The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch applied to be an Associate Society in 1900 and this was approved in January 1901. As such, it is the oldest organization in Korea designed to introduce people to Korea in all its many aspects. Its early history was somewhat disrupted due to political difficulties but it has been continuously active since 1956. It remains an active international cultural and social organization in Korea.
The Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong was founded in 1847, growing out of a Medico-Chirurgical Society founded in 1845. It ceased to exist in 1859. However in 1959, it was re-established with the Inaugural Meeting held on April 7, 1960, in the Loke Yew Hall of the University of Hong Kong. It still exists to encourage an active interest in East Asia, and in Hong Kong in particular, through lectures and discussions, overseas visits, and by publishing an annual Journal.