Credit Union's Four Early Artifacts Officially Designated as Registered Cultural Heritage of Daejeon

Institutional Recognition of the Historical Value of Cooperative Finance, Including "Credit Union Bookkeeping Explanation"
Citizen-Led Financial Movement Gains Official Status in Korean Financial History

The National Credit Union Federation of Korea announced on September 30 that four artifacts in its possession were officially designated and notified as Registered Cultural Heritage of Daejeon Metropolitan City as of September 4.

The newly registered artifacts include: ▲Credit Union Bookkeeping Explanation ▲Credit Union Introduction and History of Seongga Credit Union ▲Hwanggan Credit Union Member Register ▲Hwanggan Credit Union Articles of Association. These materials were produced between 1962 and 1964. They are considered key records that demonstrate the operational status and institutional foundation during the early days of the credit union movement, and are highly regarded for their historical and cultural value in the initial financial cooperative movement.

In its official notice, Daejeon Metropolitan City stated, "These materials are representative records reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the credit union movement in modern Korean financial history," and designated them as Registered Cultural Heritage under the title 'Credit Union Federation of Korea Collection.'

Since 2023, the Credit Union has systematically conducted research and investigations to pursue designation as Registered Cultural Heritage. After a preliminary notice earlier this year, the registration was officially confirmed this month. This designation is especially meaningful as it institutionally recognizes the process by which financial cooperatives in Korean society achieved self-sustained development through private sector initiative.

Kim Yoonsik, President of the National Credit Union Federation, stated, "As the first financial cooperative in Korea established not by government initiative but by the voluntary cooperative spirit of citizens, the Credit Union carries significant historical importance. This registration is highly meaningful in that the historical and cultural value of the financial cooperative movement has been publicly recognized."

He added, "As we mark the 65th anniversary of the Credit Union's founding, we will reflect on our original intentions and continue to realize inclusive finance for the financially marginalized, deeply embedding the values of cooperation and solidarity in our society."

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