NJ Virtue
Character, responsibility, and integrity in community life.
Young Korean Academy · 興士團
Build the future through sincere action
On May 13, 1913, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho and Korean pioneers re-established the Young Korean Academy in San Francisco. Their mission was clear: cultivate trustworthy leaders for a free and democratic society.
History
“Young Korean Academy (YKA) was established in San Francisco on May 13, 1913 by Ahn Chang Ho and Korean pioneers. The headquarters later moved from Los Angeles to Seoul, with branches in Korea and major US cities.”
A legacy still in motion
The original 1907 movement led by Yu Kil-chun was dissolved under colonial pressure. In 1913, Ahn Chang Ho rebuilt the organization in the United States, linking character education, civic leadership, and national service into a long-term training tradition.
- 1907 First enlightenment movement organized by Yu Kil-chun
- 1913 Re-established in San Francisco by Ahn Chang Ho
- 1948 Reorganized in Korea after liberation
- Today Ongoing civic, educational, and youth leadership work
Core training
Virtue · Health · Knowledge
Heungsadan emphasizes sincere practice, solidarity, and disciplined growth. Its educational framework, known as the “threefold cultivation” (virtue, physical strength, knowledge), aims to build whole-person leadership. The goose symbol represents direction, endurance, and collective movement.
Health
Physical discipline that sustains long-term action.
Knowledge
Learning and reflection that serve society.
What we train for
YKA develops leadership across life: personal ethics, civic responsibility, and collaborative action. It builds trust-based networks among members to strengthen communities at home and abroad.
Contemporary activities include support for descendants of independence activists, democracy and civic initiatives, scholarships, and youth engagement programs.
Experience Korea through people and place
Explore the dedicated Homeland Visit Program page.
View program