The way young people in Korea view “work” is being rewritten into an entirely new form. In the past, salary, company size, and job security were the primary factors in choosing a job. Today, while those still matter, the criteria have clearly shifted.   Many young people now say things like: “A job has to fit my life if I’m going to stay in it,” “I need to feel meaning and value in my work to stay motivated.”   This shift is especially visible in the field of social and solidarity economy and social innovation , where work is no longer just a means to make a living, but a way of connecting oneself to the world.   Recent young people are approaching work from a perspective different from traditional methods.(Photo by Milly)  Work as ‘Money + Meaning + Sustainability’   Korean youth are not simply seeking “good-hearted work” or “idealistic labor.” What they want is a balance: economic stability + social value + long-term sustainability. ...

The moon seen from a rural home. There aren’t many people left in the countryside, and the Hometown Love Donation Program was introduced as one way to address this challenge.(Photo by Milly)    What Is the Hometown Love Donation Program?   The Hometown Love Donation Program is a system that began in Korea in 2023. It allows individuals to donate to a region other than the one they currently live in. For example, even if I live in Seoul, I can make a donation to Gangwon Province if I feel connected to that region.   Those who donate receive tax deductions and can receive local specialty products or thank-you gifts within a certain percentage of their donation amount. In other words, even if someone has moved away from their hometown, they can still support the region with their resources and care — and receive tax benefits and local gifts in return. It is a system designed to enable people to invest in places that matter to them.   Why This Program ...

This photo was taken on my way to my parents’ house in the neighborhood. (Photo by Milly)    South Korea is one of the most urban-centralized countries in the world, with an overwhelming concentration of population and resources in the Seoul metropolitan area. According to national data, the country’s rural population has been steadily shrinking, and the majority of those who remain are older adults. In many rural communities, it has become difficult to even find people outdoors — most residents are elderly, and young people have long since left.   This is not simply a matter of decreasing headcount. The decline and aging of rural populations trigger structural risks: weakening local economies, collapsing community networks, and the deterioration of essential services. Regional extinction is no longer a future concern — it is already unfolding in South Korea, and urgent responses are required.   Why Traditional Approaches Are No Longer Enough   ...