Korea Institute of Science and Technology

KIST was founded in 1966 by the government as the first National Research Institute of Korea. Its proud history involves its creation of a foundation for Korea's growth in industry and economy and solidifying it further with its scientific and technological attainments. In the 1960s and 1970s, it succeeded in localizing overseas technologies, setting the cornerstone for the nation's industrialization, and generating the driving force for the nation's core industry. Its main focuses during the 1980s and 1990s were the development of core technologies of advanced industries and its contribution to the upgrading of Korea's competitive edge in science and technology. In the new millennium it has concentrated its efforts on developing creative original technologies and joining the national initiative to bring further development to Korea as a country.

As a research institute supporting national aspirations for science and technology in the 21st century, KIST will take the lead in efforts to build a science and technology-based society. Its primary goal is to research and develop creative original technologies to lead Korea's science and technology sector and disseminate the results and accomplishments of its research throughout society.