KGCCI Publishes 12th CSR Report, Highlights Korea-Germany Partnership

German Companies' CSR Activities in Korea
Report Unveiled Ahead of 'APK 2026'

The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) announced on the 19th that it had published its 12th CSR report, documenting the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of German companies in Korea that have made long-term contributions to Korean society.

Cover of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI)'s "2026 CSR Report." KGCCI

The report highlights the positive impact German companies are making through initiatives that bring about tangible change in areas including environmental protection, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, healthcare, diversity and inclusion. Around 540 German companies currently operate in Korea, employing approximately 100,000 people and contributing to the country’s economic and social development.

This year’s report features 12 German companies: Airbus Korea, Bayer Korea, Boehringer Ingelheim Korea, FUCHS Lubricants Korea Co., Ltd., Henkel Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Porsche Korea, Robert Bosch Korea, Schaeffler Korea, Siemens Korea, TUV SUD Korea and Volkswagen Group Korea. These companies have continued to pursue tangible, long-term initiatives, including creating urban green spaces, promoting a culture of safe mobility and improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

“The commitment of German companies to Korea extends beyond business and investment to the people and communities they work alongside,” said Marie Antonia von Schönburg, head of KGCCI. “Through initiatives spanning education, healthcare, sustainability and inclusion, our member companies are creating meaningful and lasting change.” She added, “As we prepare for the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2026), which will be held in Seoul, this report shows how responsible business practices and shared values are strengthening the Korea-Germany partnership and laying the foundations for sustainable growth.”

KGCCI has continued its annual support for people with visual impairments through Guide Walkers, a joint social contribution initiative launched in 2023 to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany. Nearly 1,200 people, including employees and family members from around 30 German companies and organizations, as well as members of the public, took part in this year’s event, held in Seoul on June 13. Participants walked alongside people with visual impairments as guide walkers, promoting inclusion and solidarity and raising public awareness of the rights of people with disabilities. This year’s event was the largest since the initiative began: the number of participants was five times that of the inaugural year, and the amount raised also reached a record high.

KGCCI has also stepped up its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion through partnerships with the Seoul Federation of the Blind and Envisions, which operates the immersive exhibition Dialogue in the Dark. Together with the Sungjoo Foundation, it also runs WIR (Women in koRea), a mentoring program for women, and continues to support women’s career development and leadership opportunities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.