It was founded to promote learning and research in all areas of sciences by conferring membership and preferential treatment to those who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of sciences and learning.

The Academy consists of 150 Fellows who are selected by their peers for their contributions to the sciences and education.

[1] The National Academy of Sciences was inaugurated on July 17, 1954, and entrusted with the duty of promoting the development of sciences, and of facilitating the development of national culture.

Founded on the legal basis of Culture Protection Act promulgated on August 7, 1952, the National Academy of Sciences initially comprised 50 members.

The specific functions of the National Academy of Sciences include: The National Academy of Sciences Award is an award presented to South Korean nationals who have made significant contributions to academic development through intensive research on a specific topic.