Most Rev. Peter Kang U-il, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea (CBCK), was elected as the Director of the Catholic Pastoral Institute of Korea (CPIK) at the 2011 Spring General Assembly of the CBCK, held from March 28 to 31, 2011. The CBCK also approved the 'Rules of the Catholic Pastoral Institute of Korea.'

The CPIK conducts research in pastoral matters according to the request of the CBCK, gathers and analyzes pastoral information and materials to submit to the CBCK, and contributes to the promotion of ad hoc pastoral activities. The concrete activities of the CPIK encompass: the study of modern methods of pastoral care; the study of ongoing formation of priests; the organization of seminars or lectures related to pastoral care; the digitalization of information and materials related to pastoral care.

In an interview with the local press, Bishop Kang said, "With the establishment of the CPIK the CBCK gets into gear for the analysis of the pastoral situation in Korea as well as for suggestions for pastoral orientation." Then he continued, "I would like to propose inter-diocesan pastoral programs and programs for the formation of lay leaders which are quite difficult for a diocese to undertake by itself." He also said that the study of Small Christian Communities (SCC) is going to be one of the most important projects of the CPIK, as the Catholic Church in Korea has set SCCs as a vision of pastoral methods for the future.

In regard to the ongoing formation of priests, Bishop Kang said, "Though the CBCK has deliberated on the ongoing formation of priests for a long time, it is still quite a difficult matter. Now the bishops are counting on the CPIK as the responsible institute to make progress in possible areas of such formation."

In conclusion, Bishop Kang expressed his hope that "the CPIK may also play the role of coordinator or promoter for cooperation and exchange among many ecclesiastical research institutes. These institutes must eventually contribute to the common good of the Church and the universal benefit of all, despite their diversity of functions in various areas."

The CPIK was established according to the decision of the 2010 Autumn General Assembly of the CBCK. Rev. Joseph Park Sun-yong was appointed as the vice-director of the CPIK in February, 2011.