Korea Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) was founded in 1996 by Korean Government to promote research excellence in the basic sciences. KIAS is located on a 120,000 square-meter site in Seoul, where its members are provided with a research-friendly environment. As a flagship of the basic sciences in the region, KIAS provides a venue for advanced learning and active discovery of new ideas. Through these efforts, the Institute ultimately aims to contribute to advancement of our civilization.