"So Realistic It Might Even Smell Fishy"... Wando Donation Thank-You Gift Abalone Cushion Goes Viral

Wando Hometown Love Donation Gifts
"Gross" or "Fun"? Mixed Reactions Online

The abalone-themed thank-you gifts from Wando County in South Jeolla Province, offered through the Hometown Love Donation Program-where individuals donate to their hometowns and local governments use the funds for resident welfare-are drawing attention. Donors can receive benefits such as tax deductions and thank-you gifts, and donations are allowed to any local government except for the donor's registered place of residence (both basic and metropolitan municipalities). The annual donation limit is 20 million won.

Abalone cushion gift received when donating abalone to Wando County through the Hometown Love Donation Program. / Hometown Love e-Eum, online community screenshot

The thank-you gifts from Wando County mainly feature abalone, a local specialty. Other options include live abalone, semi-dried fish sets, and experiences such as the Pony Healing Experience, where participants can feed animals including ponies.

Among these, the "Wando Abalone Mini Cushion & Keyring Set" has been attracting particular interest. The items are so realistic in appearance that it is difficult to distinguish them from actual abalone. The product description notes, "At first glance, you'll be surprised; look closely and you'll grow fond of it; give it a hug and you'll fall in love."

Online posts from people who donated to Wando and received the abalone cushion set have also generated a strong response. One user shared, "I donated to Wando through the Hometown Love Donation Program and received the abalone keyring and cushion. They're even more 'real' than I expected-it's almost absurd," along with photos of the actual items.

The photos show the abalone shell glistening as if real water droplets are present. The unique color combination and barnacle-like details are visible. The body of the cushion also features patterns and parts resembling the abalone's muscle, mantle, and radula.

Abalone cushion thank-you gift received when donating abalone to Wando County through the Hometown Love Donation Program. Screenshot from an online community.

Online users have shown a range of reactions, commenting, "It seems like more thought went into this than ordinary, generic thank-you gifts," "It's so realistic, but I think it'll be funny and entertaining to use," "Are they really giving out actual abalone?" and "It looks like it might even smell fishy."