Geumcheon-gu launches boys and girls choir with hometown love fund

Geumcheon-gu is establishing the Geumcheon District Boys and Girls Choir as the first project funded through its hometown love donation program.

The district has accumulated 180 million won ($136,000) in its hometown love fund since 2023 and will invest the proceeds in the community's future. The choir is intended to nurture the emotional development and cultural and artistic abilities of local children and teenagers.

The district also plans to link the new ensemble with the existing Geumcheon District Women's Choir and Geumcheon District Senior Choir, enabling intergenerational performances and broader arts programming across the community.

The district added that 15 of Seoul's 25 autonomous districts already operate a boys and girls or children's choir, a factor that informed the decision.

Recruitment is currently open for choir members, an accompanist and instructors. The district is seeking 42 singers across six voice parts: soprano, tenor, mezzo-soprano, baritone, alto and bass.

Children and teenagers between the ages of 7 and 19 — from first grade of elementary school through the final year of high school — who have a talent for singing and an interest in choral music are eligible to apply, provided they are registered residents of Geumcheon-gu or enrolled in a school within the district. Applications must be submitted by email by Friday; the application form is available on the Geumcheon-gu website.

Selected members and instructors will rehearse regularly and perform at a range of venues, including the Geumnare Art Hall concert series, local festivals and national choral competitions.

The district also encouraged residents to participate in the hometown love donation program. Under the system, individuals who donate to a local government other than their registered place of residence receive tax deductions and thank-you gifts. Anyone may donate up to 20 million won per year. Donations up to 100,000 won ($75) qualify for a full tax deduction; amounts between 100,000 won and 200,000 won receive a 44 percent deduction. Donors also receive thank-you gifts worth up to 30 percent of their contribution. Donations can be made through the Hometown Love e-eum platform or at any Nonghyup bank branch nationwide.

Geumcheon-gu District Mayor Choi Ki-chan said it was meaningful that donors' generosity had translated into the district's very first project nurturing children's dreams. "We will remember the hearts of those who love this community and actively pursue policies for Geumcheon's future," he said.