Ministry of Culture Designates 43 'Pre-Social Enterprises' Providing Cultural Services

Chaekgojip, NewXpire, MosHouse, etc.

On the 19th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it has designated forty-three companies that enhance the quality of life for the public through creative and innovative cultural services as 'Preliminary Social Enterprises in the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Sector.'

These include Chaekgojip, NewXpeer, MosHouse, Eum Cooperative, BarrelFit, Crafter, A-Hands Cooperative, J-Caddy Academy, Baycia, Sayurim, EcoTeam, Saeppum, Atoi, and Dusol.

A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official explained, "The types of companies are diverse, including those that invigorate local cultural and artistic scenes, companies that improve access to community sports for vulnerable groups, and companies providing tourism chatbots for the elderly."

The status of preliminary social enterprise is maintained for three years. Through specialized organizations in each field such as the Arts Management Support Center, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, and the Korea Tourism Organization, companies can receive specialized support including business model advancement, customized education and consulting, and recommendations for social enterprise certification by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Since 2019, the Ministry has been selecting companies with potential to develop into social enterprises in the culture, sports, and tourism sectors as 'Preliminary Social Enterprises in the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Sector.' Up to last year, 267 companies have been designated, of which thirty-eight have transitioned to certified social enterprises.