Inside South Korea’s Social Impact

  These days, whenever I look for news or information related to social impact in Korea, one thing stands out: the annual schedule of events. Of course, forums, seminars, and policy discussions take place throughout the year, but from May to October — when the weather becomes warmer — large-scale events such as expos and festivals begin in earnest. Recently, many events scheduled for 2026 have started confirming their dates and venues one after another. Around this time every year, I find myself thinking, “The season of gathering is beginning again,” and I have even developed a habit of marking major event dates on my calendar.   Because these are large-scale events, most of them are held offline. People gather, meet one another, and connect. Organizations promote or sell their products, while academic conferences and policy discussions are also held. There are many kinds of activities that can only happen when people meet in person, and every time I attend one of these ev...

A scene from the 2024 Social Enterprise Day ceremony held last year. 'Dream With Ensemble,' an arts group composed of musicians with developmental disabilities, performed a celebratory piece. Dream With Ensemble is a social cooperative.(Photo by Milly)   Starting in July each year, Korea’s social economy becomes increasingly active with a range of events, forums, and expos. From the bustling summer months to the colorful autumn season, the sector is filled with opportunities for connection and collaboration. These gatherings serve as vibrant festivals where social economy stakeholders from Korea and abroad network, share insights, explore trends, and promote meaningful business partnerships. First Week of July: Social Economy Week   The Korean has designated July 1st as “Social Enterprise Day” to promote the work of social enterprises. Moreover, the period from July 1st to 6th is recognized as Social Economy Week, during which various programs and activities take place nat...