Yeosu City is launching a special promotional event for its Hometown Love Donation Program to mark the 50-day countdown to the 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition. According to official city announcements, residents and visitors who donate 100,000 won or more to the city can participate in a reward event designed to increase awareness of the upcoming global exhibition.
The initiative leverages the South Korean government’s Hometown Love Donation Program, which allows individuals to donate to local municipalities in exchange for tax credits and regional specialty gifts. Yeosu is using this mechanism to secure financial support and promotional momentum for the 2026 World Island Exhibition, the first event of its kind to focus specifically on the ecological and cultural value of islands.
Donors can contribute through the official “Hometown Love e-Um” website or via mobile banking applications from major financial institutions, including KB Kookmin, Shinhan, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, Hana, and NH Nonghyup. Physical contributions are also accepted at NH Nonghyup bank branches.
Donation Requirements and Reward Mechanism
To qualify for the special event, a minimum contribution of 100,000 won is required. Under the national program’s rules, donors receive a full tax credit for the first 100,000 won of their contribution, effectively making the donation free for the participant while providing the municipality with immediate funds. In addition to the tax benefit, Yeosu provides “thank-you gifts” consisting of local products, which serve as a primary incentive for donors to choose Yeosu over other municipalities.
The city’s strategy ties these donations directly to the 2026 World Island Exhibition. By implementing this event 50 days prior to a key milestone, officials aim to create a digital footprint and a sense of urgency among potential visitors and supporters. The funds raised through the program are earmarked for projects that benefit the local community and the preparation of the exhibition infrastructure.
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition Context
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition is positioned as a global platform to discuss the coexistence of humans and nature within island ecosystems. The event will showcase the unique characteristics of islands not only in South Korea but from across the globe. Yeosu, known for its vast archipelago and maritime history, is utilizing the exhibition to pivot from a traditional tourist destination to a center for environmental and maritime discourse.
The exhibition’s scale involves significant infrastructure development and the curation of international pavilions. By integrating the Hometown Love Donation Program, the city is diversifying its funding streams beyond central government grants and private corporate sponsorships. This approach allows the general public to act as stakeholders in the event’s success.
How to Participate in the Yeosu Donation Event
Individuals wishing to support the event can use the following verified channels:
- Digital Portal: The official Hometown Love e-Um (고향사랑e음) website.
- Banking Apps: Certified apps from KB Kookmin, Shinhan, IBK, Hana, and NH Nonghyup.
- In-Person: Any NH Nonghyup bank branch.
Participants should ensure their donation is registered correctly to be eligible for the special exhibition-related rewards. The city has indicated that these rewards are intended to foster a connection between the donor and the regional identity of Yeosu, encouraging future visits to the 2026 exhibition.
The next confirmed milestone for the city involves the continued rollout of infrastructure projects for the exhibition site. Official updates regarding the specific reward prizes for the 50-day event donors will be released through the Yeosu City official portal.
Do you have a connection to Yeosu or plan to visit the 2026 World Island Exhibition? Share your thoughts in the comments below.