Leadership Development & Education

Leadership Development & Education — The Korea Society
The Korea Society · Leadership Development & Education

Leadership Development and Education

Anchored by three flagship programs, this work delivers bidirectional training — equipping American leaders to advocate for the bilateral partnership and empowering Korean executives and firms to become effective community partners where they operate.

By 2031, this nationwide network will span business, policy, and civic sectors.

About the Department

Anchored by leadership development and education programs, this work delivers bidirectional training across the U.S.–Korea relationship.

The Cross-Cultural Leadership Initiative, the U.S.–Korea Leadership Exchange Program, and Emerging Leaders Mentorship and Training together equip leaders on both sides of the partnership.

American leaders gain the tools to advocate for the bilateral partnership, while Korean executives and firms are empowered to become effective community partners where they operate.

By 2031, this nationwide network will span business, policy, and civic sectors.

Explore

Three flagship programs.

Each builds leadership capacity across the U.S.–Korea relationship — from language and culture to exchange and mentorship.

01

Flagship Program

Cross-Cultural Leadership Initiative

Language and cultural programs that equip leaders to operate effectively across the U.S. and Korea.

02

Flagship Program

U.S.–Korea Leadership Exchange Program

Bidirectional exchange that prepares American leaders to advocate for the partnership and Korean executives to become effective community partners.

03

Flagship Program

Emerging Leaders Mentorship and Training

Mentorship and training that cultivate the next generation of leaders across business, policy, and civic sectors.

Curriculum & Engagement

How participants engage.

A practical curriculum blends history, values, politics, business practices, language, and societal traditions — cultivating essential skills in negotiation, team management, and trust-building.

Executive Education

Advanced programs for leaders steering the bilateral relationship.

Cross-Cultural Workshops

Practical sessions bridging U.S. and Korean professional norms.

Leadership Development

Training in negotiation, team management, and trust-building.

Language & Cultural Programs

Language and cultural fluency for effective engagement.

Community Involvement

Engagement within communities of increasing Korean presence.

Our Vision

By 2031, this nationwide network will span business, policy, and civic sectors — advancing the bilateral partnership through leaders equipped to build trust across borders.

Digital Initiatives

Watch & Listen — The Korea Society

Digital Initiatives

Every program we record — talks, author conversations, policy briefings, and cultural events.

Subscribe @TheKoreaSociety · youtube.com/TheKoreaSociety
The Korea Society Podcast

Programs you can take anywhere.

Selected talks and briefings are released in audio. Subscribe on your platform of choice and never miss an episode.

New series Korea Expert Desk — a video interview series delivering sharp insight for decision-makers. Premiere: South Korea’s New Industrial Defense Strategy.
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Business & Economics

Business & Economics — The Korea Society
The Korea Society · Business & Economics

Business & Economics

A premier nonpartisan forum advancing collaboration and deeper economic engagement between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

We convene policymakers, corporate executives, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and financial leaders — creating trusted platforms for dialogue on the issues shaping the future of the bilateral economic relationship.

About the Department

The Korea Society's Business & Economics Programs reinforce the Society's role as a premier nonpartisan forum advancing collaboration and deeper economic engagement between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.

Our four flagship initiatives — the U.S.-ROK New Economic Paradigm, Startup Scene: Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, the Leadership Interview Series, and the Global Financial Leaders Forum — convene policymakers, corporate executives, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and financial leaders.

Together they create trusted platforms for dialogue on the issues shaping the future of the bilateral economic relationship, balancing timely exchange with deeper examinations of the forces driving both economies.

These convenings generate timely dialogue, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, elevate emerging entrepreneurial talent, and expand professional networks — further advancing economic cooperation and mutual understanding in both countries.

Explore

Four flagship initiatives.

Each convenes a distinct community across policy, industry, finance, and entrepreneurship to advance the U.S.-Korea economic relationship.

01

Flagship Initiative

U.S.-ROK New Economic Paradigm

Examining the evolving framework of U.S.-Korea economic engagement — from trade and investment to the industries defining the next chapter of the partnership.

02

Flagship Initiative

Startup Scene: Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Spotlighting emerging founders and the entrepreneurial talent building across the U.S. and Korean innovation ecosystems.

03

Flagship Initiative

Leadership Interview Series

In-depth conversations with the executives and leaders steering the bilateral economic relationship.

04

Flagship Initiative

Global Financial Leaders Forum

Bringing together investors and financial leaders on the capital, markets, and strategy shaping cross-border finance.

Recent Program Highlights

Convenings across the year.

Programming spanned flagship forums, closed-door roundtables, and public conversations connecting leaders from both countries.

3

Flagship forums, each anchored by a keynote and panel discussions

2

Exclusive executive roundtables

6

Fireside chats

2

Lectures

3

Standalone panel discussions

Our Impact

We generate timely dialogue, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, elevate emerging entrepreneurial talent, and expand professional networks — advancing economic cooperation and mutual understanding in both countries.

Annual Gala

The Korea Society Annual Gala
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The Annual Gala is The Korea Society’s signature gathering—an evening that brings together leaders from government, business, diplomacy, and the arts to celebrate the enduring partnership between the United States and Korea.

Each year, the gala honors individuals and institutions whose contributions have strengthened the U.S.–Korea relationship, and gathers our community in support of the Society’s mission.

This Year

The 2026 Annual Gala

Join us for the year’s premier celebration of the U.S.–Korea partnership. Visit the gala site for program details, honorees, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities.

Visit the gala site →
2026 Annual Dinner Gala
Get Involved
Support the Annual Gala

Tables, tickets, and sponsorships help sustain The Korea Society’s mission year-round. Explore ways to take part in this year’s gala or to support the Society as a member.

Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament

Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament
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Held annually in memory of General James A. Van Fleet—the first president of The Korea Society—the tournament brings together members, supporters, and friends for a day on the course in support of the Society’s mission.

Now in its fourth decade, the tournament remains one of the Society’s most enduring traditions, welcoming players each year for friendly competition and camaraderie.

Most Recent

35th Annual Tournament

See details, sponsors, and highlights from the most recent Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament.

View the 35th tournament →
35th Annual Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament
Get Involved
Support The Korea Society

Proceeds from the Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament help sustain the Society’s mission year-round. Make a gift or join as a member to take part in the work.

The James A. Van Fleet Award

The James A. Van Fleet Award
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The General James A. Van Fleet Award is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of U.S.–Korea relations. Presented by The Korea Society annually since 1992, it recognizes distinguished Koreans and Americans who have made outstanding contributions to the partnership between the two nations.

The award is formally presented to each year’s recipient at The Korea Society’s Annual Dinner.

About the Award

Given annually “to one or more distinguished Koreans or Americans in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of U.S.–Korea relations.”

The award is named for General James A. Van Fleet, commander of the U.S. Eighth Army at the height of the Korean War in 1951. Beginning in 1957, General Van Fleet served as the first president of The Korea Society.

Each year, the award is presented to its recipient at The Korea Society’s Annual Dinner.

Most Recent

2025 Van Fleet Award Honorees

Meet the most recent recipients of the General James A. Van Fleet Award and read about their contributions to the U.S.–Korea relationship.

View 2025 honorees →
2025 Van Fleet Award Honorees
The Annual Dinner
Where the award is presented

The Van Fleet Award is conferred each year at The Korea Society’s Annual Dinner—the organization’s signature celebration of the U.S.–Korea partnership.

Signature Events

Signature Events – The Korea Society

The Korea Society  ·  Signature Events

Signature Events

Beyond our four department-led programs, The Korea Society convenes leaders, members, businesses, and partner organizations across the United States — moving beyond traditional programming to create opportunities for collaboration, celebration, and lasting relationship-building.

Overview

Convening the alliance beyond the program calendar.

Beyond its four department-led programs, The Korea Society expanded its national and regional engagement in innovative ways, convening leaders, members, businesses, and partner organizations across the United States.

These efforts moved beyond traditional programming to create opportunities for collaboration, celebration, and lasting relationship-building. By marking major milestones in the alliance and recognizing those who advance it, we strengthened trust across government, business, civil society, academia, generations, sectors, and regions.

Through our expanding corporate and individual membership programs, we connect people and institutions to The Korea Society’s work and to one another — building enduring communities of leaders and partners for a more dynamic, resilient, and meaningful U.S.–Korea partnership.

Where we convene

Four ways we bring the relationship together.

From flagship galas to the fairway to emerging regional centers, each gathering builds trust in a different register.

01
Signature Event

Van Fleet Award & Annual Gala

Through the Van Fleet Award and our flagship Annual Gala in New York City, The Korea Society elevates the U.S.–Korea alliance on the international stage. Distinguished leaders, cultural figures, and partners come together to honor achievement, celebrate artistic and cultural connections, and reaffirm a shared commitment to the people-to-people relationship.

02
Signature Event

Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament

For more than three decades, our highly regarded golf tournament has provided a more personal setting for American and Korean leaders to deepen relationships, build trust, and open new channels of communication and cooperation.

03
Regional Engagement

Regional Partnerships

We continue to cultivate partnerships in emerging centers of the relationship, including Tennessee and Georgia, where Korean corporate investment is expanding into communities with historically limited Korean presence. Strong local relationships are essential to building understanding, matching economic ties with trust — and responding quickly in moments of crisis to preserve confidence in the broader relationship.

04
Community

Membership & Community

Through our expanding corporate and individual membership programs, we connect people and institutions to The Korea Society’s work and to one another. By building enduring communities of leaders and partners, we help create a more dynamic, resilient, and meaningful U.S.–Korea partnership.

Our Charge
By marking milestones and recognizing those who advance the alliance, we strengthen trust across every sector, generation, and region.

QCD

The Korea Society
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Instructions

Donors who are age 70½ or older may instruct their IRA custodian to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly to The Korea Society.

A QCD may count toward a donor’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and, when IRS requirements are met, is generally excluded from the donor’s taxable income.

Organization Information

Please provide the following legal information to your IRA custodian to facilitate your contribution.

Legal Name
The Korea Society
Federal Tax ID (EIN)
52-1714111
Mailing Address
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Transfer Instructions

By Check

Please make your check payable to The Korea Society, Inc. and mail it to:

The Korea Society, Inc.
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

ACH / Wire Transfer

For direct transfers from your financial institution, please contact us and we will be happy to provide our banking information.

Important Tax Information for QCDs

To comply with IRS requirements for Qualified Charitable Distributions:

No Goods or Services

A QCD must be a 100% charitable contribution. No goods or services—including Gala tickets, meals, admission, or other benefits—may be provided in exchange for the contribution.

Gala Contributions

If your QCD is intended to support The Korea Society’s Annual Gala, the contribution will be recorded as a pure charitable donation rather than a ticket or sponsorship purchase so that no goods or services are provided in return.

Acknowledgment

Once the contribution is received, The Korea Society will provide a written acknowledgment confirming the amount of the contribution and that no goods or services were provided in exchange.

Please Notify Us of Your Contribution
Tell us about your QCD so we can acknowledge it properly

To help us identify and properly acknowledge your QCD, please contact us when initiating the transfer.

Helen Cho
Financial Controller, The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 759-7524

Please consult your IRA custodian, tax advisor, or financial advisor regarding your individual eligibility for a Qualified Charitable Distribution and its tax treatment.

Geopolitical Affairs

Geopolitical Affairs — The Korea Society
The Korea Society · Geopolitical Affairs

Geopolitical Affairs

A go-to platform and hub for timely, credible policy insights on the critical issues shaping the U.S.-Korea relationship, South Korea, the Korean Peninsula, and the Indo-Pacific.

We build and empower communities of practitioners — connecting thought leaders and stakeholders from policy, industry, academia, media, and civil society.

About the Department

The Korea Society's Geopolitical Affairs Department cultivates dialogue and action on pivotal developments affecting the U.S.-Korea relationship.

We serve as a trusted platform and hub for timely, credible policy insights, empowering our audiences and participants to better understand the crucial security, diplomacy, political, and geoeconomic issues shaping the U.S.-Korea relationship, the Korean Peninsula, and the Indo-Pacific.

We inform both general audiences and decision-makers, equipping the U.S. and Korea to navigate uncertainty, reduce risk, and seize on new synergies.

We build and empower communities of practitioners by hosting programs, building networks, offering perspectives, and providing engagement opportunities for diverse U.S. and Korean stakeholders from policy, industry, academia, media, and civil society organizations.

We convene thought leaders and policymakers for discussions, balancing rapid-response content with deeper examinations of Korea's historical, political, and societal dynamics.

Explore

Four pillars of our work.

Each organizes our programming across the relationship, the region, the peninsula, and the next generation of leaders.

Our Charge

We inform both general audiences and decision-makers — equipping the U.S. and Korea to navigate uncertainty, reduce risk, and seize on new synergies.

National Programs

Light across The Korea Society's conference center in New York

National Programs

Understanding Korea.
Strengthening the partnership.

Five program divisions, one purpose: informed dialogue, capable leaders, and durable ties between the United States and Korea.

Purpose

A relationship this consequential deserves to be understood well.

Our national programs turn that conviction into work: convening the people who shape policy and commerce, teaching the next generation, presenting Korean culture on its own terms, and doing it in cities across the country — not only in New York.

Inform

Clear, nonpartisan analysis of Korea and the alliance.

Connect

Leaders across sectors, generations, and regions.

Develop

The people who will carry the partnership forward.

Divisions

Five divisions. Year-round work.

Five program divisions advancing understanding between the United States and Korea.

5 of 5 divisions

01
Geopolitical Affairs Understanding the alliance.
Policy & SecurityYear-roundNew York · Washington
02
Business & Economics Following the economics.
Trade & TechnologyMonthlyNew York · National

Where trade, investment, and technology meet policy: semiconductors, AI, energy, mobility, and advanced manufacturing, read by the executives and investors closest to them.

Learn more
03
Leadership & Education Building the next generation.
Fellowships & LearningRolling admissionNational
04
Arts & Culture Meeting Korea as it is.
Culture & ExhibitionSeasonalNew York
05
Signature & National Engagement Convening the community.
ConveningsAnnual & regionalNationwide

Reach

Beyond New York.

Founded in New York in 1957. Today the partnership is lived in factory towns, campuses, and state capitals across the country — so that is where we work, with regional partners and Korean American communities.

New York · Washington · Southeast · West Coast

New YorkWashingtonSoutheastWest CoastMidwestSouthwest

Join the conversation that shapes what comes next.