The Urban Disaster Research Institute (URDI) is a public utility that engages in disaster prevention issues and engages in various activities. The Urban Disaster Prevention Research Institute was founded in 1979 as a foundation approved by the National Land Agency and the Ministry of Construction.

In August 2012, the foundation received a permission from the Prime Minister to transition to a non-profit type under the new Public Interest Corporation Law, and has been active as a general foundation since August.