About
History
Milestones of KMI (Korea Mediation Institute), founded on 29 April 2026. Registration as a non-profit corporation is pending.
November 2025
Mediation Practice Forum (provisional)
The provisional Mediation Practice Forum laid the groundwork for the Korea Mediation Institute (KMI) by gathering mediators, the bar, and academia to discuss the need for a dedicated mediator association.
January 2026
Founding Preparation Committee
A 30-member founding preparation committee was convened to draft the articles of association, business plan, and slate of officers for the new mediator association.
February 2026
Identity and Name Finalised
The Institute's identity, vision, and mission were defined, and the organisation's name was finalised as "Korea Mediation Institute".
29 April 2026
Founding General Meeting
With 60 full members in attendance, the articles of association were adopted, officers elected (1 President, 4 Senior Vice Presidents, 3 Vice Presidents, 11 Directors, 1 Auditor), and the 2026 business plan and budget approved.
30 April 2026
Press Coverage of the Launch
Beopryul Shinmun and Legal Times reported on the launch of Korea's first dedicated association of mediators.
May 2026
Domain Setup + Membership Pipeline LiveIn progress
Launched the kmediation.kr domain and HTTPS, transactional email infrastructure, real membership application form, and Secretariat approval workflow. The Institute begins its monthly cadence of board meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, starting with the 12 May meeting.
September 2026
Incorporation TargetPlanned
Complete the non-profit incorporation procedure with the Office of Court Administration, Supreme Court. The same period features the KMI × IHCF Joint Seminar — Paul Combalius visit to Korea (31 Aug – 1 Sep).
November 2026
SAF (Seoul ADR Festival) 2026Planned
An annual festival bringing together domestic and international ADR experts in Seoul, with keynote addresses, panels, and networking. Free admission.
December 2026
Inaugural KMI MagazinePlanned
Beginning with one issue per year, the Institute distributes its PDF-first inaugural magazine to members and supporters.
2027
Certification & Education Roll-outPlanned
Advancing the Mediation Framework Act, building the mediator certification and career-tracking system, and embedding training and continuing-education programmes.
This history is compiled from the Institute's business plan and press releases, and is updated quarterly as the work progresses.