The Unique Model of Korean Social Economy

The development of the social economy in South Korea presents a distinctive and successful model that differs from Western experiences. It is characterized by a dynamic harmony between bottom-up voluntary community organizing and strategic institutional support from the government. This model has evolved through the resilient spirit of local entrepreneurship, where citizens addressed social challenges—such as poverty, inequality, and regional decline—by establishing self-governing cooperatives and social enterprises. By studying this unique path, students will gain insights into how a developing nation can successfully institutionalize social values while maintaining economic vitality.

Evidence-Based and Expert-Driven Curriculum

Our curriculum is not merely theoretical; it is the result of rigorous empirical research and professional consultation. To ensure that the program meets the specific needs of developing countries, Yonsei University conducted a comprehensive survey involving 31 leading social economy experts from both domestic and international arenas. This collaborative design process ensures that students receive the most relevant and impactful education, bridging the gap between global standards and local application.

Unrivaled Research Infrastructure: The 41-Region Database

Yonsei University distinguishes itself as a premier research hub by maintaining and operating an exclusive database (DB) covering social economy data from 41 distinct regions across South Korea. This extensive DB provides students with a rare opportunity to conduct evidence-based policy analysis and comparative research. By utilizing this big data, students can diagnose the socio-economic status of their home countries with greater precision and design data-driven Action Plans that have a higher probability of success.

World-Class Faculty with K-Social Economy Expertise

The program is led by a faculty of distinguished scholars who are the primary architects of “K-Social Economy” research. Our professors are not only academic leaders but also active practitioners who have shaped Korea's social economy policies and legal frameworks. Their deep-rooted expertise in local stakeholder involvement, community-based innovation, and cooperative management offers students a “Masterclass” experience in social transformation.

A Bridge to Global Social Innovation

By joining this program, scholars will immerse themselves in the "Wonju Model" - the heart of Korea’s social economy movement – and learn how to adapt these successful strategies to their own national contexts. Our goal is to provide a transformative educational journey where Korea's historical lessons and Yonsei’s analytical rigor empower students to lead the next generation of social innovation in developing countries. Through field-based learning, participants will gain practical insights into community-centered development and sustainable governance. The program will also foster a global network of future leaders committed to advancing inclusive and socially innovative policies in their home countries.

Vision and Goals

The Master’s Program in Social Economy at Yonsei University Mirae Campus is a specialized professional degree designed for government officials, public sector employees, and social economy practitioners from developing countries. In collaboration with Yonsei University's world-class faculty, this program empowers students to develop the capacity to solve complex social problems and grow into “Social Economy Experts leading Social Innovation in Developing Countries.” Our core vision is to “Build a Sustainable Social Economy for Developing Countries through Innovation and Solidarity.” By bridging academic rigor with practical application, the program provides students with the tools to transform their local communities and foster resilient social ecosystems. To ensure the program’s relevance and impact, Yonsei University conducted an extensive survey of 31 leading social economy experts, from Korea and around the world. Based on the insights gathered from these specialists, the curriculum has been meticulously designed to meet the real-world demands of the global social economy sector. Furthermore, the program operates under a robust Performance Management System based on the I-P-O-O (Input-Process-Output-Outcome) framework, ensuring that every educational input leads to tangible policy changes and social outcomes in the students’ home countries.