certification
social enterprise
1. What is a social enterprise?
Social enterprise certification is a form between a for-profit enterprise and a non-profit corporation.,
Improving the quality of life of local residents by providing jobs and social services to vulnerable groups, etc.
This refers to a company that carries out business activities such as producing and selling goods and services while prioritizing social goals.
Unlike general businesses whose goal is to maximize profits, the core goal is to operate with the goal of realizing social value.
2. Practical overview and requirements (including legal basis)
1. Legal basis
Article 8 of the Social Enterprise Promotion Act and its Enforcement Decree
2. Certification Requirements
Organizational Form: Must have an independent legal personality, such as a corporation or partnership under the Civil Act, a company under the Commercial Act, a public interest corporation, or a non-profit private organization.
Employment of Paid Workers: You must employ paid workers to conduct business activities (at least six months of business experience required).
Fulfilling a social purpose: The primary purpose of the organization must be to provide jobs or social services to vulnerable groups or to contribute to the community.
Decision-making structure: A democratic decision-making structure must be in place, involving worker representatives, external stakeholders, etc.
Income from business activities: Your operating income for the six months immediately prior to applying for certification must be at least 50% of labor costs (personnel expenses).
Compliance with Articles of Incorporation and Regulations: Mandatory provisions stipulated by law, such as transfer of social purpose and reinvestment of profits, must be included in the Articles of Incorporation.
Social reinvestment of profits: Under the Commercial Act, companies must reinvest at least two-thirds of their distributable profits for social purposes.
3. Duration
It typically takes two to three months from application submission to final certificate issuance (subject to change depending on the review schedule).
4. Key Documents to Submit
Social Enterprise Certification Application Form
A copy of the paid worker list and employment contract
Copy of Articles of Incorporation or Regulations
Documents proving the realization of social goals (e.g., certificate of vulnerable class)
Documents proving business income (financial statements, sales summary, etc.)
Documents supporting the stakeholder participation decision-making structure (board meeting minutes, etc.)
3. Type
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Job creation type
If the organization's primary purpose is to provide jobs to vulnerable groups (more than 30% of the total workforce are vulnerable groups)
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Social service provision type
When providing social services such as education, health, and social welfare to vulnerable groups (30% or more vulnerable groups among all service beneficiaries)
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Community contribution type
If the purpose is to contribute to the local community or improve the quality of life of local residents.
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mixed
If job provision and social service provision are mixed (each more than 20%)
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Other (creative/innovative) type
In cases where it is difficult to quantify whether the social purpose has been achieved (judgment of the review committee)
Social enterprise certification process
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1Pre-consultation and advice
Review the possibility of certification and supplement the requirements
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2Accepting application for certification
Online application through the Social Enterprise Integrated Information System
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3Document review and on-site inspection
Document verification and on-site inspection by the Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency
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4Review Committee Deliberation
Review by the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Social Enterprise Promotion Committee
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5Certificate issuance
Issuance and announcement of certificate in the name of the Minister of Employment and Labor
Key Benefits
Social enterprise certification provides a powerful label as an "innovative company that creates social value," offering the following tangible benefits:.
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Finance / Guarantee / Policy Funds
Support for dedicated policy fund loans and low-interest secondary collateral
Provide benefits such as reduced guarantee fund guarantee fee rates and preferential guarantee ratios. -
Human Resources Support / Consulting / Training
Strengthening organizational capacity through personnel cost support
Support for management consulting and educational programs to achieve social goals
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Tax benefits/insurance premium support
Tax savings through corporate tax, income tax (up to 5 years), and local tax reductions
Alleviating the burden of employment by supporting employers' share of the four major insurance premiums. -
Sales channels / Export / Promotion
Secure stable sales through public institution priority purchasing and contract negotiations.
Strengthen your brand and expand your online and offline sales channels with business development support.
Why you need a corporate certification administrative scrivener
Social enterprise certification requires extensive documentation and strict requirements.
If you proceed without the help of an expert, you may encounter the following difficulties:.
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1. Expertise in organizing articles of incorporation
Any omission of any of the required information required by law will result in immediate rejection.
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2. Response to Social Value Index (SVI)
Consulting is necessary in the process of logically proving a company's social contribution.
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3. Determining financial requirements
Calculating the ratio of sales to labor costs, etc.
The review of requirements from an accounting perspective must be handled without error. -
4. Save time and money
Reduce trial and error to increase authentication success rate,
It helps companies focus on their core business.
Leave the complicated certification process and difficult document preparation to us.,
Mr. CEO, please focus solely on the growth of the company.
With Seum's own expertise, established through numerous success stories,
Your company is officially recognized as a social enterprise
We will be with you until the end to help you leap into a wider market.
We will do our best to ensure that your warm innovation bears fruit.
thank you.
January 12, 2026
Seum Administrative Attorney Firm
Written by: Sangyoon Kim, Administrative Scrivener
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can self-employed individuals also apply?
A: It's impossible. A social enterprise must be an independent legal entity, such as a corporation under civil law or a company under commercial law.
If you are a sole proprietor, you must meet the requirements after converting to a corporation.
