What Is The Korea Society?
A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to strengthening understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea.
History
Korean War veteran General James Van Fleet and friends founded the Society in 1957 to strengthen the U.S.-Korea relationship. You can learn more about our history here.
Leadership
Guiding the Society’s mission today
Policy
The Society’s Policy team organizes programs about the U.S.-Korea Alliance, denuclearization diplomacy, Korea’s regional relations, and North Korea’s challenges. You can see our lineup of upcoming programs here, and watch videos and listen to podcasts from previous policy programs here and on YouTube.
Korea Society policy programs are valuable to me because they provide access to top Korea experts with a diverse range of perspectives on critical issues related to the Peninsula. The moderated format allows attendees to benefit from ‘deep dives’ on fast-breaking topics, and provides valuable opportunities to connect and forge friendships with others who share a passion for Korea.
Korea Society public policy programs present invaluable opportunities to learn about pressing Korea-related issues, ranging from those that are perennially important on the Peninsula to new trends and current events. They also foster community among those interested in Korea, facilitating connection and collaboration.
The Korea Society is such a rich, invaluable resource for all things Korea, from debates about policy, politics and the economy to events and discussions showcasing art, culture, K-pop and Korean food. A big thanks to The Korea Society team for everything you do from this avid Korea watcher who has attended events since her days as an undergraduate in New York City!
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture programs at the Society include exhibitions, performances and lectures on traditional and contemporary Korean culture, such as literature, K-pop, films and cuisine. You can check out our upcoming programs here.
I had the great honor of presenting my art installation at The Korea Society. The two countries, the United States and Korea, that I call home, are connected by a bridge of dreams. Thanks to The Korea Society, which has become one of the major columns of that bridge, which will grow stronger and stronger every day, and I cannot wait to meet its next traveler.
Education
In addition to events, resources and awards for Korean Studies educators, researchers and students, the Education team offers a Korean Language Program with nine levels of study. Our longest-running program, Project Bridge, is an academic-year enrichment program for select high-school youth ambassadors, culminating in a ten-day study tour to Korea. Free resources for educators — lesson plans, publications, and podcasts — are available here, and twice a year we offer an Undergraduate Korea Study Abroad Travel Grant.
As a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador, I want to thank the Korea Society for giving me this opportunity to learn about Korean history and culture. The Korea Society has helped to expand my interest in Korea, including language, music and cuisine. It is an honor to be part of this supportive community and the process of bridging the gap between peoples.
Studying abroad has been an experience of culture, language, personal creativity in problem-solving and the astonishing kindness of complete strangers.
Special Events
The Korea Society’s development team hosts special events, including an annual dinner, golf tournament, Global Financial Leaders Forum, membership events, and Young Professionals’ Night. A new series, Women’s Leadership in the U.S.-Korea Relationship, elevates the impact of Korean and Korean-American female leaders in the U.S. and abroad.
The Korea Society is an amazing place to gain knowledge and to connect with the Korean community. For someone like myself, a second-generation Korean-American who’s only been to Korea two times, I felt a yearning to connect to my heritage — and the Korea Society has given me a wonderful opportunity, from their great programming to learning all about the culture and connecting with others. I want to thank the Korea Society for having me be part of your family and for all of the wonderful things you do.
The Team
The Korea Society is a diverse team united by a shared commitment to foster vibrant U.S.-Korea ties. Learn more about our staff.
Meet the teamJoin & Support
The Society relies on individual members, corporations and foundations to support its mission to inform, educate and inspire audiences about the U.S.-Korea relationship.
Join and learn more