The Architectural Institute of Korea, the sole academic organization of architecture in Korea, has aimed at the advancement of architecture and the development of architectural innovations. The institute was founded in 1945 by the pioneers of Korean architecture. AIK has overcome various national calamities, such as the social disorder after independence and the chaos of civil war, and has grown to take its place as an academic association owning and managing 1,300m2 of its own head office building. In collaboration with other related associations, AIK strives to promote and introduce advanced knowledge and academic research and to develop and popularize major innovative technology.