Abstract

The first local exchange trading system(LETS), established in Comox Valley in Canada, aimed at facilitating the regional economy. However, in Korea, LETS was adopted to encourage mutual aid and promote community spirit among residents. This study examines the feasibility of LETS as a revitalization initiative for Pumasi and suggests a number of policies that can be implemented to support the project. The findings are as follows: First, the LETS credit system was found to complement social capital initiatives among Pumasi participants in the early stages of the Pumasi project. Second, combining LETS and Pumasi initiatives was found to consolidate community spirit and encourage a cooperative way of life among participants due to the fact that LETS enlarges the scope of local residents' participation and diversifies the services being exchanged. A number of policy suggestions are made for combining LETS with Pumasi. First, the project must define a vision of its long-term purpose and outcomes. Second, local residents should be employed as assistants to facilitate the project. Third, Pumasi participants should ensure that childcare exchange services are of the highest quality by providing an educational program on parenting. Fourth, the project manager's employment conditions and working environments must be guaranteed.

Keywords

• family-cooperative activities, pumasi;
• local exchange and trading system;
• Healthy Family Support Center

• 가족품앗이;
• 지역화폐;
• 건강가정지원센터;