Korea Development Institute

Early in its development, Korea lacked home-grown research and policy expertise needed to support the country's economic development. To address this, KDI was established in 1971 to conduct policy research and analysis on fundamental economic and social issues using scientific methods to support the nation's development efforts. It was the first of its kind in the republic's young history.

With financial assistance from the United States and the dedication of twelve aspiring Korean researchers, the institute made invaluable contributions in supporting Korea's early economic and social development by providing high quality and objective policy research and analysis.

For the past forty years, KDI has conducted rigorous research on a broad range of economic and social issues, from macroeconomics policy, fiscal policy, finance, welfare, labor, trade, competition policy, to the North Korean economy. To cope with the new challenges of a rapidly changing economy, the institute's role and responsibilities have expanded over the years, with the addition of the Economic Information and Education Center, the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, and the Public and Private Infrastructure Investment Management Center. The institute has also led Korea's efforts to take a greater role in the international development community, expanding its research and knowledge sharing activities and global footprint through the Center for International Development.