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.
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 →
Three decades of Van Fleet Award recipients, from 1995 to today. Select any year to view its honorees.
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.