Interior ministry to host hometown love festival with local gift showcase

The interior ministry said Thursday it will host the 2026 Hometown Love Festa on September 19 and 20 at the aT Center in Yangjae, southern Seoul. The event marks the fourth year of the hometown love donation system and aims to share its achievements with the public while introducing regional return gifts and local attractions.

Visitors can explore booths operated by local governments to view specialty products and learn about designated donation projects. The Korea Local Tax Research Institute, Korean Society of Tax Consultants, and Korea Local Finance Mutual Aid Association will join the ministry and local authorities in participating.

Donors contributing 100,000 won or more enter a lucky draw for gift certificates valued at 100,000 won, 30,000 won or 10,000 won. A stamp tour linking ministry and local government booths will award key rings and picnic mats to early completers each day.

The opening day features an appointment ceremony for seven chefs and a special cooking show led by Chef Jung Chan-hee, providing attendees with tasting opportunities. Local governments will also prepare experience programs for families and individual visitors.

A Korea-Japan international seminar will discuss sustainable development strategies for the donation system. Professors Ohira Shuji from Musashi University and Sakaimachi Town Mayor Hashimoto Masahiro will deliver keynote speeches on Japanese hometown tax cases and regional revitalization. Experts from academia and domestic sectors will join discussions to share policy implications from both countries.

Kim Min-jae, vice minister of the interior and safety, said the festa offers a chance to see attractive return gifts and success stories from local governments in one place. He added that he hopes families and friends will visit over the weekend to discover new regional charms and deepen their understanding of the program.