Why Civic Assetization?   Recently in Korea, alleyway commercial districts that reflect local characteristics have become popular destinations. Not only Koreans but also international tourists frequently visit these areas, and countless people pass through them every day.   As foot traffic increases, the local economy thrives. However, rent prices rise, and long-standing shops and residents are often forced out. This leads to the transformation or loss of local history and culture, a phenomenon known as gentrification .   One promising solution to this issue is civic assetization .   What is Civic Assetization?   Civic assetization refers to residents and community members pooling funds to collectively own and democratically manage various tangible and intangible assets, such as buildings, land, cultural spaces, and renewable energy facilities.   The key is that it’s not just about shared ownership. Civic assetization aims to ut...

The reason social economy enterprises must prioritize both social value and profitability is that this ensures the sustainability of the business. Only sustainable enterprises can achieve long-term impact and realize the goals they initially set.   Moreover, stable social economy enterprises are better positioned to attract impact investment . Impact investment deserves attention because it influences both the growth and expansion of a business.   What is Impact Investing?   Impact investing is different from simply pursuing financial returns or making donations. It involves investing in businesses or organizations that address social issues — such as the environment, poverty, education, and human rights — through business solutions, while simultaneously generating social/environmental value and financial returns. Impact investing has been formally introduced in Korea for over ten years.   Investment targets include social economy enterprises, non-pr...