KIAS was founded in October 1996 by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Korea with a strong commitment to the excellence of research in basic sciences. Located on a 30-acre site in Hongneung, Seoul, Korea, the Institute offers a research friendly environment with minimum distractions and maximum opportunities for scientific stimulation. As a flagship of the Korean fundamental sciences, KIAS strives to bring a brighter future for basic sciences by providing active venue for exchange of ideas and advanced learning.

Currently, research at the Institute takes place in three Schools - Mathematics, Physics, and Computational Sciences.

As of September 2024, the KIAS research body consists of 3 Distinguished Professors, 26 Professors, 2 Research Professors, 2 KIAS fellows, 77 Research Fellows.

KIAS is an open institute of dynamic scientific interactions. Scientists from all over the world visit KIAS for collaborative research, sabbatical leave, and other research activities organized by the Institute. KIAS also hosts numerous conferences, seminars, workshops, and seasonal schools. Given its global environment - faculty and research bodies composed of diverse nationality, competitive programs developed by the world's most recognized scholars and scientists.

KIAS welcomes as much interactions as possible with academic communities and research organizations around the world.