10 Key Volunteer Trends in South Korea for 2025 (Part 1)

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South Korea’s 2025 Volunteer Trend Repor(Photo by Milly) 


Recently, there has been a growing global focus on corporate ESG management, CSR, and CSV, raising interest in companies’ social responsibility for a sustainable society. As a result, companies are engaging in various activities to fulfill their social responsibilities and drive social development.

Among these, volunteering is one of the main CSR activities carried out by companies. Corporate volunteer programs have evolved beyond the traditional model of “donating to beneficiaries” and continue to develop in new and innovative ways.
 

So, what forms does volunteering take in South Korea, and how is it evolving?

To explore and promote volunteer culture in South Korea, the nonprofit organization Korea Volunteer Culture Association recently released the volunteer trend report “Volunteer 2025.” The report classifies current volunteer trends into 10 key themes.

In this blog, we will introduce these 10 trends across two posts.

 

① Personalized Volunteering

 

This year, “personalized volunteering”, tailored to individual interests, skills, and needs, has gained attention. Previously, volunteer activities were often carried out in similar formats, but now they are designed to be creative and personalized.

 

Recently, companies have also supported planned volunteer activities that allow employees to implement their own ideas rather than following routine programs.

 

② Meaning Out + Give & Get

 

Another emerging trend is “Meaning Out + Give & Get”, where volunteers confidently express their beliefs while growing personally through volunteer work.

Through volunteering, individuals gain experience in areas such as environmental protection, human rights, and consumer issues, enhancing their skills and personal development.

This approach allows participants to contribute to societal change while simultaneously fostering their own growth.

 

③ Everyday Volunteering

 

Volunteering is no longer limited to specific times or events—it can be integrated into everyday life.

Families may participate together on weekends, or volunteers can sign up for opportunities as conveniently as booking a taxi.

Rather than participating only on special days or at special locations, everyday volunteering allows people to engage in small, practical activities that fit their busy modern lifestyles.

 

④ Digital Volunteering

 

With rapid advancements in digital technology, digital volunteering has emerged as a notable trend.

The report highlights activities such as using AI technology to restore elderly people’s youthful memories.

In addition, AI can recommend volunteering opportunities or manage activity records, demonstrating how digital tools are reshaping the volunteer experience.

 

⑤ Volunteering for Mental Wellbeing and Healing

 

Volunteer activities that provide mental stability and emotional healing are also gaining attention.

Examples include interacting with animals through dog shelters, caring for national heritage sites, or sending handwritten letters to convey thoughts.

Such volunteering offers a unique way for modern Koreans, living in a fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, to find emotional relief and personal fulfillment.

 

⭐To be continued in the next post.⭐


👉Check out Part 2 as well

10 Keywords of Volunteerism in Korea 2025 (Part 2)

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