July Is a Big Month for Korea’s Social Economy: Here’s Why

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A scene from the 2024 Social Enterprise Day ceremony held last year. 'Dream With Ensemble,' an arts group composed of musicians with developmental disabilities, performed a celebratory piece. Dream With Ensemble is a social cooperative.(Photo by Milly)


 Starting in July each year, Korea’s social economy becomes increasingly active with a range of events, forums, and expos. From the bustling summer months to the colorful autumn season, the sector is filled with opportunities for connection and collaboration. These gatherings serve as vibrant festivals where social economy stakeholders from Korea and abroad network, share insights, explore trends, and promote meaningful business partnerships.


First Week of July: Social Economy Week

 

The Korean has designated July 1st as “Social Enterprise Day” to promote the work of social enterprises. Moreover, the period from July 1st to 6th is recognized as Social Economy Week, during which various programs and activities take place nationwide to raise awareness and support for the sector.


In 2025, Korea will once again celebrate Social Enterprise Day with an official ceremony and several side events. Examples include:

 

✅Networking for outstanding enterprises recognized by the Social Value Index (SVI)

✅Exhibitions of best practices and products from social enterprises 

✅Forums, conferences, and academic events on integrated care and policy innovation


Additionally, smaller-scale events will be held in different regions to celebrate and highlight locally rooted social economy efforts.

 

First Saturday of July: International Day of Cooperatives “Celebrated in Korea Too”

 

Since 1923, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has designated the first Saturday of July as the International Day of Cooperatives. Korea joins in this global celebration by organizing annual events to commemorate the occasion. In 2025, the day falls on Saturday, July 5.

 

What makes this year even more special is that the United Nations (UN) has declared 2025 the 2nd International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025). To mark this, Korea will host a dedicated Cooperative Week featuring:

 

✅July 3 (Morning): Official celebration ceremony

✅July 3 (Afternoon): IYC2025 academic and policy conference

 

Key topics will include an assessment of Korea’s Framework Act on Cooperatives, and discussions on solidarity and cooperation among cooperatives.

 

A Rich Lineup of Events in the Fall

 

The buzz that begins in July carries through into the fall with an exciting lineup of social economy events across Korea. Noteworthy events include:

 

👆 August 25~26

2nd Korea Social Value Festa with SOVAC

(SOVAC is Korea’s largest social impact and social economy festival, launched in 2019.)

 

-Insight-sharing for a sustainable future

-Business networking focused on collaboration, investment, and support

 -Exhibition booths featuring initiatives that address social issues

 -Social value marketplace and lecture programs

(The event reflects key trends in the impact sector and is highly popular among stakeholders.)


👆September 12~13

2025 Gyeonggi-do Social Economy Expo

 

👆September 26~28

2nd Incheon Social Economy Expo

 

👆October 24~25

7th Korea Social Economy Expo (Hosted in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do)

 

These expos welcome the general public, aspiring entrepreneurs, and international guests alike. If you’re interested in Korea’s social economy and impact ecosystem, I highly recommend visiting in person to feel the energy for yourself.

 

I’ll be attending some of the major events myself and will share behind-the-scenes stories and reflections right here on the blog.

 

 

 

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