About Dasom Saessak Initiative
We connect scientific rigor with deep community action to restore critical ecosystems, eliminate energy poverty, and cultivate ecological citizenship in South Korea.
Love (다솜) & Sprout (새싹)
"Dasom" represents our core commitment to communities, while "Saessak" symbolizes the resilient growth of nature when restored with care.
Bridging Science, Nature & Society
Founded in 2021, Dasom Saessak Initiative is a registered South Korean environmental non-governmental organization. We believe that addressing the ecological crises of our era requires moving beyond simple, top-down directives. Instead, true sustainability is built when scientific experts, local communities, and youth join forces to protect their home regions.
From Gotjawal forests on Jeju Island to alpine zones in Jirisan, and deep marine cleanups in the East Sea, our hands-on projects achieve measurable, positive impacts. In parallel, we address climate justice directly through our energy welfare campaigns, helping low-income rural households transition to clean, modern energy.
Our Core Values
These values define every campaign, methodology, and partnership we build across the Korean peninsula.
Scientific Accuracy
We base all our ecosystem restoration efforts on empirical data, collaborating with universities and national research institutes to implement GIS-mapped, monitored projects.
Community Guardianship
We believe local communities are the true guardians of nature. We partner with traditional haenyeo divers, rural coops, and school boards to co-design and run our operations.
Climate Justice
Environmental policies must leave no one behind. We actively replace dangerous, polluting fossil heating in vulnerable rural areas with green, sustainable alternatives.
NGO Milestones & Progress
A timeline of our growth and the conservation achievements made alongside our volunteers.
Founding & Scientific Baseline Audits
Dasom Saessak Initiative was officially established in Seoul. Our core teams completed baseline biodiversity surveys in Jeju Gotjawal and ecological corridor mapping along the Han River basin.
Gotjawal Forest Launch & DMZ Nature Peace Program
Launched the Gotjawal ecological restoration program, planting 14,000+ native trees. Partnered with the National Institute of Ecology to pilot our first student expeditions inside the DMZ Civilian Control Line.
Marine Debris Salvage & Rural Eco-Heating Programs
Expanded operations to include deep marine sweeps, removing 74 tonnes of ghost nets from the East Sea. Concurrently launched our winter insulation and heat pump conversions in Gangwon province.
National Accreditation & Scaling Impact
Our environmental citizenship programs received official KEDI accreditation. Over 6,400 students educated, 342 low-income rural households converted to clean heating, and UNEP NOWPAP recognition for coastal upcycling campaigns.
Our Operational Team
Meet the directors guiding our restoration, welfare, and educational efforts in the office and out in the field.
Dr. Han Song-yi
A prominent forest ecologist with over 15 years of academic and field research experience in Korea's native gotjawal and sub-alpine forest ecosystems.
Park Jun-seo
Coordinates our field teams, regional volunteers, haenyeo marine networks, and local county partnerships for the energy welfare initiatives.
Ms. Song Min-kyung
Designs and implements our KEDI-accredited ecological citizenship curriculums, school expeditions, and citizen science programs.
Join Our Collective Efforts
Whether by making a transparent, regular donation or rolling up your sleeves to volunteer on the ground, you can build a more sustainable future with us.