South Korea Raises $306M in Two Months for Charity

South Koreans opened their hearts and wallets this winter, donating over $306 million in just two months to help those in need. The Community Chest of Korea's annual charity campaign exceeded its 450 billion won target, proving that generosity still thrives even in challenging times.

The campaign ran from December 1, 2025, through early January 2026, using a creative "thermometer of love" display at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to track progress. Each time donations reached 1 percent of the goal, the giant thermometer rose by one degree.

On January 11, the thermometer climbed past 100°C as the campaign achieved its full target. By the next day, it had reached 103.9°C, showing that Koreans weren't content with just meeting the goal.

The Community Chest of Korea coordinates the annual campaign to support vulnerable populations throughout the country. The funds collected will help families facing hardship, elderly citizens, children in need, and others requiring community support.

The Ripple Effect

This massive outpouring of generosity will touch countless lives across South Korea in the coming year. When over 300 million dollars flows into community programs, entire neighborhoods transform.

The success of the campaign shows how collective action creates real change. Thousands of individual donations, from small contributions to major gifts, added up to something extraordinary.

The visible thermometer display turned charitable giving into a shared national experience. Passersby in Seoul could watch their community's generosity literally rise before their eyes, creating momentum that carried the campaign beyond its goal.

This year's achievement continues South Korea's strong tradition of community support and mutual care. When neighbors help neighbors, everyone rises together.