HCN Operating Chondere Bapsang Since 2022
Connecting Small Farms and Underserved Neighbors
Local Government MOU This Year... Diversifying Production Farms
HCN announced on the 14th that its social contribution activity 'Chondele Bapsang' has established itself as the 'representative social contribution activity of HCN' through three years of stable operation.
'Chondele Bapsang' is a social contribution activity operated by HCN since 2022, where HCN purchases products from small local farms, packages them, and delivers them to neighbors in blind spots of support in other regions, thereby providing a virtuous cycle connection. The name combines 'tsundere,' a term referring to someone who appears cold on the outside but is warm-hearted, and 'chon (村),' meaning our local area, conveying the meaning of a 'somewhat rustic but sincerely prepared meal package.'
'Chondele Bapsang' provides subscription-type support. Packages of local farm products are delivered to beneficiaries every two weeks, allowing them to consistently receive high-quality ingredients, while producers secure stable sales channels and can plan their farming, increasing sustainability.
Starting with delivering seasonal produce from small-scale women farmers in Sangju to care recipients in Gwanak, the support areas have expanded to production sites such as Gimcheon, Pohang, and Chungbuk. The number of beneficiary households has also expanded to a total of 110, providing agricultural product packages.
During a visit interview held on the second anniversary of the operation last year, farmers and beneficiaries responded with comments such as "We have been able to farm stably every year," "We gain new ideas for farming through communication with neighbors in other regions," and "Receiving fresh ingredients consistently helps our health."
Inquiries and collaboration requests from local organizations and foundations have been increasing every year. This year, in the 'relay business agreement (MOU)' involving Cheongju City Hall, Dongjak District Office, Gwanak District Office, Gimcheon City Hall, and Pohang City Hall, each local government agreed to actively cooperate in diversifying local producers and identifying beneficiaries.
HCN plans to gradually expand the scale of operation until the second half of this year by increasing the unit price of product packages to improve quality and expanding the number of beneficiaries.
Won Heungjae, CEO of HCN, said, "'Chondele Bapsang' forms a virtuous cycle structure between regions, granting self-sustainability, and its subscription-type support and continuous interest are its strengths. It is the most suitable social contribution activity for a regional comprehensive wired broadcasting operator (SO) and local governments, and we will operate it so that as many local residents as possible can benefit."
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