“Finance Embracing the Community”: Saemaul Geumgo Launches ‘MG Ddasum’

Establishing a Nationwide Volunteer Network
Full-Scale Launch of Disaster Response, Care, and Mutual Growth Activities

Saemaul Geumgo has established a nationwide social contribution network, strengthening its commitment to community-based mutual growth activities.

The organization aims to expand the role of financial cooperatives beyond providing basic financial services, envisioning a broader mission of restoring local communities and fostering social solidarity.

MG DDASOOM
Photo by Saemaeul Geumgo Central Association

Saemaul Geumgo announced the official formation and operation of its flagship social contribution volunteer group, "MG Ddasum," to reinforce its dedication to community coexistence and fulfilling social responsibility.

This initiative was established to systematically connect the volunteer activities previously run independently by each Saemaul Geumgo branch across the country. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of social contribution efforts and to build a sustainable foundation for collaboration that strengthens trust and bonds with local communities.

The name "MG Ddasum" is an abbreviation for "warm breath," symbolizing the intention to spread warmth and hope throughout the community.

Through this initiative, Saemaul Geumgo plans to move beyond one-off, event-based support and establish a community-embedded social contribution system that resonates with local residents.

"MG Ddasum" will be operated across 13 regions nationwide. In each region, at least three Saemaul Geumgo branches and more than 50 volunteers will participate in the organization. Recruitment and inauguration ceremonies for each region will be completed by July, with full-scale activities commencing in the second half of 2026.

The volunteer group will actively respond to situations requiring large-scale manpower, such as emergency recovery and on-site support in the event of disasters or accidents. During normal times, the group will continuously carry out community-based volunteer activities, including support for vulnerable groups, elderly care, and initiatives for mutual growth within the local community.

Saemaul Geumgo plans to leverage its nationwide organizational structure and local networks to expand customized volunteer activities tailored to regional characteristics. The organization also intends to build a resident participation-based social contribution model.

A representative from Saemaul Geumgo Central Association stated, "MG Ddasum will operate as a mutual growth platform, grounded in the identity of Saemaul Geumgo as the financial cooperative closest to the community. We will continue to expand a variety of social contribution activities that deliver warmth to local communities."

As expectations rise for the social responsibilities of financial institutions, the launch of this volunteer group by Saemaul Geumgo highlights the emergence of a new cooperative model that combines "the public value of local finance" and "community-embedded social contribution."

By establishing a field-participation-based volunteer system that goes beyond simple donations, this initiative is expected to significantly influence the evolving role of community-based financial institutions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.