter of this year also increased to 153,000 cases, up 125% from last year's first quarter (68,000 cases).
By region, all 17 cities and provinces saw an increase in the amount raised compared to the first quarter of last year. Gyeongbuk had the highest amount at 5.64 billion won, which is about four times more than the previous year, with the highest growth rate.
A Ministry of the Interior and Safety official said, “Donations have significantly increased in regions severely affected by wildfires in March, such as Uiseong County and Yeongdeok County.” The number of donations in Gyeongbuk during the first quarter was 47,855 cases, which is more than five times higher than last year's first quarter (9,343 cases).
In terms of donation amounts, donations under 100,000 won accounted for 96.8%, the highest proportion. The share of donations under 100,000 won has continued to rise, starting from 94.4% in 2023 and 96.3% last year. Donations are becoming more mainstream.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will promote improvements in donation convenience to ensure that hometown love donations continue to increase. Plans are in place to open additional private platforms for making hometown love donations during the first half of the year to further expand donation opportunities.
Deputy Minister Kim Min-jae said, “We will continue to work hard to improve donation convenience and the process for applying for thank-you gifts, so that the goodwill of the public becomes a significant impetus for revitalizing local areas.”
Meanwhile, the hometown love donation system allows individuals to donate to local governments outside of their residence. It was introduced in 2023. Individuals can donate up to 20 million won annually, with full tax credits for amounts up to 100,000 won, and a 16.5% tax credit for amounts exceeding that. Additionally, donors can receive thank-you gifts from the local governments to which they donated, within a 30% limit of their donation amount.