The Heinrich Böll Foundation's Office in Seoul acts as a regional hub for promoting dialogue on pressing global issues. Strengthening political dialogue between Asia and the EU, it is dedicated to promoting ecological transformation, regional peace, digital justice, and the strengthening of democratic societies within East Asia, including South Korea and Japan. These two key countries play a major role as setters of norms and standards in the region.
The office is strategically located in Seoul, South Korea – a nation that has undergone significant democratic growth and rapid economic development following its transition from dictatorship to democracy. As such, the country not only often attracts activists from the region, but also faces challenges of dealing with needed transformation and change itself.
In response to the growing challenges faced by East Asian countries, particularly the weakening of democracy characterized by political polarization, the rise of far-right forces, and the erosion of international law and cooperation, the East Asia Office aims to create a space for meaningful dialogue between Europe and East Asia. This is achieved through a range of activities, including educational programs, research projects, networking events, and policy dialogues designed to strengthen democracy and civil society.
By supporting diverse social change agents, the East Asia Office actively contributes to addressing pressing global issues. With a particular focus on foreign and security policy, the office facilitates discussions/debates on enhancing the regional security architecture.
Key Activities
The East Asia Office prioritizes diplomacy, technology and digital policy, climate and ecological solutions, and the promotion of gender equality and social minority rights.
Democracy and Human Rights
Promoting gender equality and social inclusion, the office focuses on advocating for the rights of the marginalized communities (women, LGBTQIA+ persons, migrants & refugees, youth, etc.) by contributing to the increased social awareness, protection from all types of violence, creation of inclusive laws and policies. Creating safe spaces and enabling atmosphere, our office promotes the learning, sharing, and networking among a variety of stakeholders (human rights defenders, activists, academics, government officials, etc.) across Asia.
Digital Technology and Policy
The office supports research and activities focused on digital justice, emphasizing data sovereignty, privacy protection, and closing the digital divide. The office also seeks to strengthen civil society’s capacity in the digital transition by promoting inclusive and sustainable policies that align technological advancements with democratic values.
Ecology
By collaborating with proactive civil, government, and private actors, the office aims to empower citizens as agents of change. Its focus is on advancing climate and ecological agendas in East Asia through capacity building, research and advocacy support, alliance strengthening, and improved access to knowledge. Key topics include energy transition, spatial planning, and climate fair sharing, among others.
Foreign and Security Policy
The office is committed to fostering peaceful cooperation based on democratic values across the Korean peninsula, Japan and the greater Indo-Pacific region. We are also dedicated in promoting feminist foreign policy and and integrating feminist perspectives into both traditional and nontraditional security issues. In an era of instability, our mission is to convene experts, activists, policy makers and other key stakeholders from Asia and Europe to explore innovative and “greener” approaches to diplomacy and security.
Collaboration and Partnerships
The East Asia Office collaborates with green politics, government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector to address regional issues and share global perspectives. In the field of diplomacy and security, the office creates platforms for multilateral dialogue and proposes policy solutions to enhance international peace and cooperation.
Opened in:
2024
Head of Office:
Kristian Brakel
Unser Team in Seoul.
Contact:
Heinrich-Boell-Stiftung
East Asia Office
Bareul Cham Building 4-5F.
33, Noksapyeong-daero 40na-gil
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Republic of Korea
E info@kr.boell.org
T +82 2 798 9507
