Frequently Asked Questions - General

NO.  KEI’s activities and research extend to all aspects of the U.S.-Korea relationship and covers a wide variety of Korea policy issues.  For examples, topics include U.S.-Korea security alliance, North Korea nuclear weapons, Korea-China-Japan relations, and the role of Korean-American community in bilateral relations.

That said, KEI does actively promote a robust economic research and program agenda that covers issues ranging from green technology and international development to U.S.-Korea free trade agreement and Asian economic integration.

YES. Most of KEI's Washington, DC programs are open to the public and are free of charge. On occasion, KEI does host programs that are “by invitation only” events.  But, these programs are usually not advertised on our website or are labeled "CLOSED."  

The only regular KEI-sponsored program that does cost to attend is the Korea Club dinner events at Woo Lae Oak restaurant in McLean, VA.  These events are open to the public, but usually require an entrance fee for the buffet dinner.

To sign up to receive email notifications of upcoming events, please sign up here ►

KEI invites the opportunity to co-sponsor events with other thinktanks, universities, civic groups, businesses and government agencies.  In the past, KEI has held joint events with other organizations ranging from small seminars to multi-day conferences.  Organizations wishing to co-sponsor an event with KEI have two contact options:

• Public affairs groups should email KEI’s Director for Public Affairs, Sarah Yun.
• Academic groups should email KEI’s Director for Academic Affairs and Research, Nick Hameisvicz.

The other option is to go to the "Bring KEI to You" page and read about how to inquire about KEI's programs by clicking here ►

KEI organizes many different types of programs with a wide variety of organizations, including universities, World Affairs Councils, Veterans Association, Chambers of Commerce, research institutes, and other civic and non-profit groups.  Programs include luncheon meetings and speaker series, multi-day conferences, and even tabletop exercises/simulations.

If you are interested in inquiring about KEI's outreach programs or collaborating with the institute on a program, please go to the "Bring KEI to You" page by clicking here ►

KEI has had partnerships or joint programs with many universities and research institutes each year.  In Korea, KEI receives funding from and has a sister relationship with the Korea Institute of International Economic Policy (KIEP).  In the United States, KEI is actively working with numerous different institutions and schools.  Below are examples of the schools and research institutes that KEI has worked with during the recent past year.

No.  KEI does not provide scholarships or fellowships, or supports research other than via its publication activities.

Sometimes.  KEI is primarily an educational institute focused on public policy, but does occasionally sponsor social events featuring Korean culture. In 2010, in conjunction with The Korea Society, KEI was pleased to host two cultural exhibits in its main conference facility: an internationally renowned private collection of traditional Korean drama masks and an exhibition of photographs by John Rich commemorating the Korean War.

For other Washington D.C.-based events on Korean culture, we recommend checking out the Sejong Society as well as KORUS House.

KEI publishes predominantly in English. However, KEI is open to the possibility of publishing periodic articles in Korean. In response to popular demand, KEI was also pleased to collaborate with the Maeil Economic Daily newspaper in 2010 to release a Korean language edition of KEI's 2009 book, "Ambassadors' Memoir". The Korean language edition is available for purchase through major vendors on the internet and in Korea.

In addition, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, with which KEI is contractually affiliated, is located in Seoul and publishes extensively in Korean.

KEI commissions original research and policy papers for its various publications, and occasionally publishes a compendium of articles that have previously been presented. The commissioning process either begins with a Call for Papers, or a personal invitation, however, for a variety of publications, including our Special Studies Series, KEI welcomes proposal submissions. Please click here to find out more ►

• South Korea -- KEI has a contractual relationship with the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), a think tank in Seoul. KIEP is funded by the government of the Republic of Korea through appropriations approved by the National Assembly.
• Korean Officials / Korean Embassy -- KEI maintains working relations with a range of ROK officials, as well as with KIEP, and works with officials at the Embassy of the ROK in Washington on programs, particularly KEI programs for which embassy officials are speakers.  However, KEI does not take instructions from embassy or government officials. 
• North Korea -- KEI does not have any relationship with North Korea.
• Korean-Americans -- KEI have worked with a variety of Korean-American civic organizations on community projects.  KEI also organizes the annual celebration of Korean-American Day.

KEI is best viewed as an educational outreach institute that concentrates its activities on public policy issues. However, KEI does not lobby and does not advocate particular policies.

Most of KEI’s revenue is obtained from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), a think tank in Seoul that  is financed from public funds. 

The Korea Economic Institute of America is registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act as an agent of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, a public corporation established by the Government of the Republic of Korea.  This material is filed with the Department of Justice, where the required registration statement is available for public inspection. Registration does not indicate U.S. government approval of the contents of this document.

KEI is not engaged in the practice of law, does not render legal services, and is not a lobbying organization.