Celebrating the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives in Korea

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(Photo by Milly) 

This year (2025) marks the second International Year of Cooperatives designated by the United Nations. The first was in 2012, so it’s been 14 years since the last one. To commemorate this, cooperative members from all over Korea came together. A heartwarming ceremony was held, along with a policy and academic conference exploring how cooperatives can help solve critical social issues in Korea today, plus a flea market that offered plenty to see and enjoy.

 

In particular, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) designates the first Saturday of July as the International Day of Cooperatives, and since Korea passed its Cooperative Framework Act in 2012, it has also celebrated Cooperative Day on the same day and designated the first week of July as Cooperative Week, during which various events are held.

 

Award ceremony honoring organizations and individuals for their contributions to the growth of cooperatives. (Photo by Milly)  

Cooperatives: playing a key role in solving social issues

 

As mentioned earlier, after Korea enacted its cooperative legislation in 2012, about 27,000 cooperatives have been established—a sign of rapid growth. These cooperatives are not only creating jobs but also contributing to community restoration and resolving local issues.

 

A performance held in celebration of cooperative development. (Photo by Milly) 

On July 3rd, cooperative members who have quietly fulfilled their roles in their respective fields gathered at the Cooperative Week event. Since everyone lives such busy lives, it’s rare for them to meet, but on this day, they exchanged greetings, enjoyed long conversations, and shared laughter. I, too, found myself smiling naturally in the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

 

Notably, since President Lee Jae-myung was elected as Korea’s 21st president, policy directions and the overall social climate have been shifting. The head of the Presidential Policy Planning Committee, newly established to ensure effective governance and national planning, even visited the event to show support. (This committee chairperson has long been interested in the social economy and understands its value and positive impact on Korean society.😎)

 

A congratulatory performance by the vocal ensemble 'Miracle Voice,' composed of singers with developmental disabilities. (Photo by Milly)  

The event also included an awards ceremony recognizing individuals who have contributed to the growth of cooperatives. Among them, the “Coop Story Contest” was particularly touching. One recipient, who met a cooperative at the age of 80 and described it as a new spring in life, won the grand prize. The winning story was displayed on a large screen at the exact moment of the award, and I felt truly moved by the moment.

 

For the celebratory performance, the Miracle Voice Ensemble, a vocal group composed of singers with developmental disabilities, took the stage. Though their performance wasn’t perfect, their sincerity and the lively atmosphere filled the venue with applause and joy. It felt like everyone at the event was united as one.

 

The academic and policy conference drew a full audience. (Photo by Milly) 

Academic and policy conference on solving Korea’s social issues

 

After the morning celebration ended, the afternoon continued with an academic and policy conference. Discussions focused on what roles cooperatives have played, are playing, and should play in addressing the pressing issues of Korean society.

 

The conference was divided into themes such as “Jobs,” “Healthcare/Caregiving,” “Community,” “Ecosystem/Collaboration and Solidarity,” “Ecosystem/Law,” and “Individual Laws.” Experts and practitioners in each area presented their ideas, and at the end, the audience had a chance to ask questions and offer their own opinions.

 

The flea market zone in front of the venue attracted a steady stream of visitors all day. (Photo by Milly) 

The eye-catching flea market

 

Outside the event venue, a one-day flea market was set up. Each cooperative introduced and sold their products directly, and I also picked up a few items I needed. (I’ll share more details about what I bought in an upcoming post💕) The market was quite popular and bustling with people eager to shop.

 

A keyring-making activity offered as a hands-on program.(Photo by Milly) 

A festival by cooperatives, for cooperatives

 

This year’s Cooperative Week event truly felt like a festival by cooperatives, for cooperatives, and of cooperatives—everything was centered around the cooperative movement.

 

(Photo by Milly) 

From now on, more large-scale events are expected within Korea’s social economy sector. I plan to visit these sites in person and share their stories with you.😊

 

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