KOSCO stands for the Korea Saemaul Undong Center. It refers to a prominent institution in South Korea that is responsible for implementing and promoting the Saemaul Undong movement, also known as the New Village Movement. The Saemaul Undong is a unique socio-economic development program initiated by the South Korean government in the 1970s, primarily aimed at rural areas, to promote national development and eliminate poverty.
The KOSCO is a specialized agency that executes and spearheads the Saemaul Undong movement by providing various services and support to achieve its objectives. It operates under the supervision and guidance of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in South Korea.
As a central organization, KOSCO plays a pivotal role in planning and coordinating the implementation of the Saemaul Undong program nationwide. It is responsible for organizing and conducting training programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences to educate and train individuals in Saemaul Undong principles and strategies. These programs aim to inspire and empower local communities, farmers, and villagers to improve their living conditions through self-help efforts, community cooperation, and innovation.
Through its extensive network of Saemaul Undong training centers, KOSCO actively promotes the principles of diligence, self-help, and cooperation, which are the core tenets of Saemaul Undong. It also offers consulting services, guidance, and financial assistance to communities and individuals in implementing Saemaul Undong projects and initiatives.
Overall, KOSCO functions as a crucial institution in advancing the Saemaul Undong movement, supporting rural development, combating poverty, and fostering sustainable growth in South Korea.
