The Asan Institute for Policy Studies was established in commemoration of the late Founder and Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Group
Chung Ju-yung.

Asan (Chung Ju-yung) was a towering figure in Korea’s modern history who left an incredible mark at every juncture of the country’s modernization and inter-Korean exchanges toward peace.

Born in Asan-ri, Songjeon-myeon, Tongcheon-gun, Gangwon Province, he rose from the ruins of the Korean War and founded companies including Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Heavy Industries, leading them into the global market with his creative entrepreneurship spirit and unwavering drive. He also spearheaded Korea’s industrialization, globalization, and economic development by establishing Hyundai Engineering & Construction which led numerous historic projects such as the construction of the Jubail Industrial Port in Saudi Arabia and the Seosan Reclamation Project.

In 1981, he successfully secured the bid to host the 1988 Seoul Olympics with his outstanding leadership, raising South Korea’s profile on the global stage and instilling pride in the Korean people. In 1998, he drove a herd of one hundred cows into the North through Panmunjom and paved the way for inter-Korean exchange for peaceful reunification.

Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-joon established the Asan Institute for Policy Studies on February 11, 2008, to carry on Asan’s legacy and create a world-class think tank that mirrors South Korea’s national power and global standing.

As an independent, non-partisan think tank, the Asan Institute for Policy Studies is dedicated to undertaking policy-relevant research to foster domestic, regional, and international environments conducive to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The Asan Institute was established in commemoration of the Founder and Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Group, Chung Ju-yung, who left an indelible mark on South Korea’s modernization and inter-Korean exchanges towards peace.

Named after Chung Ju-yung’s pen name, “Asan”, Dr. MJ Chung founded the Asan Institute on February 11, 2008 to become a world-class think tank that mirrors South Korea’s place on the world stage.