The Korea Foundation (KF) was established in 1991, and has been Korea’s leading public diplomacy institution that is devoted to enhancing understanding about Korea abroad and facilitating international interactions between Korea and the world. The KF’s public diplomacy initiatives include its active support for overseas Korean Studies and Koreanists and support for cultural exchanges between Korea and the world, along with the promotion of people-to-people interactions with a variety of forum events and intellectual exchange programs. The KF endeavors to promulgate objective facts and knowledge about Korea that are not yet part of the dominant international discourses, such as the recognition of Korea as a “pivotal middle power,” which because of its late modernization is uniquely situated to understand the quite different situations of both the developed and developing countries; and hence, for example, should play an important role in helping mediate disputes that are an increasing threat to international peace.
Main Activities
Public Diplomacy
KF pursues a better understanding of Korea, as well as its people, in the global community through intellectual networking and open communication among prominent figures, next-generation leaders and students across the globe. In addition, KF also organizes forums and seminars so that Korean and foreign specialists of various fields can get together to discuss key issues of their mutual concern.
– Invitation of prominent foreign figures and future-generation leaders to Korea
– Bilateral and multilateral forums with more than 15 countries
– Support for overseas think-tanks and domestic NGOs.
– Programs to advance Korea’s Public Diplomacy initiatives (Global Seminar, Global Internship, etc.)
Support for Korean Studies Overseas
KF implements a variety of support initiatives to help establish and enhance Korean studies institutions and programs internationally, as well as to nurture next-generation Korean studies specialists abroad through various fellowships.
Culture and Arts Exchange
KF nurtures understanding and friendship between Korea and other countries through various forms of culture and arts. In addition, KF extensively collaborates with prominent foreign museums to invigorate the Korean art exhibitions and programs through museums abroad. KF Cultural Center also serves a venue to facilitate two-way cultural exchanges by hosting various events for global culture and arts.
Support for Media
KF publishes and distributes Korea-related publications, video content and films to the global audience, to disseminate information about Korea and its culture.
Contact Information:
Phone: 82648041000
Fax: 82648041275
Website: www.en.kf.or.kr
