"Broadly benefit all humanity" - An ancient Korean philosophy meets modern impact measurement.
In the autumn of 2024, a group of technologists, philosophers, and social entrepreneurs gathered in Seoul, South Korea. They came together to address a fundamental challenge facing the modern world: How do we measure whether our innovations truly benefit humanity?
As artificial intelligence systems grew more powerful, as blockchain technology promised decentralization, and as global connectivity reached unprecedented levels, the group recognized a disturbing trend. The metrics of success—user growth, revenue, market capitalization—often had little correlation with actual human welfare. Companies could be wildly "successful" while exacerbating inequality, damaging mental health, or harming the environment.
The team searched for answers in various frameworks: the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ESG metrics, social impact assessments, B Corp certifications. Each had value, yet each seemed incomplete. They needed something more holistic, more universal, more deeply rooted in human values.
Then, one of the Korean members of the group introduced an ancient concept that would transform their thinking: 弘益人間 (Hongik Ingan).
弘益人間 (Hongik Ingan) is more than a phrase—it's a way of seeing the world. Originating over 5,000 years ago in ancient Korea, it appears in the founding myth of Korea itself. The literal translation is "to broadly benefit all humanity" or "to benefit all mankind."
According to legend, Hwan-ung, the son of the divine creator, descended from heaven to establish a human civilization based on this principle. He brought with him three sacred treasures and 3,000 followers, establishing a society grounded in the idea that every action, every innovation, every decision should be evaluated by a single criterion: Does this benefit all of humanity?
This philosophy has guided Korean education, governance, and culture for millennia. It appears in Korea's constitution and educational laws. Yet its wisdom extends far beyond any single nation or culture. In an age of global challenges—climate change, pandemics, economic inequality, mental health crises—弘益人間 offers a North Star for decision-making.
The dominant metrics of the 20th and early 21st centuries have led us astray. Consider:
These metrics aren't inherently bad—they measure real phenomena. The problem is that they're incomplete proxies for what actually matters: human wellbeing and flourishing.
The Hongik Impact Metric (HIS) represents a paradigm shift. Instead of measuring proxies, it attempts to directly assess impact on human wellbeing across multiple dimensions. Instead of optimizing for growth or profit, it optimizes for benefit to humanity.
The World Certification Industry Association (WIA) was founded on the principle of creating standards that serve humanity. When the organization began developing its core standards, it became clear that before certifying anything else, they needed a standard for measuring impact itself.
WIA-CORE-005, the Hongik Impact Metric standard, emerged from eighteen months of research, consultation, and development. The team:
The result is a comprehensive framework that balances rigor with practicality, quantitative metrics with qualitative assessment, and universal principles with contextual sensitivity.
After extensive research and testing, the team identified seven fundamental dimensions along which impact on humanity can be measured:
The strength and quality of human connections, community resilience, and social inclusion. This dimension recognizes that humans are fundamentally social beings, and that our wellbeing depends on healthy relationships and communities.
The removal of barriers and creation of universal access regardless of ability, language, geography, or economic status. True benefit to humanity means ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit.
Environmental protection, resource efficiency, and long-term ecological viability. 弘益人間 extends to future generations and to the planet that sustains all life.
Physical health, mental wellness, and emotional balance. Human flourishing requires holistic health across all aspects of our being.
Fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and economic benefits. Economic systems should serve humanity, not the other way around.
Knowledge sharing, skill development, and capacity building. Education multiplies our ability to benefit humanity by empowering people to improve their own lives and contribute to society.
Creative problem-solving, breakthrough thinking, and novel approaches to human challenges. Advancing humanity often requires thinking beyond conventional solutions.
The Hongik Impact Score (HIS) is calculated on a scale from 0 to 1000+. Organizations, projects, or initiatives are evaluated across all seven dimensions using a combination of:
The final HIS score determines certification level:
WIA-CORE-005 is designed for diverse users:
For-profit companies seeking to measure and improve their positive impact while maintaining business viability.
Non-profit organizations wanting to demonstrate impact to donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
Government agencies evaluating programs and policies through the lens of human benefit.
Individual projects and initiatives at any scale, from local community efforts to global movements.
Investors and funders seeking to direct resources toward genuinely beneficial work.
Consumers and citizens making choices about which organizations to support.
This ebook will guide you through the complete Hongik Impact Metric framework. You'll learn:
Whether you're a CEO, a non-profit director, a government official, a researcher, or an engaged citizen, this standard offers a path to ensuring your work truly embodies 弘益人間—broadly benefiting all humanity.
Welcome to the Hongik Impact Metric. Welcome to a new way of measuring what matters.
© 2025 SmileStory Inc. / WIA
弘益人間 · Benefit All Humanity