Inside Korea’s Social Impact

Nahyunhong, a community leader running a social economy network in Korea (Photo courtesy of Nahyunhong)   In the previous article, we explored how “connection” takes shape in the field of social economy and social innovation through an interview with Na Hyunhong, a community expert working in Korea’s social impact sector. We examined how online communities and open chat rooms — relatively lightweight formats — have expanded into nationwide networks. 👀Read Part 1 of the Interview The Power That Connects Korea’s Social Economy Ecosystem: Community Expert Interview (Part 1) In this second installment, we take a step further through Na Hyunhong’s interview to examine what connection truly means on the ground. We look more closely at the principles and philosophies that guide community building, as well as what is needed for Korea’s social impact ecosystem to grow sustainably. Going beyond the idea of community as simply a gathering space, this interview asks how communities actually...

Local networking event from late last year, bringing people together.(Photo by Milly)  Social innovation organizations are often seen as “doing good for society,” but sustaining that work is far from easy. A single organization often faces limitations   lack of resources, isolation, and limited influence. Doing good doesn’t automatically mean making a profit.   In South Korea, the social innovation space remains relatively small, so many organizations build networks as a foundation for growth. These networks are often looser than “collective impact” models but still serve as essential platforms for collaboration.   Why Networks Matter   There are several reasons why networks are essential in the social innovation field.   👉Sharing Resources and Information One of the greatest strengths of a network is the ability to share practical resources from government support programs and funding opportunities to talent and hands-on experience. Small ...