The Circle Foundation believes that
Everybody deserves a fair opportunity. The Circle Foundation will endeavor to bring equal opportunities to all members of this society, for that will be the starting point of solving social issues.
-
An excerpt from
"A Message from Our Benefactor"
-
I consider myself a blessed man for having received support and encouragement from the society. As a token of my gratitude to the society, I am founding The Circle Foundation, hoping to share what I have been given. I hope the Foundation make the positive impact on the society through nurturing the donation culture and tackling various social issues. The Circle Foundation will work with various stakeholders to make this society a better place. As a founder of The Circle Foundation, I wish the Foundation become an essential asset of this society to solve various social issues. Please join us on this journey of the Foundation.
Thank you! - Ahn Cheol-Soo
Opportunity for All
The Circle Foundation is here to provide a place of collaboration to help you find opportunities and pursue your dream.
- Ideas Contest
O-Prize -
Unique ideas for all
O-Prize is an open innovation platform developed by The Circle Foundation to help you share your ideas on the social issues you’ve identified and find solutions for. In 2018, we are taking the first step. -
FOCUSED ON - Science changes society
We define science and technology as a new solution to connect peers and current social issues to the future, rather than a means to grow the economy and competition. The solution to the environmental, energy, aging, and information security issues facing our society starts with their premise. O-Prize is a joint where creative ideas on social issues meet advanced science and technology. -
NO LIMITS TO - Anyone, anywhere in the world
Anyone who strives to make society better can participate in solving social issues with science and technology from anywhere in the world. O-Prize provides a place to turn your ideas of changing society into a useful technology by recognizing social issues, sharing your ideas, and working together as a team to solve these issues. -
Promoting a Culture of Giving
Sharing is a rewarding and happy process. We will encourage more people to participate in sharing activities in their own particular ways.
- Startup Support Project
Local Challenge Project -
We discover creative and innovative companies that are committed to solving problems
or current issues in our community through their businesses, and then support their
sustainable growth and expansion.
The project consists of the programs to develop the business plans and competencies and provide the sales channel. Any startups with a business model to enhance the quality of life in the community and to help the local economy are encouraged to participate. -
Directions
-
- Address
- The Circle Foundation, 13F Dong-hwa main Bldg., 106 Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04513
- Public Transportation
-
By subway
Take Exit 9 of City hall Station (Line 1 or 2) and Walk 5 minutes Take Exit 3 of Seoul Station (Line 4) and Walk 15 minutes Take Exit 4 of Seodaemun Station (Line 5) and walk 10 minutes -
Main lines 101, 172, 472, 603, N62
- Get off at Seosomun(02-133) and walk 5 minutes -
Main lines 172, 472, 600, 602, N62, 7019
- Get off at Seosomun(02-134) and walk 5 minutes -
Main lines 150, 406, 500, 504, 603, 604, 700, 707, N16, 1711, 7011, 7022
- Get off at Samsung Plaza(02-131) and walk 5 minutes
Our History
2018
O-Prize Ideas Contest
Report Publication – Survey for Korea future Generation dream status
Research Report Publication – Local Challenge Project corporate case study
2017
National Forum – Survey for Korea future Generation dream status
International Forum – East Asia Social Innovator Forum
5th Anniversary Ceremony for The Circle Foundation
Free Font Distribution – ‘The Circle’
Failure Practice Project – ‘Build failure power’ project
2016
Research Report – ‘Magazine Millennial’
Equal Opportunity project – ‘꿈틀꿈틀’ project
Research Report – Unequal Opportunity
Youth Mentoring Program – Tricycle
2015
Equal Opportunity Idea Public Contest'
Research projects - The Equal Opportunity Index, National Survey on Unequal Opportunity, etc
2014
Educational program - Non-profit Leader School
Space Sharing Project - Open Community Lab
2013
Startup Support Project - Local Challenge Project
Online Sharing Platform - Impact Spoon
Educational Support Project - 'ㄱ'Search Project
Name Changed to the Circle Foundation from The Ahn Cheol-soo Foundation
2012
Received permission from the government (Small and Medium Business Administration) to establish the foundation
Inaugural meeting for The Ahn Cheol-soo Foundation
An excerpt from
"A Message from
Our Benefactor"
I consider myself a blessed man for having received support and encouragement from the society. As a token of my gratitude to the society, I am founding The Circle Foundation, hoping to share what I have been given. I hope the Foundation make the positive impact on the society through nurturing the donation culture and tackling various social issues. The Circle Foundation will work with various stakeholders to make this society a better place. As a founder of The Circle Foundation, I wish the Foundation become an essential asset of this society to solve various social issues. Please join us on this journey of the Foundation.
Thank you!
Ahn Cheol-Soo
Opportunity for All
The Circle Foundation is here to provide a place of collaboration to help you find an opportunity and pursue your dream.

Ideas Contest
O-Prize
Unique ideas for all
O-Prize is an open innovation platform developed by The Circle Foundation to help you share your ideas on the social issues you’ve identified and find solutions for. In 2018, we are taking the first step.
FOCUSED ON - Science changes society
We define science and technology as a new solution to connect peers and current social issues to the future, rather than a means to grow the economy and competition. The solution to the environmental, energy, aging, and information security issues facing our society starts with their premise. O-Prize is a joint where creative ideas on social issues meet advanced science and technology.
NO LIMITS TO - Anyone, anywhere in the world
Anyone who strives to make society better can participate in solving social issues with science and technology from anywhere in the world. O-Prize provides a place to turn your ideas of changing society into a useful technology by recognizing social issues, sharing your ideas, and working together as a team to solve these issues.


Promoting a Culture of Giving
Sharing is a rewarding and happy process. We will encourage more people to participate in sharing activities in their own particular ways.

Startup Support Project
Local Challenge Project
We discover creative and innovative companies that are committed to solving problems
or current issues in our community through their businesses, and then support their
sustainable growth and expansion.
The project consists of the programs to develop the business plans and competencies and provide the sales channel. Any startups with a business
model to enhance the quality of life in the community and to help the local economy are encouraged to participate.


Directions
- Address
- The Circle Foundation, 13F Dong-hwa main Bldg., 106 Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04513
- Public Transportation
-
By subway
Take Exit 9 of City hall Station (Line 1 or 2) and Walk 5 minutes Take Exit 3 of Seoul Station (Line 4) and Walk 15 minutes Take Exit 4 of Seodaemun Station (Line 5) and walk 10 minutes -
Main lines 101, 172, 472, 603, N62
- Get off at Seosomun(02-133) and walk 5 minutes -
Main lines 172, 472, 600, 602, N62, 7019
- Get off at Seosomun(02-134) and walk 5 minutes -
Main lines 150, 406, 500, 504, 603, 604, 700, 707, N16, 1711, 7011, 7022
- Get off at Samsung Plaza(02-131) and walk 5 minutes