Korean Otological Society (KOS)

The Korean Otological Society (KOS) was founded on June 1st 1990, as Korean Otologic Study Group (KOSG), led by 11 people, including Kim Chong-sun, Kim Hee-nam, Park Chan-il, Park Cheol-won, Chon Kyong-myong, Cho Yong-bum, Cho Tae-han, Cha Chang-il, Chae Se-yong and Hwang Soon-jae, in accordance with the need to share opinions on academic achievements and overseas training experiences among researchers studying Otology. The main project of the initial KOSG was to hold academic conferences twice a year for the promotion of academic exchanges among members and basic science and research.

From the early academic congress, internationally renowned speakers were invited to learn the latest knowledge and the research results by the members of the society were presented during the KOSG academic congress. In addition to main congress since 1995, the KOSG started to participate in the combined congress of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with Rhinology Society, Head and Neck Surgery Society and 3 other associate societies.

In the 2000s, since internal and external demands were increased to cover clinical activities, professional education, and promotion of ear health, as well as basic research and academic activities of researchers KOSG could not cover every activities under the structure of sturdy group (KOSG). In addition, in order to achieve appropriate mutual exchange with overseas otology societies, the KOSG was reborn as the KOS in November 2004. The format of executive organization was changed to 'President' and 'Standing Directors' in April 2006. Currently, the KOS has an executive council consisting of the president, president-elect, vice president and 14 standing directors, serving as an executive body, and one auditor. For a voting body, the board of directors consisting of senior members and standing directors representing regions and professions, deals with important matters for mid- and long-term development of the KOS.

The regular membership of the KOS is defined as 'An ENT specialist or a person with a master's degree or higher in otology-related academic fields' to secure diversity of its members, and it also opened the door for the KORL-HNS residents or people engaged in research or clinical studies in Otology as an associate member.

The KOS has Otologic Research Interests Groups (ORIG) for nourishing basic research, which has been the fundamental role of the society, and Clinical Study Group under its umbrella to promote clinical research. ORIG, a group for basic research, operates on five research topics: Basic research group for otitis media, Biomaterial, Genetics & development, Inner ear basic research group, Psychoacoustics and auditory neuroscience, and the Clinical Study Group consists of research study groups for Dizziness, Implantable auditory device, Tinnitus, Auricle reconstruction, Facial nerve, Hearing aid, Endoscopic ear surgery, and Eustachian tube dysfunction respectively. The operation of the societies is supported by its members to elect the president and approve it by the otology council, and to conduct academic exchanges and research activities in a free atmosphere.

Mission:
Korean Otological Society is dedicated to Human Ear Health

Vision:
• Lead creative research to overcome ear disease.
• Share the best medical care with academic exchanges around the world.
• Contribute to social prosperity by developing health care policies in the otology.
• Cultivate valuable experts trusted by the people.
• Promote the ear health of the people through proper education and public campaign.