Woori Bank to Turn Branch Idle Space Into Community Platform With Goodwill Store

By Lee Seongjin Posted : April 3, 2026, 11:03 Updated : April 3, 2026, 11:03
Exterior view of the Goodwill Branch Yeoju, a combined finance and community-support site. [Photo=Woori Bank]
Woori Bank said Thursday it will convert idle space at branches nationwide into a social-contribution platform aimed at supporting local communities.

As some branches scale back operations, the bank will bring in Goodwill Store outlets that sell donated goods. The pilot “Goodwill Branch Yeoju” has continued to provide essential financial services for local residents while also creating jobs for vulnerable groups and encouraging local donations, the bank said.

Woori Bank said it plans to expand various community-focused branch models tailored to local conditions and welfare needs. It said the effort will center on three goals: improving access to financial services, supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening ties with local communities.

“Finance has a public function and should grow together with local communities, beyond simply providing services,” Shin Young-cheol, head of Woori Bank’s social contribution department, said. He said using idle space would allow customers to access banking services nearby while communities benefit from jobs and welfare support.



* This article has been translated by AI.

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