Since its founding in 1972, the Korean Society of Mycology has advanced mycological research and education, contributing to humanity and the global ecosystem through international collaboration.
The Korean Society of Mycology (KSM) is a non-profit academic organization founded in 1972 to advance mycological research, promote scientific excellence, and foster academic exchange in Korea and throughout the international mycological community. For more than five decades, KSM has served as the leading professional society for mycology in Korea, supporting research, education, scientific publication, and international collaboration.
KSM brings together researchers, educators, students, clinicians, and professionals working across a broad spectrum of fungal science, including taxonomy and systematics, ecology, plant pathology, medical and veterinary mycology, industrial and applied mycology, biotechnology, genetics and genomics, physiology, biodiversity, and environmental mycology. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Society promotes innovative research that advances both fundamental knowledge and practical applications.
To fulfill its mission, KSM organizes annual scientific meetings, symposia, workshops, and educational programs that provide opportunities for researchers to present their findings, exchange ideas, and establish collaborative networks. The Society also actively supports early-career scientists by promoting mentorship, research collaboration, academic exchange, and international engagement.
KSM publishes two official journals: Mycobiology, an internationally recognized peer-reviewed journal indexed in major scientific databases, and The Korean Journal of Mycology, which serves as a leading platform for research on fungal biology and related disciplines. Together, these journals facilitate the dissemination of high-quality research and contribute to the advancement of mycology in Korea and beyond.
International collaboration is one of KSM’s core missions. The Society maintains strong partnerships with mycological societies, universities, and research institutions worldwide, fostering collaborative research and scientific exchange while addressing global challenges related to biodiversity, agriculture, public health, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and the bioeconomy.
A major milestone for KSM is the hosting of the 13th International Mycological Congress (IMC13), which will be held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from 15–19 August 2027 under the auspices of the International Mycological Association (IMA). As the world’s largest international congress dedicated to mycology, IMC13 will bring together scientists from around the world to share new discoveries, strengthen international collaborations, and help shape the future of fungal science.
Looking ahead, KSM remains committed to advancing excellence in mycological research, strengthening global partnerships, nurturing the next generation of mycologists, and expanding the impact of fungal science for the benefit of society.
The Korean Society of Mycology warmly welcomes researchers, students, educators, clinicians, and professionals from around the world to join our scientific community and contribute to the advancement of mycology together.