What we do

As the globally active cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, we advocate for understanding between Germany, Europe and the world. The framework agreement with the German Federal Foreign Office is the foundation for this work. Worldwide, we provide information about the cultural and societal diversity of Germany and Europe. 151 Goethe-Institutes in 98 countries together with numerous partner institutions form the basis of our global network. The Federal Foreign Office supports our work institutionally. As a registered charity we operate autonomously on a legally independent basis and are not affiliated to any political party. We generate around a third of our revenue ourselves through income from language courses and examinations. We also receive support from the European Union (EU), further German federal ministries as well as foundations and companies in Germany and abroad.

We contribute to establishing the German language in the educational systems of the guest countries. We support over 100,000 schools worldwide in giving high-quality German tuition and promote the advanced professional training and qualification of teachers of German. Furthermore, we offer languages courses ranging from general German courses to prevocational language courses and seminars to raise societal and cultural awareness. Our services include online courses and autonomous learning programs. Every year more than half a million people sit a German examination at a Goethe-Institut or one of our cooperation partners. With a wide range of educational and information programs, we support in particular students and skilled workers from abroad on their route to Germany. 

We believe in the potential of international cultural exchange. Our approximately 20,000 cultural events per year take place in partnership with governmental and non-governmental institutions and initiatives from civil society in our guest countries. We qualify, advise and interlink cultural professionals and support the development of sustainable structures in the cultural and creative economy by advanced training measures for cultural entrepreneurs or the internationalization of creative companies. With our residence programs, partnerships and co-productions, we promote the networking of cultural professionals around the globe. We offer stakeholders from civil society a protected space and scope for a sincere exchange of views. We do not break off democratic dialogue, even in difficult times. In our work we orientate ourselves towards the values of a democratic, liberal society governed by the rule of law.

Via our digital information and educational programs in more than 60 languages and a network with 87 libraries, we offer a space to learn, meet up and participate. We use innovative technologies, seize the opportunities of digitalization and, at the same time, reflect on their implications for people and society. Through diverse formats such as information trips for multipliers, specialist exchange between experts, youth exchange programs and international festivals we enable communication on a worldwide basis.

The Goethe-Institut has been present in Korea since 1968, with its headquarters located in Seoul. Additionally, the Institute provides language courses and exams in other cities, such as Daejeon (1988), Daegu (2012), Gwangju (2014), and Busan (2015). For over five decades, the Goethe-Institut Korea has been dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange between Korea and Germany. We are dedicated to everyone interested in learning about Germany and the German language. The Goethe-Institut Korea is involved in organizing and supporting a wide range of cultural events. The main aim is to promote German-Korean encounters and communicate an updated and nuanced image of Germany. Since 2004, we have been working on project-based initiatives in North Korea, within the limits of the political framework.

As part of our educational cooperation, we guide authorities and language course providers. Workshops, seminars, and symposia, often in collaboration with Korean partners contribute to the professionalization of German teaching in Korea. Every year, more than 5,000 individuals learn German in our language courses, and the internationally recognized examinations of the Goethe-Institut play an important role in the professional development of many young people.

Our library at the Goethe-Institut Korea provides information on current aspects of cultural, social, and political life in Germany, with a constantly updated collection of books and media. We also offer information services regardless of location via the eLibrary, our website, and our social media presence.