A 2021 marketing campaign photo featuring Donggubat employees (Photo courtesy of Donggubat)

In recent years, social enterprises have emerged as a major force for positive change around the world. Korea, with its dynamic economy and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, is no exception to this trend. Social enterprises in Korea possess a unique blend of business acumen and sense of duty, and some aim to address pressing societal issues such as environmental degradation and difficulties faced by the disabled and elderly. These companies are rapidly gaining traction and employing innovative approaches to having a sustainable impact.

Donggubat, a social enterprise based in Seoul, produces a variety of hair and bath products to help people with physical and mental disabilities lead sustainable daily lives. In particular, they prioritize hiring people with developmental disabilities, who make up half of their workforce. The company specializes in biodegradable products and avoids animal testing. In addition, Donggubat is always looking for green alternatives for packaging materials. The company has established reliable sales channels and gained recognition from the cosmetics, hospitality and distribution industries, among others. 

Donggubat’s products include vegan shampoo and dishwashing bars. (Photos courtesy of Donggubat)

In recent years, social enterprises have emerged as a major force for positive change around the world. Korea, with its dynamic economy and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, is no exception to this trend. Social enterprises in Korea possess a unique blend of business acumen and sense of duty, and some aim to address pressing societal issues such as environmental degradation and difficulties faced by the disabled and elderly. These companies are rapidly gaining traction and employing innovative approaches to having a sustainable impact.

Donggubat, a social enterprise based in Seoul, produces a variety of hair and bath products to help people with physical and mental disabilities lead sustainable daily lives. In particular, they prioritize hiring people with developmental disabilities, who make up half of their workforce. The company specializes in biodegradable products and avoids animal testing. In addition, Donggubat is always looking for green alternatives for packaging materials. The company has established reliable sales channels and gained recognition from the cosmetics, hospitality and distribution industries, among others. 

Kim Hyeon-woo, an artist with an intellectual disability, creating a piece of art (left) and displaying his finished product (right). (Photo courtesy of Grape Lab)

Photos of Grape Lab products (Photos courtesy of Grape Lab)

Then there are LOVE RE:PAPER and Arip&Werip, two social enterprises that address the issues of environmental degradation and elderly poverty. They buy discarded paper collected by the elderly at a price three to four times higher than what they would get from a recycling center. Full-time elderly workers then clean and process the discarded paper to make canvases. These are sent on to artists who have volunteered their talents, and then, the works created are sold both online and offline. Proceeds are used to pay the staff and support various projects for needy senior citizens.

LOVE RE:PAPER compensates their elderly “resource recycling activists” for the wastepaper they collect. (Photos courtesy of LOVE RE:PAPER)

The upcycling art company LOVE RE:PAPER works with elderly people who collect wastepaper. (Photo courtesy of LOVE RE:PAPER) 

Wastepaper is turned into paper canvases and transformed into artwork by volunteer artists. Proceeds from sales are used to help the elderly make ends meet and enjoy leisure activities. (Photo courtesy of LOVE RE:PAPER)

The success stories and measurable impact of these social enterprises underscore their importance in efforts to build a fairer, more sustainable society. As more individuals, investors and policymakers come to recognize and support social enterprises, their influence and reach will undoubtedly expand, paving the way for a future where business meshes tightly with responsibility.

The Korean government has recognized the immense potential of social enterprises for driving economic and social progress. To promote this sector, it has implemented a number of policies and support systems. The initiatives include financial incentives along with incubation and training programs, which have sparked a wave of social entrepreneurship nationwide. Going forward, nurturing social enterprises through supportive policies, increased awareness and collaborative partnerships will become crucial for harnessing their full potential and driving lasting social change.