The Korea Society is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and South Korea. We are independent and nonpartisan.

At our office on 350 Madison Avenue in New York City, the Society educates the public on the importance of the U.S.-Korea relationship and diverse Korea-related topics. We also host visiting Korean officials, partner on the Congressional Study Group on Korea, and convene United Nations dialogues.

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 social media, including Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can listen to our podcasts here or on Spotify here.

Leadership

The leadership of The Korea Society is in the hands of Tom Byrne, who serves as president and CEO, and Kathleen Stephens, a former U.S. ambassador to Korea, who serves as Chair of the Board.

Impact

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 here.

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 length and moderated format of the programs allows attendees to benefit from ‘deep dives’ on fast-breaking topics that are difficult to get from general news sources involving shorter, more superficial coverage. The programs also provide unique and valuable opportunities to connect and forge friendships with others in the city who share a passion for Korea.

Dr. Katrin Fraser Katz

Professor at Columbia University, and former director for Korea and Japan in the White House National Security Council (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 of The Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at 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 for Korean History and Public Policy, The Wilson Center

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture programs at the Society include exhibitions, performances and lectures on traditional and contemporary Korean culture, such as literature, Kpop, films and cuisine. You can check out our upcoming programs here.

Earlier this year I had the great honor of presenting my art installation at the Korea Society. Special thanks to president Tom Byrne, board Chair Kathleen Stephens, and all other board members for their strong support and vision. 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 everyday, and I cannot wait to meet its next traveller.

Ik-Joong Kang

Artist

Education

In addition to offering events and resources to support Korean Studies educators, the Education team offers a Korean Language Program that provides eight levels of Korean language study. The Society holds in-person educational public programs on various aspects of Korea, and also provides customized training and resources for teachers and student groups. Our longest running program, Project Bridge, is an academic year enrichment program for select high school youth ambassadors that culminates in a ten-day study tour to Korea and a final community presentation. We have free resources for educators including lesson plans, publications, and podcasts available here.

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

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 program series, Women’s Leadership in the U.S.-Korea Relationship, is designed to elevate 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 in person 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 online to learn all about the culture and to connect with others. So I want to thank the Korea Society for having me be a part of your family and for all of the wonderful things you do.

Grace Kelly

Singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer 2019 Annual Gala Performer

The Team

The Korea Society is comprised of a diverse team of people united by our shared commitment to foster vibrant U.S.-Korea ties. You can learn more about our staff here.

Join and Support

The Society relies on individual members, corporations and foundations to support its mission to inform, educate and inspire audiences about the importance of the U.S.-Korea relationship. Join and learn more here.