The Samil Foundation began preparations in 1959 and presented the inaugural Samil Prize in 1960. The following year, we launched the Samil Scholarship program alongside the Prize. Since then, the Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission, carrying forward both initiatives every year without interruption.

The Foundation is one of South Korea's earliest public welfare foundations. It was established by two pioneering entrepreneurs, Song-jeong Lee Jeong-lim and Yoo-nam Lee Jeong-ho, who also founded Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., Ltd. (KPIC). In the aftermath of the Korean War, when the nation lay in ruins, they firmly believed that rebuilding the country required nurturing talented individuals in the fields of academia, the arts, science, and technology while encouraging promising young students to pursue academic excellence. Guided by this conviction, they established the Foundation to help shape the nation's future.

The Foundation took its first step in 1959, just a few years after the devastation of war and the division of the Korean Peninsula. It was a time when the entire nation joined forces to rebuild the country amid severe economic hardship and social turmoil. The driving force behind this remarkable recovery was the indomitable spirit of the March First Movement, which had inspired the Korean people throughout 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. With a firm commitment to rebuilding the nation through industrial development and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity, the founders established the Foundation upon the enduring spirit of the March First Movement. Their vision was to promote academic research and cultural advancement, believing these to be essential pillars of national development.

As the creator of South Korea's first academic and cultural prize, the Foundation has recognized and honored a total of 292 outstanding individuals across a wide range of disciplines—including the Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Arts, and Technology & Engineering—through the 67th Samil Prize in 2026. In its early years, the Foundation also honored dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly on the front lines of national development, including mail carriers, lighthouse keepers, and railway workers. More recently, the Foundation has presented Special Awards to individuals and organizations devoted to preserving and promoting the spirit of the March First Movement while also providing steadfast support for social welfare initiatives.

Another cornerstone of the Foundation's mission is the Samil Scholarship, which seeks to nurture the future leaders of South Korea. Since launching the program in 1961, the Foundation has consistently selected scholarship recipients every year, continuing this tradition for 66 consecutive years. As of 2025, a total of 12,108 students have received scholarships, and today these alumni are making significant contributions across every sector of Korean society as trusted leaders and professionals.

The Foundation also strives to help future generations grow into intellectually curious, culturally enriched, and socially responsible citizens through publishing and educational outreach. In collaboration with the renowned publisher Gimm-Young Publishers, we developed the "Good Morning Good Night" series, a collection of books offering in-depth knowledge across a wide range of subjects. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 22 volumes were published. Every spring, these books are distributed free of charge to more than 4,000 high schools, universities, and public libraries throughout the country, helping young people gain access to high-quality knowledge and lifelong learning opportunities.

In addition, the Foundation actively supports a variety of cultural, educational, and social welfare initiatives to foster a society where everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow together. These efforts include sponsoring the production of accessible audiobooks (DAISY format) for the visually impaired and supporting the "Multicultural Mothers' School," which empowers mothers from multicultural families through education and community engagement.

Since its establishment, The Samil Foundation has operated with transparency, integrity, and financial stability, made possible by the unwavering support of Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., Ltd. (KPIC), currently led by Chairman Lee Soon-kyu. We sincerely ask for your continued interest, encouragement, and support as the Foundation continues its meaningful mission of fostering talent, advancing culture, and contributing to the future of our nation.

Thank you.

The Samil Foundation