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.
Where trade, investment, and technology meet policy: semiconductors, AI, energy, mobility, and advanced manufacturing, read by the executives and investors closest to them.
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.
Individual & Corporate Membership — The Korea Society
Individual & Corporate Membership
Become a member of The Korea Society
Our programs, events, and offerings are made possible by the continuous support of our individual members, corporate contributors, and donors. Together, we foster meaningful connections between the peoples of the United States and Korea.
Join us as a member of The Korea Society to enjoy:
Invitations to member-only events, programs, and art gallery openings
Networking opportunities with fellow members and leading professionals from various fields in the U.S. and Korea
Special access to our Korean Language Program for corporate and individual members
Subscription to our monthly members-only newsletter, keeping you up to date with organization activities and exclusive offers
*Benefits vary by membership level.
Membership types
Choose the membership that fits you
Whether you’re joining as an individual or bringing your company on board, there’s a level for you.
For you
Individual Membership
Connect with a deeply involved community that shares a common interest in cultivating greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the peoples of the United States and Korea.
Join a prestigious network of leading Korean and multinational companies with unparalleled access to business leaders and policy makers through thought-provoking, timely programming.
Levels from $1,000 (Affiliate) to $50,000 (Benefactor)
Join a prestigious network of leading Korean and multinational companies committed to advancing relations between Americans and Koreans.
Members gain unparalleled access to Korean and American business leaders and policy makers through thought-provoking, timely programming — and stay at the forefront of business and political events in the U.S. and Korea.
We invite your company to become a Corporate Member of The Korea Society. Through participation in our programs, corporate members connect with the leaders and ideas shaping one of the world’s most important partnerships.
Affiliate
$1,000+
Invitation to members-only receptions and luncheons
Acknowledgement on The Korea Society website with logo and link to company website
Acknowledgement in The Korea Society Annual Report
Contributor
$2,500+
All AFFILIATE Level benefits, plus
Free Korean language classes (Up to 1 student per term)
Donor
$5,000+
All CONTRIBUTOR Level benefits, plus
Use of conference & meeting rooms (Up to 1 time per year)
Free Korean language classes (Up to 1 student per term)
Company logo on The Korea Society lobby screen
Sponsor
$10,000+
All DONOR Level benefits, plus
Invitation to private roundtables with senior government officials and business leaders
Meetings arranged with The Korea Society’s professional contacts (upon request)
Use of conference & meeting rooms (Up to 3 times per year)
Free Korean language classes (Up to 3 students per term)
Patron
$25,000+
All SPONSOR Level benefits, plus
Opportunity to cohost an event with The Korea Society (Up to 1 time per year)
Brand visibility at high-profile annual events
Use of conference & meeting rooms (Up to 5 times per year)
Free Korean language classes (Up to 5 students per term)
Benefactor
$50,000+
All PATRON Level benefits, plus
Opportunity to cohost an event with The Korea Society (Multiple times throughout the year)
Webcast and digital recording service provided with venue rental
Use of conference & meeting rooms (Up to 7 times per year)
Free Korean language classes (Up to 7 students per term)
The Korea Society is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization. Corporate membership is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Join us
Put your company at the center of U.S.–Korea engagement
Corporate membership connects your organization to the people, ideas, and institutions strengthening one of the world’s most important partnerships.
We’d be glad to walk you through membership levels and benefits.
Connect with a deeply involved community that shares a common interest in cultivating greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the peoples of the United States and Korea.
Your membership keeps you close to the Society’s programs, opens access to exclusive benefits, and welcomes you into a network of like-minded individuals.
At whichever level you choose, your membership provides vital support for our work and continued growth as the premier organization dedicated to strengthening the U.S.–Korea relationship. The Korea Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; contributions are tax-deductible to the extent noted at each level.
Membership levels
Choose the level that fits you
Every level includes the Individual benefits below. Higher levels add guests, giveaways, recognition, and access to invitation-only gatherings.
Student
$25
$25 tax-deductible
Invitations to young-professional networking events, members-only events, and art gallery openings
Members-only newsletter with organization insights, exclusive offers, and program previews
Whether you’re joining for the first time or renewing, your support helps The Korea Society deepen understanding and strengthen the ties between the United States and Korea.
Prefer to give beyond membership? Explore the many ways to support the Society’s mission.
Support The Korea Society through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) using DAFpay. Your contribution helps advance our mission of strengthening U.S.–Korea relations through dialogue, exchange, and collaboration.
For your DAF sponsor
Legal name: The Korea Society, Inc. · EIN: 52-1714111
What is a DAF?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows individuals, families, and businesses to make tax-deductible contributions and recommend grants to nonprofit organizations over time.
Make a grant recommendation
You may recommend a grant to The Korea Society through your DAF sponsor using either of the DAFpay buttons on this page. Simply select your DAF sponsor to complete the grant recommendation process without leaving our website.
Important information
According to IRS guidelines, grants from Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) may not be used, in whole or in part, to pay for fundraising event tickets, tables, or any contribution that provides goods or benefits to the donor. DAF grants may only be used for contributions that are fully tax-deductible.
Learn from institutions across policy, business, culture, and academia
The Korea Society’s dynamic programming, combined with our prime location at 350 Madison Avenue, offers fellows learning opportunities from people and institutions across policy, business, finance, culture, the arts, and academia.
The Korea Society is a uniquely multi-disciplinary nonprofit organization wholly dedicated to fostering greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the people of the United States and South Korea. Learn more about our organization.
An Unrivaled Experience
Direct access to leadership and a trusted network
Visiting Fellows engage directly with The Korea Society’s leadership, board members, and senior advisers — and may meet leaders and executives in New York City and Washington, DC, leveraging the Society’s deep networks among decision-makers, thought leaders, and innovators.
A dedicated office space
A Korea Society email address
Business cards
Institutional support
A platform for public presentation
Access to professional networking opportunities
J visa sponsorship support
A Distinctive Curriculum
Design your own research agenda
Visiting Fellows pursue original, Korea-focused work across fields from international relations and global finance to K-culture and AI. Fellows are invited to contribute to forward-looking initiatives and timely dialogues, with opportunities to present their work through the Society’s respected platform.
Beyond research, fellows take part in curated visits to Washington, DC, access the Society’s national network, mentor emerging leaders, and work alongside a vibrant community of Korea-focused professionals.
Ideal Candidates
Scholars, researchers, and experienced professionals
We invite scholars, researchers, and experienced professionals with generous financial support from their home institutions to participate. The Korea Society considers candidates from diverse sectors, including business, media, the arts & culture, academics, and public policy.
Defense industry cooperationUS–ROK alliance coordinationArtificial intelligenceKorean & Korean American entrepreneurshipNext-gen technological collaborationFinance
Program Costs
Our cost structure is tiered to meet diverse needs. Visiting Fellows may choose premium, exclusive access to a private office for one year, or opt for shared office arrangements and shorter-term options.
Due to processing times, particularly for visa support, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply at least four months in advance of their intended start date. Our streamlined application requires the following materials:
A current résumé or curriculum vitae
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., transcripts from an accredited university, official test scores)
Documentation of funding from your home institution
1
Submit your application
Complete the online application with your supporting documents through our portal.
2
Committee review
The fellowship review committee assesses each applicant’s qualifications once materials are complete.
3
Decision
Decisions are normally issued within four weeks of a completed application.
Testimonials
What our community says
“
Korea Society public policy programs present invaluable opportunities to learn about pressing Korea-related issues — from those perennially important on the Peninsula to new trends and current events. They also foster community among those interested in Korea, facilitating connection and collaboration.
Professor Gi-Wook Shin
Director of the Korea Program, Stanford University
“
The Korea Society is such a rich, invaluable resource for all things Korea — from debates about policy, politics and the economy to events showcasing art, culture, K-pop and Korean food. A big thanks to the team from this avid Korea watcher who has attended events since her undergraduate days in New York City!
Jean H. Lee
The East-West Center’s inaugural Presidential Chair
“
Korea Society policy programs provide access to top Korea experts with a diverse range of perspectives on critical issues. The moderated format allows attendees to benefit from deep dives on fast-breaking topics — and unique opportunities to forge friendships with others who share a passion for Korea.
Dr. Katrin Fraser Katz
Van Fleet Nonresident Senior Fellow; former NSC director for Korea & Japan
Learn More
Design a fellowship that meets your professional needs
Our team is standing by to answer your questions. For inquiries about the Visiting Fellows program, contact policy@koreasociety.org.
Join a prestigious network of leading Korean and multinational companies committed to advancing relations between Americans and Koreans.
We invite your company to become a Corporate Member of The Korea Society.
Corporate members benefit from unparalleled access to Korean and American business leaders and policy makers through thought-provoking and timely programming. Through participation in our programs, corporate members stay at the forefront of business and political events in the U.S. and Korea.
The Korea Society is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization. Corporate Membership is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Become a Member
For more information on corporate membership, please contact Jamie Joo, Development Program Associate, by phone at 646-439-4009 or by contact form.
Current Corporate Supporters
With gratitude to the companies, foundations, and individuals who sustain our mission
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.
Impact
We strive to make an impact by entering into the public discussion about the U.S.-Korea relationship. You can check out our recent media hits here. The Society is also active on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and you can listen to our podcasts on Spotify.
Leadership
Guiding the Society’s mission today
Dr. Abraham Kim
President & CEO
Leads the Society’s work strengthening ties between the U.S. and Korea through policy, business, and cultural exchange.
Kathleen Stephens
Chair of the Board
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (2008–2011) and career diplomat.
Our Work
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.
Dr. Katrin Fraser Katz
Professor at Columbia University; former director for Korea and Japan, White House NSC (2007–2008)
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.
Professor Gi-Wook Shin
Director, Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, Stanford University
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!
Jean H. Lee
Senior Fellow, Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center, The Wilson Center
Our Work
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.
Ik-Joong Kang
Artist
Our Work
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.
Katherine Fernandez
Project Bridge Youth Ambassador
Studying abroad has been an experience of culture, language, personal creativity in problem-solving and the astonishing kindness of complete strangers.
Grace Oju
Undergraduate Korea Study Abroad Travel Grant Awardee — study site: Soonchunhyang University
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.
Grace Kelly
Singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer · 2019 Annual Gala Performer
