A chalkboard at a local social enterprise, reflecting their deep and ongoing struggle to craft survival strategies as part of the social economy.(Photo by Milly)  There are many different perspectives on social economy. Generally, it is sometimes seen as an actor competing in the market economy, while in other cases, it is considered an economic model rooted in local communities. Many of those who are actively involved in the social economy would probably say that it is fundamentally an economy based on local communities.   😍Why Does the Social Economy Value the Local?   One main reason the social economy places importance on the local is that it often begins as a response to local issues.   For instance, in the case of social economy enterprises that aim to solve environmental problems through business, instead of taking on the grand challenge of “saving the planet,” they start with a smaller, more realistic goal like “let’s circulate our community’s wa...

  (Photo by Milly) On July 3rd, in celebration of Cooperative Week and the International Day of Cooperatives (July 5th), the "Cooperative Week Event" was held. This year (2025) held special significance as it marks the second UN-designated International Year of Cooperatives.   While the opening ceremony and policy-academic conferences were being held inside the venue, a small flea market was set up outside where cooperatives sold the products they manufacture or distribute. Many visitors were seen browsing and shopping at the market I, too, purchased a few items I needed. Here are some of the socially valuable products I’d like to share:   "SRT 300 Sand" – I bought two boxes that day. Perfect with coffee! I've already eaten most of them... only a few left.😅 (Photo by Milly) 🍪🍰🍬SRT 300 Sand Series The first booth I visited was selling the SRT 300 Sand cookies. These cookies are produced by the social enterprise Sobakhan Poongkyung Co., Ltd. and distri...