What we do

As the globally active cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, we are committed to fostering understanding between Germany, Europe, and the world. This mission is based on our association’s objectives and the framework agreement with the Federal Foreign Office. Worldwide, we promote knowledge of the German language, cultivate international cultural cooperation, and provide information about cultural, social, and political life in Germany.

Our global network consists of 150 Goethe-Institutes in 99 countries, along with numerous partner institutions. The Federal Foreign Office provides institutional support for our work. As a registered association, we operate independently, are politically neutral, and legally autonomous. About one-third of our budget is self-generated through income from language courses and examinations. In addition, we receive support from the European Union, other federal ministries, as well as foundations and companies both in Germany and abroad.

We contribute to embedding the German language in the education systems of our host countries. We support more than 100,000 schools worldwide in delivering high-quality German instruction and promote the continuing education and qualification of German teachers. Furthermore, to support our association’s objectives, we offer language courses ranging from general German courses to job-oriented language training and seminars on social and cultural awareness. Our offerings include online courses and self-learning programs. Each year, around 1 million people worldwide take a German exam at a Goethe-Institut or with one of our cooperation partners. With a wide range of learning and informational resources, we especially support students and professionals from abroad on their path to Germany.

We believe in the potential of international cultural exchange. Our approximately 20,000 cultural events per year are created in partnership with governmental and non-governmental institutions and civil society initiatives in our host countries. We provide training, advice, and networking opportunities for creatives and support the development of sustainable structures in the cultural and creative industries—for example, through training programs for cultural entrepreneurs or the internationalization of creative enterprises. Through our residency programs, collaborations, and co-productions, we promote global networking among cultural professionals. We offer civil society actors spaces for protection and freedom to enable open dialogue. We maintain democratic discourse even in challenging times. Our work is guided by the values of a democratic, liberal, and rule-of-law-based society.

Through our digital information and learning offerings in more than 60 languages and a network of 87 libraries, we provide spaces for learning, exchange, and participation. We embrace innovative technologies, seize the opportunities of digitalization, and critically reflect on its impact on people and society. Through diverse formats such as informational trips for multipliers, professional exchanges between experts, youth exchange programs, and international festivals, we enable global encounters.

The Goethe-Institut has been present in Korea since 1968, with its headquarters located in Seoul. For over six 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.