"[3] Upon his return to the US, Van Fleet commenced a campaign to raise funds to facilitate reconstruction efforts and aid support for the people of Korea.

[4] Van Fleet was successful in facilitating a fund drive aimed at humanitarian efforts for the Korean people in need of aid.

This success led to other aspirations in using his relationships and position to further cooperation between the United States and the people of Korea.

On the certificate, the stated purpose of the organization was:[3] To further and continue the friendly relationship that has long existed between the American people and the people of Korea through mutual understanding and appreciation of their respective cultures, aims, ideals, arts, sciences and industries, to the end that their peoples may, through an ever closer cooperation, continue their contribution to the improvement of mankind.The Korea Society set up its first operation center at 420 Lexington Avenue.

The Society granted awards to various figures, including Ban Ki-moon, Jimmy Carter, Chey Tae-won, Park Yong-man, Colin Powell, Chung Mong Koo, Lee Kun-hee, George W. Bush, and Kim Dae-jung.