Nordic embassies in Korea to host Innovation Days 2025 fostering resilient societies

The embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in Korea will co-host Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025, a weeklong series of events set to run from Tuesday to May 18 in Seoul. Centered around the theme "Nordic+Korea Innovation for Resilient Societies," the program aims to deepen dialogue and cooperation on key areas including health, security, equality, prosperity and happiness.

A poster for Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025 / Courtesy of Embassy of Denmark in Seoul

The initiative kicks off on Tuesday with a plenary session at the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) in Gangnam, featuring representatives from all four Nordic embassies, the Nordic Council of Ministers and academic institutions including the Stockholm Resilience Centre and Seoul National University. The session will introduce the Nordic Vision 2030 strategy, emphasizing global solidarity and resilience through innovation.

Throughout the week, themed seminars — co-organized with the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, KFAS and Korea University’s Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence — will bring together policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders and civil society actors to share best practices and cross-sector solutions.

On Wednesday, Denmark will host a session on “Accelerating MedTech Innovation,” exploring patient-centric technologies and digital health solutions in the face of global health care challenges. Key speakers include experts from Novo Nordisk, Kakao Healthcare, Angel Robotics and the Technical University of Denmark.

Later that day, Finland will lead a seminar titled “Perspectives on National Preparedness,” offering insight into how democratic frameworks and digital infrastructure contribute to resilience in times of crisis. Speakers will include officials from both the Finnish and Korean interior ministries, as well as representatives from Erillisverkot and Safe-Net Forum.

The following day, Norway will highlight diversity and gender equality in the maritime sector in its morning seminar, “Innovative Change.” The discussion will feature voices from WISTA Norway, the International Maritime Organization and Korean maritime institutions focusing on inclusive growth.

That afternoon, Sweden will address sustainable energy in a seminar titled “Electrifying the Future of Green Growth.” The event will spotlight Swedish advancements in high-voltage direct current technology and smart grids, with participation from Hitachi Energy Korea, Ericsson Korea and Korea University.

The event will culminate on May 17 and 18 with the Nordic Playground for Happiness at Seoul Plaza, co-hosted with Seoul Library. Open to the public with no registration required, the event will feature interactive cultural exhibits including photo zones with iconic Nordic characters like Moomin and Pippi Longstocking, along with children’s book displays and family-friendly activities.

Now in its sixth year, the Nordic Talks Korea initiative continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and action, promoting a sustainable, green and inclusive future through international collaboration.