Our mission in Korea

The collaboration between South Korean organizations and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung dates back to the late 1960s. In 1989, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung opened its own representation in Seoul. As a German political foundation, we base our work on the principles of promoting social justice and international understanding. Fostering dialogue and collaboration between Korean and German institutions and organizations is a central objective of our work.

The close and long-standing cooperation with local partner organizations form the backbone of the work of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. South Korean partner organizations of FES are central actors in the fields of politics, economic and social development and international relations. They include government ministries, civil society organizations, trade unions as well as universities, think tanks and research institutes. Furthermore, FES Korea aims at promoting dialogue and trust building with representatives of North Korean institutions by organizing workshops and dialogue forums on economic and social issues.

FES uses diverse methods to foster discussions and the exchange of international experiences. These include commissioning and publishing studies and reports, conducting research projects, organizing workshops, conferences and roundtables, inviting international experts to Korea and sending study groups to Germany and Europe.