Seoul
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. Our South Korea project is focused on forward-looking topics such as smart cities and the 4th industrial revolution. The North Korea project organizes capacity-building programs in environmental planning and water management. We work with the Center for Local Autonomy, Hanyang University (CLA), Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID), and many other local partners. Should you have questions or suggestions about our work, please contact us. You can also meet our team here.
News
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New FNF Study: Partnership between Russia and North Korea
North Korea is providing massive support to Russia in its war of aggression. However, according to a new study by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Moscow's rewards have been minimal so far. The regime in Pyongyang is benefiting primarily in political terms.
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South Korea's Sunshine Policy: A Fresh Start in Moscow's Shadow
With Lee Jae-myung, South Korea is returning to dialogue with the North, but Russia's war against Ukraine is shifting the balance of power on the peninsula and strengthening Pyongyang's position.
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Friedrich Naumann Foundation cooperates with South Korea’s e-gov pioneer
South Korea has one of the most advanced digital public administrations in the world. As part of a recent delegation visit to Germany, KLID President Park Doek Soo and Karl-Heinz Paqué, Chairman of the Naumann Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further expand their collaboration.
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South Korea slows down on AI education
South Korea’s government wanted to modernize its education system with AI textbooks. But the project failed due to lack of preparation and skepticism from parents – A sobering example for others to consider.
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North Korea and Russia expand their cooperation
Fresh evidence points to rapidly deepening ties between the two states.
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China Expands in the Yellow Sea
The People’s Republic of China is building massive steel structures in disputed waters off South Korea’s coast. This move could signal even more aggressive behavior—similar to China’s actions in the South China Sea.
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Peace Talk at Hanyang University
The Peace Talk event on April 30, organized by the FNF Korea in collaboration with Hanyang University and Parti, aimed to foster respectful dialogue and promote peaceful conversations among students with differing views.
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Cities for All: Sustainable and Inclusive Cities
The first of three 2024 Global Citizen Dialogue seminars “Cities for All: Sustainable and Inclusive Cities” took place at the POSCO Center in Seoul on April 18th, 2024. The event focused on the dynamics of fostering inclusive and sustainable cities and aims to envision the future we will live in and explore the efforts needed to realize the future we desire.
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2024 Digital Platform series: 1st Seminar on “Digital Platform Government”
The first seminar of the Digital Empowerment – 2024 Digital Platform series, focused on "Digital Platform Government," took place on March 7, 2024. This seminar series, organized by FNF Korea and its partner Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID), aimed to explore the concept of a digital platform government and strengthen digital capacity and capabilities of local governments and related institutions.
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Kim Jong Un abandons the goal of peaceful reunification
The ruler sends aggressive warnings to South Korea and the United States at the turn of the year. He seems hardly interested in a dialogue with liberal democracies anymore. This marks a drastic break with decades of state doctrine and alarms South Korea. Instead, North Korea continues to turn towards Russia. This raises tensions on the Korean Peninsula to a new peak.
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Tough Schools
In PISA studies, South Korean students achieve top results. Nevertheless, the education system in the country is controversial. The immense pressure to achieve good results has led to a booming market for private tutoring, exacerbating social inequalities. This is especially evident in the test crucial for university admission.
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Beyond The Local, Beyond The Digital
On November 30, 2023, KLID and FNF Korea successfully organized the "2nd Global Forum for Local Digital Innovation and Governance" at KLID Hall in Seoul. The event, titled "Beyond The Local, Beyond The Digital," brought together key figures to explore the implementation of the Digital Platform Government policy on a regional level and present solutions for local issues.
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GCD Talk concert: Climate Crisis and Circular Economy
The third installment of the 2023 Global Citizen Dialogue(GCD): Let’s Take an Action!, unfolded at the POSCO Center Art Hall in Seoul on November 28, 2023. The event focused on the critical issues of the climate crisis and circular economy, featuring a panel interview with Kim Jeong Bin, CEO of Superbin and and insightful discussions with students from 14 different countries.
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Making Cities Smarter and Safer: Lessons from Korea and Japan
The Joint Symposium "Making Cities Smarter and Safer: Lessons from Korea and Japan", held in Seoul on November 2nd, 2023, brought together experts from Korea and Japan to delve into the complexities of smart city data governance. Through insightful presentations and lively discussions, the symposium provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, highlighting the shared journey towards creating smarter and safer urban environments.
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“Men earn respect much more easily”
Women face tough challenges in Korea’s business world. Start-up Entrepreneur Ara Goh, a partner of FNF Korea, is aiming for a change. Freiheit.org speaks with her about chauvinistic investors, Korea’s MeToo Movement and why she believes in Korea’s female leaders.
