In the small town of Hongdong, South Korea, residents are coming together to support the Hongseong Medical Welfare Cooperative by donating various agricultural products. Recently, the head of the local agricultural cooperative donated 200 kg of organic rice, with other residents contributing a variety of goods, including 100 kg of pears and 60 kg each of sweet potatoes and potatoes. This grassroots effort highlights a deep sense of community belonging and the acknowledgment of the hard work involved in farming, which resonates with the demands of local agricultural life.

The Hongseong Medical Welfare Cooperative, founded in 2015, serves as a cornerstone for healthcare in a region that lacks sufficient public health facilities. With a population of around 3,000, it stands out as the first and only cooperative healthcare center in a rural area, providing access to family physicians, nurses, and physical therapists. This initiative arose from a blend of community activism for sustainable agriculture and a desire for humane medical services, showcasing how local healthcare can flourish through cooperation and mutual support, even in underserved regions.

Despite the existence of health insurance in South Korea, the public healthcare sector remains underdeveloped, comprising only 5.2% of the nation's healthcare system, far below the OECD average of 57%. This disparity leads to health inequalities, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities is often limited. The initiative by the Hongdong community underscores the pressing need for public healthcare services, particularly for the elderly who may face significant barriers when visiting distant hospitals. The continued support for the medical cooperative emphasizes the importance of local initiatives in addressing these healthcare challenges.