Shinhyup Unveils Pioneer Bust and Holds Busan Regional Headquarters Relocation Ceremony

by Kwon Jaehee

Published 10 Apr.2025 10:27(KST)

Bust Unveiling Ceremony for the Late Sister Mary Gabriella and the Late Father Jang Daeik

▲Kim Yunsik, President of the National Credit Union Federation of Korea (fifth from the front row), is taking a commemorative photo after the unveiling ceremony of the Pioneer of Credit Unions bust and the relocation ceremony of the Busan Regional Headquarters held at Union Square, Dong-gu, Busan. Photo by the National Credit Union Federation of Korea

The National Credit Union Federation of Korea (NACUFOK) announced on the 10th that it held a statue unveiling ceremony for the pioneers of credit unions and a relocation ceremony for the Busan Regional Headquarters at Union Square in Dong-gu, Busan.

This event was organized to reflect on the historical significance of credit unions in Busan, the birthplace of the Korean credit union movement, and to reaffirm a new vision for the future.

The ceremony began with the unveiling of busts of the late Sister Mary Gabriella and the late Father Jang Dae-ik, installed on the first floor of Union Square, honoring the dedication of these two pioneers. This carried even deeper meaning as it was linked to Busan’s symbolism as the birthplace of 'Seongga Credit Union,' which was established through cooperative finance efforts for refugees after the Korean War.

Following this, a relocation and opening ceremony was held at the NACUFOK Busan Regional Headquarters on the 7th floor of the same building. The newly relocated headquarters is expected to function as a hub to strengthen organic cooperation with local credit unions in the Busan area and to implement future strategies for credit unions.

About 100 people attended the event, including Kim Yoon-sik, Chairman of NACUFOK, executives of the federation, regional council chairpersons, Busan area chairpersons, and department heads of the federation, sharing their commitment to the cause.

Chairman Kim Yoon-sik stated, "Busan is a symbolic city where Korea’s first credit union was founded," adding, "The relocation and opening of the Busan Regional Headquarters is expected to be a turning point that goes beyond a simple change of location, inheriting the history and spirit of credit unions and opening a new future."

He continued, "The pioneer busts unveiled today are a tribute to the noble contributions of our predecessors," emphasizing, "We will continue to do our best so that the spirit of credit unions can be more firmly united with the local community."