In recent years, one phrase has often been heard across Korea : “ The regions are disappearing .”   Population decline, concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area , lack of jobs, and the collapse of local communities have made this an urgent and unavoidable challenge. To keep regions alive, new and practical solutions are needed.   Amid these challenges, village enterprises are drawing renewed attention. A village enterprise is not just a small business — it is a grassroots movement for social innovation , where residents come together to solve local problems and create economic opportunities using their own resources.   Until recently, village enterprises in Korea had relatively weak institutional foundations, often relying on government grants or public competitions . However, the atmosphere has started to change. In July 2025, the Village Enterprise Promotion and Support Act was finally passed by the National Assembly , marking a turning point. ...

  Why Social Finance ? Traditionally, finance has focused on maximizing profits. However, as social issues like climate change , inequality , aging populations , and regional decline intensify, there is a growing global movement to use capital to address these problems. Amid this shift, the concept of Social Finance has emerged. What is Social Finance?   When I first heard the term social finance, the first question that came to mind was “How is it different from conventional finance ?”   The answer is straightforward. Social finance is not just about generating profit; it aims to simultaneously solve social problems and expand social value.   In other words, social finance considers both financial returns and social/environmental impact, setting it apart from traditional finance.   Types of Social Finance   Social finance can be broadly categorized into four types 👉 Inclusive Finance : Financial services for vulnerable or underserved ...

  I lived with my parents until I finished university, and in 2011, when I started my first job, I finally began living independently. In Korea, many young people live with their parents to save on living and housing costs, and I was no different. But once I became a working adult, I started looking for a small place where I could live on my own. (Since I lived outside of Seoul, I still remember traveling up for several days just to find a room.)   After much searching, I finally managed to rent a small studio apartment — a one-room space where the kitchen, bedroom, and living area were all combined. A few years later, I moved to another rental, then eventually managed to get a small lease with help from my parents. Later, when I got married, I moved into a larger apartment with my husband, much bigger than what I could afford alone.   That was about 15 years ago. Even back then, housing in Seoul was expensive, and for a young professional like me, paying monthly ...