Woori Bank, Korea Inclusive Finance Agency hold inaugural 'Injeong-gaje' plaque ceremony

Jung Jin-wan pledges to fulfill finance's social responsibility

Participants pose for a photo at the inaugural plaque ceremony for the "Injeong-gaje" program, held Monday at Yeonhwa Siktak restaurant in Mapo-gu, Seoul. From left: Kim Seong-ryeong, chairperson of the Good Influence Store association; Jung Jin-wan, president of Woori Bank; Hong Seong-un, owner of Yeonhwa Siktak; Kim Eun-gyeong, president of the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency; and Seong Si-cheon, head of Woori Bank's management planning group. [Woori Bank]
Participants pose for a photo at the inaugural plaque ceremony for the "Injeong-gaje" program, held Monday at Yeonhwa Siktak restaurant in Mapo-gu, Seoul. From left: Kim Seong-ryeong, chairperson of the Good Influence Store association; Jung Jin-wan, president of Woori Bank; Hong Seong-un, owner of Yeonhwa Siktak; Kim Eun-gyeong, president of the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency; and Seong Si-cheon, head of Woori Bank's management planning group. [Woori Bank]

Woori Bank President Jung Jin-wan has pledged to build "a virtuous cycle of inclusive finance that revitalizes the local economy" by providing practical support to help small business owners achieve self-reliance and growth.

Jung made the remarks Monday at a plaque ceremony for the "Injeong-gaje" program held at Yeonhwa Siktak, a restaurant in Mapo-gu, Seoul. "We will continue a wide range of support activities for small business owners and fulfill finance's social responsibility," he said.

Injeong-gaje is an inclusive finance initiative run jointly by Woori Bank and the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency to identify small business owners with the drive and potential to grow, and to support their stable operation and development. The name carries a dual meaning: a store that earns recognition from its customers, and a place where warm human connections are made.

A total of 18 small business owners were selected for the program by the three participating organizations from among users of the Woori Miso Finance Foundation and members of the Good Influence Store association who showed a strong commitment to contributing to their communities.

Selected participants will receive an official certification plaque and store stickers, along with promotional funding to strengthen their online marketing presence and support through social media and press outreach, all aimed at boosting their competitiveness.

The inaugural ceremony was held at Yeonhwa Siktak, a small eatery with about 10 tables that has built a reputation among local residents for its wholehearted food and service.

The program is carried out in partnership with the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency and the Good Influence Store association.

Jung, Korea Inclusive Finance Agency President Kim Eun-gyeong and Good Influence Store Chairperson Kim Seong-ryeong attended the ceremony and held a luncheon with the restaurant owner to share views on the difficulties small business owners face on the ground and the support measures they need.

Meanwhile, Woori Financial Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Woori Financial Group, recently signed an MOU with Toss and agreed to launch a new loan product aimed at improving small business owners' access to credit.


hyuk@heraldcorp.com