The Program on U.S.-Korea Policy aims to deepen and broaden the foundations for institutionalized cooperation between the United States and South Korea by promoting a comprehensive U.S.-ROK alliance partnership on emerging global, regional, and non-traditional security challenges. Objectives of the program include the establishment of a deeper understanding of South Korea's efforts to contribute on the international stage; its potential influence and contributions as a middle power in East Asia; and the peninsular, regional, and global implications of North Korean instability.

Initially established as the Center for U.S.-Korea Policy at The Asia Foundation in January 2009 with generous support from the Smith Richardson Foundation, the program became a part of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in September 2011. The program is funded with ongoing support from the Smith Richardson Foundation, and with generous contributions from Korean private companies, including the Pantech Corporation, the Doosan Corporation, and the Korea International Trade Association.