By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), led by President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg, has released the 11th CSR Report of German Companies in Korea on Nov. 24, highlighting how German businesses are deepening their social, environmental and community engagement across the country.
The annual report, now in its eleventh year, features corporate social responsibility initiatives from nine German companies: Armacell Korea, Bayer Korea, Boehringer Ingelheim Korea, Henkel Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Porsche Korea, Robert Bosch Korea, Siemens Korea, TÜV SÜD Korea. The report showcases initiatives across a wide range of areas, including environmental protection, educational support, community development, and social welfare programs.
KGCCI began publishing its CSR report in 2014 to track the evolving role of German businesses in Korea. Today, about 500 German companies operate in Korea, employing more than 100,000 people across manufacturing plants, offices, logistics centers, and research facilities.
“For ten years, German companies have been investing not just in Korea’s economy, but in its people and communities,” said Marie Antonia von Schönburg, President and CEO of KGCCI. “This year’s report shows what meaningful progress looks like—stronger inclusion, deeper solidarity, and the collaborative spirit required to achieve long-term sustainability.”
A highlight of the report is the progress of Guide Walker, KGCCI’s joint CSR initiative launched in 2023 to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Korea–Germany diplomatic relations. The program mobilizes volunteers to assist the visually impaired, and this year recorded more than 700 participants—the highest since its launch. KGCCI said the initiative reflects the “collaborative spirit” among member companies and their employees, noting that participation continues to grow as awareness of disability inclusion increases.
Earlier this year, KGCCI strengthened its focus on diversity and inclusion by signing separate Memorandums of Understanding with the Seoul Blind Union and Envisions, the operator of the experiential exhibition “Dialogue in the Dark.” The agreements aim to expand training and awareness programs on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and to support the visually impaired community. KGCCI also continues to operate the Women in KoRea (WIR) mentoring program in partnership with the Sungjoo Foundation, promoting career development and leadership opportunities for women professionals.
