Gyeongju City Sees Over 200 Million Won in Donations on First Day of "Temperature Tower of Love" Unveiling... Hyundai Steel Industry No.1 Donates 20 Million Won

Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign Runs Through January 31 Next Year
Recognition as Top Neighborly Assistance Institution in North Gyeongsang Strengthens City’s Reputation

The installation of the "Temperature Tower of Love," which marks the beginning of winter sharing, is spreading a spirit of giving throughout Gyeongju.

On the morning of December 1, Gyeongju City held an unveiling ceremony for the Temperature Tower of Love at the 1918 Plaza of the Gyeongju Culture Center, under the slogan "Giving That Brings More Happiness, Changing Gyeongju Through Giving," officially launching the Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign.

Officials from Gyeongju City and local organizations are taking a commemorative photo in front of the 'Temperature Tower of Love,' the symbol of the Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign. Donations of over 200 million won in cash and goods were made on the first day. Photo by Gyeongju City

This campaign runs from December 1 to January 31 of the following year, aiming to promote a culture of sharing and encourage participation in donations throughout the region.

In November, the city was selected as the top institution for neighborly assistance in North Gyeongsang Province.

Alongside the successful hosting of the APEC Summit, Gyeongju is also enhancing its reputation as a "City of Noblesse Oblige."

Over 100 people attended the unveiling ceremony, including Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nakyoung; Lee Donghyup, Chair of the City Council; Lee Sangchun, the first Honor Society member; Lee Sanggeol, Chairman of the Gyeongju Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Kim Jaehun, Head of the Gyeongju Love Fruit Volunteer Corps; as well as volunteers, outstanding donors, and representatives of social organizations. After the unveiling, attendees participated in a donation relay.

On the first day, Honor Society members and local businesses and organizations joined the donation relay, resulting in over 200 million won in cash and goods being collected.

Donations from Honor Society members included: Lee Sangchun of Hyundai Steel Industry, 20 million won; Hwang Taeuk of Yeongyang Charcoal Barbecue, 10 million won; Kim Manseok of Bike One, 5 million won; Lee Jaewon of Snack Workshop, 10 million won; Baek Seungyeop of Daeseung Group, 10 million won; and Kim Ilja of Nawonsanup, 20 million won.

Companies and organizations also contributed: Millennium Future Forum donated goods worth 30 million won; Gyeongju City Oedong Industrial Complex Association, 32 million won; and the Gyeongbuk Women Entrepreneurs Association Gyeongju Branch, 10 million won.

Additionally, Hwangnam Bread donated 10 million won; Lee Sangbok Gyeongju Bread, 10 million won; and the Gyeongju City Daycare Association, 6.7 million won. Hwangseong Newspaper, NH Nonghyup Bank Gyeongju Branch, IM Bank Gyeongju Office, Cheonma Electric, Korea Association of Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises Gyeongju Branch, and Baekbeon Advertisement each contributed 5 million won.

Furthermore, Kyochon Costume Room, Hyundai Motor Shilla Branch, and Bluebird Event Planning each donated 3 million won; the Gyeongju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Korea Singers Association Gyeongju Branch, and Korea Rural Leaders Gyeongju City Federation each gave 2 million won; and Keimyung University Gyeongju Dongsan Hospital donated 1 million won, all joining the sharing initiative.

During the Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign, Gyeongju City plans to offer various donation methods, including bank transfers, ARS, and QR codes, while also strengthening publicity through banners, social media, and the city website.

Mayor Joo Nakyoung stated, "Being selected as the top institution for neighborly assistance is the result of citizens' warm interest and participation. The commitment to giving shown by local institutions, businesses, shops, and citizens, even in challenging circumstances, exemplifies the dignity of Gyeongju, which successfully hosted APEC."

The city plans to continue expanding the local donation culture through various sharing programs, including the Honor Society, prestigious companies, sharing leaders, and Good Stores, Good Families, and Good Workplaces.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.