On March 13, 2026, the tranquil communities of Ham-an County in South Korea found themselves at the center of a promising story of local innovation and youthful ambition. Two youth-led startups, DamAn Co., Ltd. (CEO Lee Seong-jeong) and Alize Co., Ltd. (CEO Jeon Gyeong-ok), were newly designated as '2026 Village Enterprises' by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, a recognition that not only brings significant financial support but also shines a spotlight on the power of community-driven entrepreneurship.
Village enterprises, as defined by the Ministry, are unique in their mission: they harness local resources and the energy of residents to create jobs and tackle regional challenges. These are not your typical businesses; they’re rooted in the fabric of their neighborhoods, designed to generate income while giving back to the place they call home. According to Gukje News and Jeonmae Ilbo, the latest designations are a testament to how this model can foster sustainable growth and social impact.
Both DamAn and Alize are no strangers to the world of local enterprise. Their journey began with the '2022 Ham-an Youth Startup Support Project,' an initiative championed by Ham-an County and the Social Cooperative Seed (chaired by Son Young-jun). This program was crafted to help young entrepreneurs lay down solid foundations for their ventures and refine their business models. Through it, DamAn and Alize received not only crucial funding but also hands-on mentoring, tailored education, and professional consulting—support that proved vital as they navigated the early stages of their businesses.
DamAn, nestled in Sanin-myeon, has carved out a niche by intertwining the region’s agricultural specialties with local folklore. The company’s main draw is its Korean traditional snack sales, but it doesn’t stop there. Visitors are invited to participate in immersive experience programs, where they can learn about the stories behind each delicacy and the people who produce them. It’s a business model that goes beyond simple commerce, aiming to preserve local culture while generating income for the community.
Meanwhile, Alize, based in Gaya-eup, has its eyes set on the future. Leveraging information technology, the company offers design and digital education programs that cater to a generation eager to build skills for a digital world. By providing IT-based training and creative design workshops, Alize not only equips local youth with practical know-how but also helps bridge the digital divide that often separates rural areas from urban centers.
Both companies, as reported by Web Economy, were highly evaluated for their innovative use of local resources and their commitment to community-based operations. This recognition came with a substantial reward: each received a grant of 50 million Korean won (roughly $38,000 USD), a sum that will help them expand their impact and solidify their presence as pillars of the local economy.
The support didn’t materialize overnight. Since 2022, Ham-an County has been steadily building a robust ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship. The collaborative effort with Social Cooperative Seed has seen young founders receive up to 30 million won each for product development, marketing, and other business essentials. The county’s approach is hands-on and holistic, combining financial backing with education, mentorship, and expert consulting—a formula that appears to be paying off.
In 2023, the county took things a step further with the launch of the 'Ham-an Youth Startup Sustainable Growth Support Project.' This initiative zeroed in on nurturing entrepreneurs who are not just profit-driven but also passionate about solving local problems. Whether it’s revitalizing traditional crafts, addressing educational gaps, or finding new uses for regional produce, the project’s aim is to empower young people to become agents of change in their own backyards.
The recent village enterprise designations are, in the eyes of county officials, proof that systematic support can transform fledgling startups into sustainable, community-rooted businesses. "It is very meaningful that the teams participating in the Ham-an Youth Startup Support Project have strengthened their business capabilities based on local resources and have grown one step further into village enterprises," a Ham-an County innovation strategy official told Gukje News. The official added, "We will continue to provide various support so that youth startup teams can continuously grow together with the region."
For DamAn and Alize, the future looks bright. With new funding and official recognition in hand, they’re poised to deepen their roots and broaden their reach. DamAn plans to expand its repertoire of traditional snacks and cultural experiences, drawing in both locals and tourists with the promise of authentic, hands-on learning. Alize is set to roll out new digital education modules, hoping to inspire even more young people to pursue careers in tech and design—fields that are increasingly vital in today’s economy.
The ripple effects of these successes are already being felt. By creating jobs, fostering local pride, and offering practical solutions to regional issues, DamAn and Alize are showing what’s possible when young people are given the tools and encouragement to dream big within their own communities. Their stories serve as a blueprint for other regions grappling with youth outmigration and economic stagnation—a reminder that sometimes, the best answers to local problems come from within.
Ham-an County’s approach has garnered attention for its blend of tradition and innovation. The commitment to supporting youth startups goes beyond mere rhetoric; it’s backed by tangible resources and a willingness to adapt as needs evolve. As more young entrepreneurs step forward, inspired by the paths blazed by DamAn and Alize, the county’s ecosystem of support is expected to grow even stronger.
In a time when many rural areas face uncertain futures, the story unfolding in Ham-an County offers a glimmer of hope. By investing in its young people and championing businesses that prioritize both profit and purpose, the county is not just creating jobs—it’s building a legacy of resilience, creativity, and community spirit that could well inspire similar efforts far beyond its borders.