The Korean Union Conference (KUC) shared its mission to serve beyond Korea’s borders during the 2024 Annual Council, held at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GC) in Silver Spring, Maryland, on October 14, 2024. Sahmyook Foods presentation shared how they have embraced the “I Will Go” strategic focus, demonstrating that it can be implemented outside of the traditional church settings.

Soon Gi Kang, KUC president, began by underscoring the region’s dedication to global outreach. Highlighting the work of Sahmyook Foods, Kang hoped to inspire other leaders to prioritize and integrate social responsibility into their own initiatives.

"I Will Go" Implementation by Sahmyook Foods

Minhyung Kim, international sales manager of Sahmyook Foods, stated that at Sahmyook, "We believe that by providing nutritious food, we're not just feeding bodies, but supporting overall well-being." Their main goal is to "take health to the world," recognizing that physical well-being can be a pathway to overall wellness, including spiritual growth.

As South Korea's second-largest soy milk producer, the company sees nutrition as only one aspect of its work. Kim explained that businesses can create meaningful social impact by prioritizing community service and education alongside profitability.

"Most companies seek large profits, but Sahmyook has a purpose that drives us," stated Kim. "We work to support education in South Korea and spread a message of holistic health. This is our mission."

With this focus, Sahmyook Foods has ensured that its far-reaching mission integrates the Adventist Church’s "I Will Go" strategic focus, especially as the company supports vulnerable communities.

In the area of education, Sahmyook’s support extends to 27 institutions across South Korea, including schools, universities, and other learning centers. By directing profits towards these institutions, Sahmyook Foods seeks to uphold a tangible commitment to improving educational access and quality. It believes that education is key to nurturing intellectual and spiritual growth.

Employee Engagement: Living the Mission

In an effort to foster a corporate culture that aligns with its spiritual values, Sahmyook encourages its employees to see their work not just as a job but as a calling–an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. 

"Our employees understand that their work goes beyond producing food," Kim notes. "They're part of a larger mission to improve lives and spread hope. This sense of purpose energizes our team and infuses everything we do with meaning."

Currently, more than 350 employees are personally engaged in community service initiatives aimed at helping others, bringing comfort, improving quality of life, and providing food and other necessities to nurture body, mind, and spirit.

In South Korea, employees actively participate in local projects, such as conducting home repairs for vulnerable groups and serving meals to seniors. Internationally, volunteer teams from Sahmyook Foods travel to countries like Cambodia, Mongolia, and Kenya, where they undertake projects such as constructing school facilities, building fences, and installing wells and toilets. 

Some employees have helped build schools and educational facilities for children in underserved communities. Kim said, "We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Our mission is to support and improve the well-being of people, wherever they may be, by addressing their fundamental needs."

Additionally, Sahmyook Foods plays a significant role in disaster relief across Asia and other continents, providing aid when natural disasters strike. The company offers both immediate relief and long-term support to affected communities, delivering assistance to those in need regardless of their background or beliefs.

About Sahmyook Foods

Sahmyook Foods (Sahmyook Sikpoom) is a Seventh-day Adventist Church food company in South Korea that produces a variety of soy milk and vegetarian products. Founded in 1982, the organization was created on the following: “The realization of love for humanity through health all over the world.” According to the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists, the mission and purpose of the organization is to contribute to the health of mankind as a profit-making organization of the Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church Educational Foundation. 

Sahmyook Foods was founded with a clear purpose rooted in spiritual values. By prioritizing health, education, and community service, Sahmyook Foods offers a model of corporate responsibility that resonates with universal values of compassion, service, and holistic well-being.

Founded in 1982, the company is based in Seoul, South Korea.