On June 4, Handok and Chungcheongbuk-do signed an agreement to promote community partnership, coinciding with the opening of the first corporate exhibition, “Comfortable Stomach Lab in Chungbuk,” at the Chungbuk Industrial Promotion Hall.

The agreement covers two initiatives. First, Handok, Chungcheongbuk-do, and the Chungbuk Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation Association agreed to provide health check-ups for holders of Chungcheongbuk-do-designated intangible cultural heritage. This initiative expands Handok’s long-standing social contribution program, “Human Cultural Asset Guardian,” which has supported comprehensive health check-ups for national intangible cultural heritage holders since 2009. Through this agreement, the program will now include holders designated by Chungcheongbuk-do.

Second, Handok, the Chungcheongbuk-do Pharmaceutical Association, and the Chungbuk Community Chest of Korea signed an agreement to support the “Working Meal Service” program. This initiative is an innovative welfare policy that helps seniors aged 60 and above and socially vulnerable groups regain self-esteem through productive volunteer work while addressing labor shortages in the community. The Pharmaceutical Association will provide medical services to program participants, and Handok will donate 10,000 Ketotop patches to support these medical activities.

Jinki Baek, CEO of Handok, stated:“Corporate growth is only possible through collaboration with local communities and partners. We believe that the growth of a company is the foundation for regional development, and regional development is the basis for sustainable corporate growth. With this belief, we will continue to create exemplary public-private partnerships with Chungcheongbuk-do.”

Governor Younghwan Kim of Chungcheongbuk-do commented: “The value of cultural heritage shines brighter through engagement and action within the community rather than mere preservation. Handok’s donation will help safeguard the health of intangible cultural heritage holders and bring warmth to those in need through programs like ‘Working Meal Service.’ We hope this public-private collaboration will continue to expand and serve as a foundation for cultural heritage to thrive within local communities.”

Meanwhile, from June 4 to 8, Handok is hosting the “Comfortable Stomach Lab in Chungbuk” pop-up exhibition at the Chungbuk Industrial Promotion Hall in Cheongju. This interactive exhibition was organized in collaboration with Chungcheongbuk-do, the Chungcheongbuk-do Institute of History and Culture, Handok, and the Handok Museum of Medicine. The venue, built in 1936 to promote regional industry, is now a registered cultural heritage site. In line with its original purpose, the hall is hosting its first corporate exhibition, with Handok selected as the inaugural partner for its long-standing efforts to foster community development since establishing a pharmaceutical plant and the Handok Museum of Medicine in Eumseong in 1995. The exhibition features engaging programs such as displays, hands-on experiences, and concerts centered around Handok’s iconic digestive aid “Festal,” beloved for over 60 years.