Our NGOs
Small actions you take can help change the world.
– Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님)
At Jungto Society, we believe inner practice and social responsibility go hand in hand. Through four organizations, we turn compassion into action—supporting humanitarian relief, environmental responsibility, peace, and human rights.
Humanitarian Relief
Join Together Society (JTS)
International NGO for humanitarian relief
The hungry should have food.The sick should be treated.Children should be educated.
JTS is an international relief organization dedicated to addressing famine, disease, and lack of access to education—primarily in Asia, but with a global reach. Founded in 1999, JTS operates through close collaboration with local communities and international partners. It has been granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC.
1999
Founded
UN ECOSOC
Status
4
Branch Offices
97%
To Those in Need
Key Facts
- 100% volunteer-operated organization
- JTS Korea and JTS America focus on fundraising
- JTS India and JTS Philippines carry out development projects
- 97% of donations go directly to those in need
In the News
JTS Korea Sends PPE to Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
Buddhistdoor
Pomnyun Sunim Pledges 10,000 Tons of Food Aid for Children in North Korea
Buddhistdoor
Environmental Practice
Ecobuddha
Environmental practice in everyday life
Ecobuddha takes the front line in the environmental movement with the 'Clean Plate' campaign.
Ecobuddha leads Jungto's environmental initiatives by encouraging mindful and sustainable living. Rooted in the Buddhist teaching of respect for all living beings, Ecobuddha promotes ecological awareness through education and daily practice. Its work focuses on reducing waste, conserving resources, and cultivating responsibility toward the natural environment.
2002
Established
Key Initiatives
- Clean Plate Campaign - Reducing food waste by encouraging mindful consumption
- Zero-Waste Campaigns - Minimizing disposable product use
- Ecology Camps - Hands-on environmental education programs
Peace & Human Rights
Good Friends
Peace, human rights, and refugee support
We will be good friends with all beings.
Good Friends was established in 1996 in response to the humanitarian crisis in North Korea, where widespread famine led to displacement and refugee crises. The organization began by supporting North Korean refugees and advocating for human rights, and has since expanded its work.
1996
Established
Key Facts
- Humanitarian assistance for North Korean refugees
- Human rights research and reporting
- Peace-oriented education and advocacy
- Published extensive reports on the lives of North Korean residents
In the Media
Easing North Koreans' Pain
The New York Times
This Buddhist Monk Has Devoted His Life to Ending Suffering in North Korea
HuffPost
Peacebuilding
The Peace Foundation
Working toward peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula
The Peace Foundation for Contributing to World Peace Through South and North Koreas' Reunification
The Peace Foundation is an independent research institute established in 2004 to promote lasting peace, stability, and reunification between South and North Korea. Maintaining a neutral and nonpartisan stance, the foundation works to build understanding and consensus.
2004
Established
Key Facts
- Encourages open dialogue on social and political issues
- Conducts research and public education
- Works to build national consensus around peace and coexistence
- Maintains a neutral and nonpartisan stance
In the Media
North Korea Peace Treaty Called for by "We the People" Petition
Newsweek
The Art of Good Enough
Korea JoongAng Daily
A Shared Commitment
While each organization focuses on a different area, they are united by a shared belief:
Personal practice and social responsibility strengthen one another.
Through these NGOs, Jungto Society seeks to address suffering not only within individuals, but also within communities and society as a whole.