This paper aims to reappraise the role of the Koreans in the establishment of KIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology). Previous studies emphasized the active role of the U.S. in the process but described the Korean effort as minimal or even passive. It is true that the U.S.' contributions the President L. Johnson's proposal for the establishment of the institute in 1965, the financial aid from the USAID, and the Battelle Memorial Institute's assistance were crucial for the establishment of KIST. I however argue that the Koreans put similar effort and even more enthusiasm to the project: the Korean President Park Chung Hee, his government, and the KIST researchers themselves actively participated in the project. I also argue that during the process Koreans had never been passive recipients but active learners and participants who often rejected the mentor's advices. Due to this active role of Koreans the mission and character of KIST changed during the establishment process, from a research institute for Korean industry (U.S.' original plan) to the national symbol of modernization.