10 Years of the Saemaul Geumgo Foundation
How 11 Billion KRW Created Change in Local Communities
Neighborhood alleys and villages, the growth of children, and the daily recovery of seniors-over the past 10 years, the MG Saemaul Geumgo Regional Hope Sharing Foundation has left a mark on local communities that goes far beyond the scale of its support.
With a cumulative total of 11 billion KRW (approximately 110 billion KRW) and 130,000 beneficiaries, these numbers represent more than just statistics-they are the result of a quiet yet steadfast solidarity, carried out in the spirit of mutual aid.
◆ Established in 2015, Expanding the 'Public Nature of Finance' to Society
The MG Saemaul Geumgo Regional Hope Sharing Foundation was established in 2015 through the contribution of the National Credit Union Federation of Korea. The aim was to institutionalize the social responsibility of financial institutions and to create a public-interest platform that grows alongside local communities.
Based on a regular contribution structure, the foundation has grown into a specialized social contribution foundation, holding approximately 85 billion KRW in assets as of 2025. It avoids short-term or one-off sponsorships, instead building a 'sustainable sharing model' that reflects local needs and voices from the field.
◆ Support Targeting 'Everyday Life for All Generations,' from Children to Seniors
The foundation’s social contribution activities are not limited to a specific group. They encompass the entire life cycle, including children, adolescents, young adults, and seniors. Programs such as the 'Healthy Growth Safety Box,' which helps vulnerable households recover their daily lives, have received 3.9 billion KRW in funding, supporting approximately 19,415 people. The focus goes beyond simply delivering goods, aiming instead at stabilizing daily life and establishing psychological safety nets.
In the field of youth and young adults, about 2 billion KRW has been provided through initiatives such as the 'Youth Nuri Scholarship' and 'Child and Youth Health Care (MG Hope Sharing Mutual Aid),' enabling 1,298 individuals to secure a stable foundation for their studies and entry into society.
◆ Revitalizing Spaces and Connecting Communities-'Community-Based'
The social contribution foundation has not stopped at individual support; it has also focused on improving local living environments and community infrastructure. With a total investment of 1.3 billion KRW, it has supported 349 community facilities, helping restore the functions of villages.
In addition, 3.8 billion KRW was invested in the 'Warmth Sharing Event' to address low birth rates and promote a culture of sharing, benefiting 112,399 people. This approach, which connects welfare, community, and demographic issues, is recognized as a model for 'community-based social contribution.'
◆ Collaboration and Expertise-The Evolution of Social Contribution
Over the past 10 years, the foundation has steadily expanded its network of cooperation with local social welfare facilities and specialized implementing organizations. By increasing partnership-based joint projects rather than standalone support, it has enhanced both the professionalism and effectiveness of its activities.
Through these efforts, the foundation has developed a structure that allows it to respond more flexibly and systematically to social changes, further diversifying the scope of its social contribution work.
◆ The Meaning of 11 Billion KRW: 'Proof of Mutual Aid'
Kim In, Chairman of the Saemaul Geumgo Foundation, stated, "Over the past 10 years, we have spread the values of solidarity and sharing throughout the local community through social contribution activities that encompass all generations. The support of 11 billion KRW and 130,000 beneficiaries is proof that the spirit of mutual aid, which Saemaul Geumgo has upheld, is truly at work in people’s lives."
He added, "Going forward, as a specialized social contribution foundation that is always the first to reach out to the local community, we will continue to provide warm, neighborly support."
The foundation’s 10-year journey is not about 'how much was spent,' but rather 'where and how it made an impact.' Faced with challenges such as welfare blind spots, cracks in the community, and the recovery of everyday life in local areas, the Saemaul Geumgo Foundation has expanded the philosophy of the financial cooperative into society. Ten years of change that go beyond numbers and have left a real impact on lives-the next steps are even more anticipated.
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