A Field Record of Korea’s Changemakers: Reflections on the 2nd Korea Social Value Festa

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Banner of the 2nd Social Value Festa.(Photo by Milly) 


From August 25 to 26, at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, a special gathering took place where Korea’s changemakers came together for the 2nd Korea Social Value Festa.

 

This annual event, now in its second year, brings together enterprises, organizations, and changemakers dedicated to creating social value in Korea. It serves as a meaningful platform to share experiences, insights, and achievements. This year’s theme was “Designing the Sustainable Future.”

 

The entrance of the exhibition hall was bustling with people.(Photo by Milly) 

The moment I stepped into the venue, I could feel the passion and energy overflowing, almost heating up the summer air even more. Having attended last year as well, I was struck once again by the sight of so many people continuously devoted to solving social issues and taking action on the ground.

 

Innovative technologies, including AI for expanding social value, drew participants’ attention.(Photo by Milly) 

In the exhibition hall, various enterprises showcased their social innovation technologies, initiatives, and solutions to community challenges. Some promoted their impact-driven products, while others shared knowledge and business models. Visitors enjoyed stopping by booths—listening to explanations, asking questions, and even purchasing products that carried a story of positive change.

 

The exhibition hall was constantly crowded with people.(Photo by Milly) 

Among the most remarkable participants were young changemakers. They promoted their ventures at the booths, but also seized every opportunity to network across the venue and actively joined lectures and panel discussions. They truly seemed to be everywhere at once, eager to learn and connect. Alongside them, many citizens interested in social value also visited the booths, purchased products, and took part in experiences. It was inspiring to witness the meaning of social value spreading to a wider audience.

 

The exhibition hall was organized into sections with different concepts. (Photo by Milly) 

What stood out most was the power of connection and collaboration. Centering on social value, diverse people and organizations were linked together, and through that network, their impact reached further. I realized once again that sharing resources and experiences can create greater influence than working in isolation.

 

 An F&B zone where participants could take a short break.(Photo by Milly) 

The event also hosted a variety of sessions. One of them was the Collective Impact Forum. The discussions in this session provided valuable insights into shaping the future of social innovation. 

🌟I will share more about those conversations in my next post.

Booth of a social enterprise set up at the exhibition.(Photo by Milly) 




(Photo by Milly) 


(Photo by Milly) 


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