consciousness becomes space · philosophy becomes architecture · art transforms the city
Los Angeles · Nonprofit Organization · 501(c)(3) Public Charity

The gate is open.
Your awareness
is the key.

In the heart of Los Angeles, inner renewal meets the future of culture.

Wisdom Gate Foundation is a nonprofit public cultural foundation exploring inner renewal and cultural connection through philosophy, mindfulness, and the arts.

Our first initiative advances two landmark civic spaces in Koreatown — a signature performing arts center and the Wisdom Gate Center — forming a new public platform where arts, education, mindfulness, and community life can meet.

With the participation of visionary donors and partners, we are building a cultural future open to students, families, artists, seniors, and the wider community.

View the Master Plan Partnership Opportunities
Flagship Project 01 — Overview Wisdom Gate Center Campus — Master Plan
Our Foundation

Awareness grounds us.
PHILOSOPHY teaches us to know.
MINDFULNESS teaches us to be.
ART teaches us to share.

Wisdom Gate Foundation is a nonprofit public cultural foundation dedicated to supporting emotional well-being, reflective living, and creative connection through philosophy, mindfulness, and the arts.
We explore ways of living with greater awareness — understanding life more deeply, caring for the mind with intention, and sharing meaning through artistic expression.
We cultivate this way of living through philosophy, mindfulness, and the arts.

Philosophy opens a language for reflecting on life.
Mindfulness helps us observe thoughts and emotions with clarity and steadiness.
Art becomes a way to express inner experience and connect it with others.

Through educational programs, creative initiatives, community dialogue, and the future Wisdom Gate Center, we aim to help individuals and communities cultivate a more thoughtful, balanced, and connected way of living.

Wisdom Gate Gift
01 / Philosophy

Know.
PHILOSOPHY

The Ground of Understanding

From Socratic inquiry to Buddhist awareness, Daoist wu-wei, and modern philosophy, philosophy has long served as a language for reflective living. Wisdom Gate does not belong to any single tradition or ideology. Instead, we draw from diverse streams of human wisdom to cultivate the capacity to question, observe, and understand more deeply. We ask: What do we truly know? What are we overlooking? How might we live with greater clarity and wisdom?

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02 / Mindfulness

Be.
MINDFULNESS

The Practice of Presence

Mindfulness does not require special beliefs or mystical experiences. It is the practice of noticing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations with clarity, without being immediately carried away by reaction. Through mindfulness-based education and reflective programs, Wisdom Gate supports the development of emotional resilience, attention, and self-understanding.

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03 / The Arts

Share.
The Arts

The Language of Meaning

Art is one of humanity’s oldest languages for expressing emotions and experiences that cannot always be explained through words alone. Through painting, music, performance, writing, and shared spaces, we come to understand ourselves and connect more deeply with others. Wisdom Gate creates exhibitions, performances, and creative programs where personal reflection can meet community, and where meaning can be shared through culture.

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Research & Reflective Practice

The ability to observe
our thoughts and emotions
is a human capacity
that can be cultivated.

Wisdom Gate’s programs are grounded in reflective and observational practices shaped through mindfulness studies, cognitive psychology, and contemplative research.

We do not require any particular religion or belief system. Instead, we invite individuals to notice their thoughts, emotions, and recurring inner patterns with greater clarity and steadiness.
As the way we pay attention begins to change, we may gradually discover new ways of understanding ourselves and relating to life.

Mindfulness Studies Cognitive Psychology Reflective Education Emotional Regulation Attention Training Reflective Living
2025
Founded in
Los Angeles
3
Core pillars:
Philosophy · Mind · Art
∞
Open to all backgrounds.
Guided by shared humanity.
1
Mission: cultivate
conscious living
“From inner clarity to public good.”

Wisdom Gate Foundation turns wisdom into public practice through education, creativity, reflection, and community.

We create programs in mindfulness, philosophy, the arts, youth and family learning, and civic dialogue — supporting emotional resilience, self-understanding, creative expression, and community well-being.

Our vision is to develop the Wisdom Gate Center in Los Angeles as a lasting civic home for learning, healing, creativity, and connection.

Mission Statement · Wisdom Gate Foundation Inc.

Wisdom Gate Foundation is a Los Angeles–based 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to
arts, cultural education, philosophy, and meditation programs
that foster reflection, creativity, and community well-being.

Brand Identity

The Symbol of Wisdom Gate

지혜의 문을 담은 상징

Wisdom Gate Foundation Logo

Wisdom Gate Logo Signature

Wisdom Gate Foundation wall sign
Building Signage Application

Logo Symbol: The 3 Elements

로고 심볼: 세 가지 구성 요소

The Open Circle · 열린 원
Wholeness & Path — the circle features a 20% opening at the top, representing the "Gate of Wisdom": an unfinished enlightenment and commitment to constant growth.
The Horizontal Line · 수평선
Balance & Threshold — the horizon where the inner life and the outer world meet, guiding toward higher understanding.
The Orange Dot · 오렌지 점
Awareness & Insight — symbolizing the rising sun and the birth of Awareness: clarity, attention, and insight.

Symbolic Interpretation

상징적 해석

The Incomplete Circle
A form that remains intentionally incomplete, reflecting a continuous journey toward understanding.
The Threshold Space
Where the circle meets the horizon — a quiet passage toward deeper understanding.
The Dot
The presence of awareness — the observer at the center of perception.
Wisdom Gate Foundation · Organizational Structure

Our Structure

Wisdom Gate Foundation is led by a Board of Directors and the Office of the President, supported by standing committees and advisory councils. Together, this structure ensures responsible governance, ethical stewardship, thoughtful programming, and meaningful community impact.

위즈덤게이트 재단은 이사회와 대표실을 중심으로 운영되며, 각 상설 위원회와 자문단이 재단의 공익적 사명과 프로그램을 지원합니다. 이 구조는 책임 있는 거버넌스, 윤리적 재정 관리, 깊이 있는 프로그램 기획, 의미 있는 지역사회 기여를 가능하게 합니다.

Governance & Executive Leadership
거버넌스 & 집행 리더십
Governance · 거버넌스
Board of Directors
이사회
Chairperson
이사회 의장
Secretary
서기
Treasurer
회계
Board Members
이사
Executive Leadership · 집행 리더십
Office of the President / Executive Leadership
대표실 / 집행 리더십
President & CEO
재단 대표
Executive Boards
집행 이사단
Committees & Advisory · 위원회 & 자문단
Standing Committees
상설 위원회
01
Governance & Ethics
거버넌스·윤리 위원회
02
Finance & Stewardship
재정·스튜어드십 위원회
03
Campus Planning & Development
캠퍼스 기획·개발 위원회
04
Programs & Community Impact
프로그램·커뮤니티 임팩트 위원회
05
Arts & Cultural Education
예술·문화교육 위원회
06
Meditation, Philosophy & Well-being
명상·철학·웰빙 위원회
07
Development & Fundraising
후원개발·펀드레이징 위원회
08
Communications & PR
대외 커뮤니케이션·홍보 위원회
09
Strategic Partnerships
전략적 파트너십 위원회
10
Research & Thought Leadership
연구·사상 리더십 위원회
11
Youth & Family Programs
청소년·가족 프로그램 위원회
12
Korean Heritage & Global Culture
한국문화유산·글로벌문화 위원회
Advisory
자문단
Advisory Councils
자문단
Provides expert insight and guidance across programs, partnerships, cultural initiatives, and community impact.
Board & Committee Chairs

Governance &
Executive Leadership

Wisdom Gate Foundation is guided by an independent board and standing committee chairs whose combined expertise spans architecture, finance, mindfulness education, counseling psychology, art advisory, and cultural strategy.

※All Board Members serve staggered two-year terms per the Foundation's bylaws, under IRS §501(c)(3).

※The leadership team is listed in alphabetical order below.

Architectural Director · Board Member
Jaeyoung Choi
  • Licensed Architect | AIA · NCARB
  • Construction Risk Analysis & Management | Design-Build | Construction Management
  • Real Estate Feasibility | Facility Master Planning | Due Diligence | Pre-Construction
  • Architect / Project Manager / Construction Management (CM) · Fulcrum, The Vertex Company
  • 20+ years of architectural and project management experience in the U.S. and South Korea
  • M.Arch. Texas A&M University | B.Eng. Architecture, Korea University
Chair of the Board · Founding Director & CFO
Jay Choi
  • Architectural Planning and Design | Financial Strategist
  • Mortgage Lending & Bank Operations · 30+ years
  • Consciousness & Mind-Body Practice Advisor 15+ Years in Meditation, Inner Awareness & Integrative Wellness Exploration
  • Real Estate Development Investor · Advisory | Community Outreach
  • Financial Management | Auditing | Fiscal Reporting
BOARD DIRECTOR · ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
Olivia Kim
  • Internationally acclaimed Violinist | Soloist | Chamber Musician
  • Carnegie Hall debut and performances throughout Europe, Korea, and the United States
  • Performing Artist · iPalpiti International Music Festival
  • Performed Brahms Double Concerto with world-renowned cellist Mischa Maisky
  • Recording Artist · [Love Poem], Universal Music
  • Former Faculty — Hanyang University | Ewha Womans University
  • Founder, Flora Foundation USA — supporting music education and cultural outreach
  • D.M.A. USC | M.M. New England Conservatory | B.M. Seoul National University
Chair of Governance & Ethics Committee · Operation Executive Leadership
Min J Lee
  • Operations & Organizational Management Professional
  • Governance | Strategic Planning | Process Optimization | Executive Coordination
  • Former Operations Officer · Korea ROTC · Second Army Command
  • Budget Planning | Public Relations | Cultural Outreach | Institutional Communications
  • B.A. Psychology | MBA
Board Director · Visual Arts & Museum Exhibition
Vicky Lee
  • Journalist · Art Critic · USPAP-certified Art Appraiser
  • Senior Culture Editor, The Herald Business — covering National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea & Ministry of Sport, Tour and Culture 10+ years
  • Founding Director, Herald Design Forum — Korea's premier annual design and arts platform
  • Art Tour Vice Director, Art Basel HK· Venice Biennale 2019— global art tour curation and programming
  • Adjunct Professor, Ewha Womans University, MBA
  • Corporate Communications · LG Group | Intern · Korean National Assembly
  • B.A. Seoul National University | M.B.A. Ewha Womans University, Art & Luxury Business
Treasurer · Board Member
Hosung Na
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Accounting | Tax | Financial Oversight | Banking & Wealth Management | Financial Planning
  • Accountant · Pheonanmin Tax | Frank Akef & Co. | Essential LLP
  • Financial Advisor · Bank of the West | JPMorgan Chase Bank | Prudential Financial
  • Corporate Operations · Samsung SDS
  • B.S. Seoul National University | M.S. NYU Stern School of Business | MBA Thunderbird School of Global Management
Chair of Meditation, Philosophy & Well-being Committee
Stella Park
  • Certified Mindfulness Facilitator · UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
  • Certified Yoga Instructor · Teacher Training completed at the Association for Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh, India
  • Counseling Psychology | Meditation | Yoga | Buddhist Philosophy
  • U.S. Correspondent & Columnist (15+ years), Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea
  • Korean-American Radio Host, 30 yrs | Modern Buddhism of America Magazine, 20 yrs
  • Newspaper Columnist, 15 yrs · The Korea Daily | The Korea Times
  • Author of My Practice Journal, Muryangsu Publishing, 2023
  • M.S. Counseling Psychology | B.A. Yonsei University
Executive Leadership · Chair of Programs & Community Impact Committee
Sarah Rhee
  • UI/UX & Interactive Design | Digital Product & Media Operations | Cross-functional Team Collaboration
  • Certified 3D Printing Instructor | Licensed Real Estate Agent, Korea
  • Head of UX Research Lab, Netmarble Npark | Lead Designer, Wizardsoft | Lead Designer, KT&G
  • Adjunct Professor, Hansung University | Adjunct Professor, Shingu University
  • M.A. in Digital Media & B.F.A. in Ceramic Arts, Ewha Womans University | M.P.S. Candidate in ITP, NYU Tisch
Founder · President · Board Member
Jennifer Shin
  • USPAP-certified Personal Property Appraiser | Cultural Asset Advisory, Advisor & Appraiser · IRS, Estate, Litigation, Donation
  • Vice President, Korean American Muse Foundation (KAM)
  • Senior Strategic Manager, Content Strategy at CJ ENM HQ (Seoul)
  • Adjunct Professor, College of Art & Design · Konkuk University
  • M.F.A. School of the Art Institute of Chicago | B.A. Ewha Womans University

Open to all.
Find yourself through consciousness.
Grounded in philosophy & science.
Moved by art.

Join us in building a wiser, more compassionate Los Angeles.

Get in Touch Explore Programs
Email info@wisdomgatefoundation.org
Website WisdomGateFoundation.org