1973 December 12- At a monthly meeting held by the Korea Biology Medicine Research Association of the National Medical Center, Professor Park Seung Ham and Professor Jang Woo Hyung, who both attended the World Health Organization (WHO) immunology professor training program, marked their return as the starting point for forming an organizing committee comprised of Professor Ki Yong Suk of Seoul National University, Professor Park Seung Ham of the National Medical Center, Professor Chang Duk Kim of The Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine, Professor Jang Woo Hyun of Seoul National University College of Medicine, Professor Yong Tae Yang of Chung-ang University College of Medicine, Professor Hak Do Yang of Pusan National University College of Medicine, Professor Ho Wang Lee of Korea University College of Medicine, Dr. Young Hae Yoo of the National Institute of Health, Professor Deuk Ryung Kang of Ehwa Women’s University)

1974 July 20 - The Korean Association of Immunologists Inauguration Ceremony was held at the Kyunghee University School of Medicine (Microbiology Seminar Room) In attendance were 48 members and the organizing committee all of whom selected invite members and adopted association regulations. The association was launched within 7 months of proposing the notion of forming an association, with Professor Yong Suk Ki as Chairman, National Institute of Health Dr. Yoo Jae Geun as Auditor, Chung-ang University College of Medicine Professor Chul Soon Choi, Professor Jong Hoon Lee as Manager of General Affairs, and 30 Board of Directors

1978 July 14 The association officially joined to Academic Society of Korean Medical Association To further enhance the research developments of immunology in the context of international concern and interest, The Korean Association of Immunologists was established in conjunction with the medical doctors. In order to accelerate the development of modern immunology and national health, the association hosted a monthly symposium on university campuses across the nation. On September 13th, 1975 The Korean Association of Immunologists held the first annual symposium. Since then, the association hosts two conferences in the spring and fall every year, and actively promotes interaction and exchange of knowledge and expertise among national and international scholars. The symposium is a grand-scale event with diverse program contents that enhance the prestige and eminence of the association. 54 symposiums have been hosted as of year 2007.

In addition, the association co-hosted the 7th International Immunology Symposium at the Seoul National University Hospital Auditorium A with The Committee of Medical Academic Society in August 1983. In 2005, the association co-hosted the 2005 International Cytokine Symposium with The Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Forty world-renown guest speakers discussing novel research strategies and new treatment methods. The presentations boosted medical exchange and understanding, further enhancing the association’s status as a leader in immunology in the Asia-Pacific region. The 2007 9th FIMSA Advanced Training Course was hosted by the association, with support from the Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia-Oceania (FIMSA) and the International Union of Immunological Societies (ISU). The course was a significant event in contributing to international academic exchange among medical experts.

In 1979, The Korean Association of Immunologists Publication was released as an annual issue. By 1984, 6 issues had been published. Starting in 1985, 2 issues were published each year. In 2001 when the association merged with BMR, the publication name was changed to IMMUNE NETWORK, being published 4 times a year. Accordingly, members of the association participated in various international symposiums and actively contributed their theses and research material, diversifying the reach and depth of the association’s activities.

In year 1988 on the 10th anniversary of the association, membership increased to 303 from 93, the membership number at the inauguration in 1974. Heightened interest in immunology led to an increase in membership to 749 members in 1999. In 2001, the association merged with BRM, creating a bigger group of dedicated researchers of 890 members to date. All members are actively contributing to the development and progress of the association.

Immunology may come across as a difficult discipline, and to break such barriers, members and researchers are developing seminars and lectures that are necessary to reach out to a bigger spectrum of scholars and academics. By strengthening supplementary studies for immunology, the association is focusing on more progress and developments in immunology, beyond research.