Korea’s social economy and social innovation sector have traditionally developed under central government-led policies. However, in recent years, the trend has shifted. A new wave of innovation is emerging — one that is grounded in local diversity and on-the-ground experience.   Across the country, regional change is becoming more visible. Local communities are no longer just recipients of social problems; they are becoming active agents, experimenting with and spreading their own solutions. At the heart of this transformation are regional social innovation hubs .   Social Campus On logo (Source: Screenshot from the Seoul Center page of the Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency) What Are Regional Social Innovation Hubs?   A social innovation hub is a collaborative space where social innovators , social ventures , startups, residents, youth, businesses, and public institutions work together to identify local challenges and develop solutions based on...

A little break at a café during our trip with my husband. The elegant interior, delicious coffee, and desserts instantly won me over — I thought, “I have to come back here!” Later, I found out the place is run by a local creator, and I was truly impressed.(Photo by Milly)  A Story That Began with Personal Experience   About ten years ago, I worked with a colleague whose personality and work style matched mine so well that we stayed close friends even after leaving the job. We would often meet up, share meals, and talk about everyday life. But over time, our contact became less frequent, and eventually, I heard that this friend had moved back to their hometown.   Not long ago, I happened to reconnect with them. They told me: “I’m now working as a Local Creator in my hometown.”   They were deeply engaged in projects such as revitalizing the local economy, promoting the region, and addressing population decline. What Is a Local Creator?   The term...