Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s East Asia Office in
Seoul serves as a regional hub for dialogue on
critical global challenges. By strengthening
political exchange between East Asia and the
European Union, the office is committed to
advancing its work on foreign and security
policy, democracy and human rights, and cli-
mate and ecology across the region. Its partic-
ular focus is on South Korea and Japan, which
play pivotal roles in shaping regional norms
and standards.
The office is strategically located in Seoul,
South Korea, a country that has experienced
remarkable democratic development and
rapid economic growth following its transition
from dictatorship. It benefits from a dynamic
environment where activists and policymak-
ers alike drive transformative initiatives, while
the country continues to grapple with shared
ecological, socioeconomic, and political chal-
lenges.
Fostering Dialogue and
Democratic Values in East Asia
Amid mounting pressure in East Asia, includ-
ing democratic backsliding, political polariza-
tion, and the erosion of international law and
multilateral cooperation, the East Asia Office
provides a platform for meaningful dialogue
between Europe and the region. Through edu-
cational programs, research projects, network-
ing events, and policy dialogues, the office
promotes knowledge exchange and democrat-
ic participation.
Promoting Dialogue and
Transformative Action in East Asia
Our Key Activities
Democracy and Human Rights Foreign and Security Policy Climate and Ecology
The East Asia Office promotes dialogue and collaboration across the region through three strate-
gic areas and one cross-cutting theme: foreign and security policy, democracy and human rights,
climate and ecology, and digital policy.
The office advocates for the rights of mar-
ginalized communities, including women,
LGBTQIA+ persons, migrants, refugees, and
youth, by raising social awareness and pro-
moting inclusive laws and policies. By creating
safe spaces and enabling networks, the office
facilitates knowledge sharing and collabora-
tion among human rights defenders, activists,
academics, and government officials across
East Asia, strengthening regional dialogue and
democratic practice.
The office promotes peaceful cooperation
grounded in democratic values across the
Korean Peninsula, Japan, and the broader
Asia-Pacific. It integrates feminist perspectives
into traditional and non-traditional security
challenges and convenes experts, activists,
and policymakers from Asia and Europe to ex-
plore innovative approaches to diplomacy and
regional security.
The office aims to foster policies and practic-
es that align the region with the goals of the
Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework. With a focus
on the energy transition, spatial planning, and
climate equity, the office promotes dialogue
that advances constructive, solutions-oriented
narratives across East Asia. Inquiries about the partnership
info@kr.boell.org
Collaboration and Partnerships
The East Asia Office actively engages
with partners across green political
movements, government institutions,
civil society organizations, academia,
and the private sector to address re-
gional challenges and to connect local
experiences with global perspectives.
By convening diverse stakeholders
through research collaborations, ca-
pacity-building programs, exchanges,
and public dialogues, the office fosters
open and inclusive conversations and
supports the development of prac-
tical, rights-based policy solutions.
We welcome collaboration with all
stakeholders committed to advancing
sustainable, democratic, and equitable
futures in East Asia.
Director’s
Message
Jasmin Walda
Regional Representative
The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung (hbs) is a non-prof-
it organisation and part of the global Green
movement. In September 2024, the Heinrich-
Böll-Stiftung East Asia Office opened in Seoul,
South Korea. As one of the newest offices in
our global network of more than 30 offices
worldwide, we began our work at a moment of
profound political uncertainty and urgency.
The months since have been anything but
uneventful. From the unlawful declaration of
martial law and impeachment proceedings in
South Korea to rapid political shifts in Japan,
the region is undergoing significant political
change with implications far beyond East
Asia. At the same time, the global rise of far-
right movements, shrinking civic space, the
escalating climate crisis, and evolving foreign
and security policy dynamics raise fundamen-
tal questions about the resilience of a rules-
based, values-driven political order in a time
when pragmatism and transactionalism in-
creasingly shape political decision-making.
At the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung East Asia, we see
our role as a “think and do” tank. Our work
brings together climate and environmental
policy, democracy and human rights, and for-
eign and security policy in a changing regional
and global context. Through collaboration
with activists, scholars, policymakers, and
private sector partners across East Asia and
Europe, we seek to strengthen international
cooperation and advance sustainable, inclu-
sive, and democratic solutions.
I warmly invite you to join us, whether as a
partner, collaborator, or critical voice, in shap-
ing the dialogue and collective efforts that will
define the future of democracy in East Asia
and beyond.
gagement, and moral integrity.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation carries forward
the values Heinrich Böll sought to uphold,
including the defense of human rights, the
protection of freedom of conscience, and ac-
tive intervention in public affairs, and works
worldwide to promote democracy, ecological
sustainability, and social justice. By supporting
civil society, fostering dialogue, and encourag-
ing civic engagement, the Foundation ensures
that Böll’s legacy of critical thought, ethical
action, and solidarity remains a living guide to
the challenges of our time.
Heinrich
Böll
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is named in
honor of Heinrich Böll, one of the most influ-
ential German writers of the 20th century, a
Nobel Laureate in Literature, and a steadfast
advocate for human rights and democracy.
Throughout his life, Böll combined literary cre-
ativity with political awareness, courageously
addressing social injustices, defending hu-
man dignity, and standing up for persecuted
colleagues, civil rights activists, and political
prisoners. His commitment to international
solidarity and justice made him a respected
voice in Germany and around the world.
Böll’s novels, essays, and short stories vividly
chronicle Germany’s post-war history, reflect-
ing on the first four decades of democracy
after the Nazi dictatorship and the moral chal-
lenges of a rapidly changing society. Beyond
literature, he actively participated in global
movements, including the peace movement,
and persistently spoke out against the threat of
nuclear destruction.
With the approval of the Böll family and the
National Convention of Germany’s Green Par-
ty (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), the Foundation
adopted his name to honor his exceptional
combination of artistic insight, political en-
Continuing Heinrich Böll’s Conscience:
Upholding Green Values
Promoting democracy, human rights, and the
rule of law remains at the heart of the Heinrich
Böll Foundation’s mission. In an era of shrink-
ing civic space, we actively seek innovative
ways to support civil society partners in their
pursuit of justice and democratic governance.
By providing research, analysis, and contex-
tual insights, we also help inform the German
public about international developments that
shape our shared future.
The Foundation is committed to ecological
transformation and sustainable development.
We advocate for policies that protect our glob-
al ecosystem, address climate change, and
promote responsible economic and financial
practices. Local politics, urban development,
and environmental sustainability are closely
interlinked in our approach to creating resil-
ient and inclusive communities.
Gender equality and social inclusion are cen-
tral to our work. We champion equal rights
for women and men, encourage feminist per-
spectives in policy and society, and actively
support initiatives that empower marginalized
communities. Migration, diversity, and social
What We Stand Up For
participation are additional priorities, ensur-
ing that every individual’s voice can contribute
to shaping democratic societies.
Peace and security form another cornerstone
of our vision. We engage in preventive diplo-
macy, conflict-sensitive development, and
policy dialogue to reduce risks in crisis zones.
By defending individual freedoms against un-
due state or economic control, the Foundation
fosters conditions for lasting stability, cooper-
ation, and respect for human rights.
To reach diverse audiences and inspire the
next generation, the Foundation employs a
wide range of educational and media formats.
From podcasts and social media campaigns
to scholarships, publications, workshops, film
screenings, and exhibitions, our work makes
political education accessible, engaging, and
relevant to young people and wider communi-
ties alike.
Our Team
Jasmin Walda
Philip Kim Kun Woo Ro
Ha Eun Yoon
Hyeji Jung
Hyejin Yoo
Seonmin Park
Regional Representative
Programme Manager :
Democracy & Human Rights
Programme Manager :
Ecology
Programme Manager :
Foreign & Security Policy
Financial Coordinator
Communication Manager
Office Manager
Philip.Kim@kr.boell.org Kunwoo.Ro@kr.boell.org
Haeun.Yoon@kr.boell.org
Hyeji.Jung@kr.boell.org
Hyejin.Yoo@kr.boell.org
Seonmin.Park@kr.boell.org
Jasmin.Walda@kr.boell.org
Heinrich Böll Foundation
Worldwide
The Heinrich Böll Foundation operates glob-
ally with offices in over 30 countries, support-
ing more than 100 partner projects across 60
nations. Our network enables the Foundation
to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge, and
support locally led initiatives on democracy,
human rights, climate action, gender equality,
and social justice.
Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia/So-
maliland), Cape Town (South Africa, Namibia,
Zimbabwe), Nairobi (Kenya, Uganda, Tanza-
nia), Abuja (Nigeria), Dakar (Senegal)
Through this worldwide presence, the Hein-
rich Böll Foundation connects regional initia-
tives with global perspectives, strengthening
cooperation among civil society, policymak-
ers, academics, and activists to address the
most pressing political, social, and ecological
challenges.
Brussels (European Union, Global Dialogue),
Paris (France, Italy), Prague (Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Hungary), Thessaloniki (Greece),
Warsaw (Poland), Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade
(Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo), Kyiv (Ukraine),
Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina, North
Macedonia), Tbilisi (South Caucasus Region),
Tirana (Albania)
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Mexico City (Mexico,
Caribbean), Santiago de Chile (Chile, Peru,
Bolivia), San Salvador (Central America), Bo-
gota (Colombia)
Bangkok (Southeast Asia), New Delhi (India),
Beijing (China), Phnom Penh (Cambodia),
Seoul (East Asia, Global Dialogue)
Washington, DC (USA, Canada, Global Dia-
logue)
Ramallah (Palestine, Jordan), Beirut (Middle
East), Tel Aviv (Israel), Rabat (Morocco), Tunis
(Tunisia)
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Asia
North America
Middle East and North Africa
Our offices are strategically located
in the following regions
Explore Our Publications :
Knowledge in Action
Discover our work through a wide variety of publications, connecting ideas, research, and data.
From in-depth magazines to multilingual Atlases, our content brings stories from East Asia, Ger-
many, and beyond straight to your screen. All publications are available online for easy access.
Have you ever followed the UN climate con-
ferences and wondered what lies beyond the
headlines? Don’t Panic offers an engaging mix
of articles and visuals that goes beyond doom-
and-gloom coverage of the climate crisis. It
connects grassroots activism with multilateral
climate diplomacy, highlights both achieve-
ments and unresolved challenges, and brings
the perspectives of citizens in South Korea and
Japan into one shared conversation.
All our publications are available to read on-
line. Many also include dedicated dossiers fea-
turing the full set of articles and infographics,
along with additional resources such as videos
and podcasts.
The Atlas series, one of the Foundation’s
flagship publication formats, makes complex
issues more accessible through data visualiza-
tion. Each Atlas combines rigorous research
with compelling design to support public
outreach and inspire action. On the following
page are titles that have been translated into
Korean or Japanese.
Coal Atlas 2015 (KR) Agrifood Atlas 2017 (KR)
Economy Atlas 2019 (KR) Plastic Atlas Asia Edition
2021 (KR/JP)
Energy Atlas 2018 (KR)
Mobility Atlas 2019 (KR)
Pesticide Atlas 2022 (KR)
Agriculture Atlas 2019
(KR)
Plastic Atlas 2019 (KR)
Brazilian Amazon Atlas
2025 (KR/JP)
Don’t Panic :
COP30 Edition (KR/JP)
Access Online
Mapping the Unseen :
Atlases (Multiple Languages)
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
kr.boell.org
@boell_kr
@beoll-seoul
@boell_kr
Subscribe
Our Newsletter