KulturForum Europa (KFE) in South Korea

KFE President Dieter Topp gives a lecture at the International Theatre Forum in Incheon

For many years, KulturForumEuropa (headquartered in Vettweiß, Cologne/Köln) has been in close contact with South Korean cultural organisations for the purpose of mutual understanding and cultural exchange.

In July 2025, KFE President Dieter Topp accepted an invitation to the International Theatre Forum in Incheon (near Seoul) on the topic of ‘Chains – Theatre and Financiers’. Representatives from a dozen countries were invited, including China, Korea, United Kingdom, Turkey and Romania.

In this context, Topp reported on the 33 years of work and impact of KFE - Organisation and Press Department.

‘The dependence of state- or city-supported cultural institutions on their respective financial backers makes their work increasingly difficult, whether in the USA, in some European countries, or further east, where it is even more difficult,’ said Topp, pointing out how the non-profit Kulturforum offers solutions in this area both in Europe and internationally. This was of particular interest to Chinese and Korean delegates and the numerous visitors from these countries.

‘It is therefore desirable to continue working together with theatre festivals in China in 2026,’ said Hao Rong, President of the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing.

 

Photo at the closing ceremony of the Incheon Theatre Festival and the Incheon International Theatre Forum 2025: Prof. JeungWoo Son (President of Korea Theatre Association), MC Ranin (Manager Teatrul Tony Bulandra Târgoviște, President of BABEL FAST, Mr. Yu In Chon (South Korea Minister of Culture), Dieter Topp (President EuropeCultureForum, Germany)

Back