By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

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The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), led by President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg, held the AHK Florist Certificate Award Ceremony on June 30 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul.

This event recognized nine newly certified florists who completed the AHK Florist Program, a vocational training initiative jointly organized by KGCCI with two of Korea’s leading floral design academies—Cochi Oh Myeon Floral Art School and Lim’s Flower Academy. Integrating core elements of the Germany’s dual vocational training system, the program adheres to the rigorous criteria – DIHK Quality Category set forth by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), ensuring that participants meet high standards of excellence.

Joern Weisert, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Seoul, presented Berufsbildung certificates the accomplished florists, commending their dedication and craftsmanship. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional skills and proficiency in various floral decorations, earning them recognition through this certification.

Jointly run by KGCCI and its academic partners, the AHK Florist certification course aligns with the C-Level of the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) qualification framework. The program blends theory and practice, requiring participants to master a wide range of floral design techniques and practical skills—reflecting the structured approach of Germany’s dual system of vocational education.

Young-Jin Kim, KGCCI Deputy Director overseeing Ausbildung program, remarked, “The AHK Florist program is more than just a transfer of technical skills—it serves as a model example of how Korea and Germany can collaborate through vocational education. KGCCI hope to see the German vocational training program, Berufsbildung, further expand in Korea.”

Among this year’s certificate recipients, Mi-Hyun Cha (29) stood out for her unique career transition. Having worked as a hair designer for over seven years, she turned to floral design as a way to recover from job-related stress and burnout.

“I was physically and emotionally drained from the demands of my job. As I began working with flowers and creating arrangements, I could feel my body and mind gradually healing,” she said.

After earning a national floristry certificate, Cha won a silver medal at the Goyang International Flower Exhibition’s amateur floral design competition. Now, with her AHK Florist certificate, she is formally recognized as a professional in the floral industry, marking a new chapter in her career.

KGCCI first introduced the German Ausbildung program to Korea in 2017, beginning with the automotive service sector. In 2019, the chamber expanded into the floral industry with the Berufsbildung track, further strengthening Korea-Germany cooperation in skills-based education. To date, a total of 52 individuals have earned AHK Florist certification through the program. KGCCI plans to continue expanding its vocational training portfolio, aiming to cultivate specialized talent across a broad range of industries and support lifelong career development through structured, internationally recognized education pathways.