Last December, a press conference was held to call for an end to plastic pollution. The banners used at the event were also made of paper.(Photo by Milly)    “What if I were the owner of the supermarket I go to every day?”   Imagine if the place you visit daily to buy groceries wasn’t just a store, but your own store. What if your choices about what to buy and where to shop could positively impact your community, the environment, and people’s lives?   This is the story of Consumer Cooperatives in Korea. Consumer cooperatives are non-profit organizations established under relevant laws to promote consumers’ autonomous, self-reliant, and self-governing cooperative activities, aiming to enhance members’ daily lives and contribute to public welfare and cultural development. Definition of Korean Consumer Cooperatives   Consumer cooperatives in Korea can be categorized into three main types: regional cooperatives, medical cooperatives, and university coope...

Social enterprises in South Korea have played an important role in solving social problems and creating jobs. Unlike regular businesses that primarily pursue profits, social enterprises pursue both “profit” and “social value,” acting as a bridge between the private and public sectors.   South Korea officially recognizes social enterprises through a “certification” system that acknowledges their dual role in generating profit and delivering social impact.   Current Social Enterprise Certification System   Under the Social Enterprise Promotion Act (enacted in 2007), South Korea operates a social enterprise certification system. This system certifies companies that meet specific criteria as social enterprises, administered by the government.   Certification helps build trust with consumers and the general public and provides certified enterprises with support such as management assistance, market access, and tax benefits. This support is especially cruci...

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 ...

Reflecting on the sustainability of nonprofits during a past event in Korea.(Photo by Milly)  In recent years, Korea has seen a growing number of small, agile nonprofit startups emerge as alternatives to traditional nonprofit organizations. As social issues become more complex and diverse, many younger-generation-led organizations are opting for innovative and fast-moving approaches to problem-solving. This trend reflects a shift in how Korean society addresses public and social challenges. Breaking Away from Traditional Nonprofit Models   Historically, Korea’s civil society has been led by large, structured nonprofit organizations. These groups have played a significant role in driving social change and continue to be active in addressing key issues.   However, the increasing complexity and diversity of societal problems have exposed the limitations of traditional models. Today’s citizens seek faster, more innovative solutions delivered by new players with fresh ...