Woori Bank said on Thursday it will convert idle space at its branches nationwide into a social contribution platform for co-prosperity with local communities.

The core of the project is “Goodwill Branch”. Instead of operating branches at reduced scale, the bank introduced a shop-in-shop structure in which a Goodwill Store that sells donated goods moves into the remaining space. It said the model continues to provide financial services to customers while also linking to job creation for people with developmental disabilities and the spread of donation culture. It called this a new type of financial space innovation that combines maintaining access to financial services with welfare functions.

The pilot “Goodwill Branch Yeoju” is continuing to provide essential financial services to local residents while also showing results in driving employment for vulnerable groups and boosting local donations. The bank described it as a representative case that turned the limitations of “idle branch space” into a “local hub space.”

Woori Bank said it plans to expand various forms of social contribution branches by reflecting local characteristics and welfare demand. It said it will further strengthen the public-interest role of finance around three pillars: enhancing financial access, supporting vulnerable groups and co-prosperity with local communities.

Shin Young-chul (신영철), head of Woori Bank’s social contribution division, said finance has a public function that should grow with local communities beyond simply providing services. He said the bank will use idle space to deliver practical value so customers can use financial services nearby and local communities can enjoy jobs and welfare benefits.