Republic of Korea country strategy evaluation

The evaluation of UNHCR's Country Strategy in Korea is part of a series of Country Strategy Evaluations (CSE) designed to contribute to UNHCR’s learning and planning processes. CSEs focus on UNHCR's strategic positioning, comparative advantage and organisational and programming performance. The evaluation finds that UNHCR Korea has helped strengthen elements of the national protection environment, while the Republic of Korea has positioned itself as an increasingly important global humanitarian donor. Nevertheless, durable protection outcomes domestically remain constrained by low recognition rates, limited rights for humanitarian status holders, and weak public support. While the office has operated efficiently and maintained strong institutional credibility, sustainability is challenged by stagnating private-sector income, underdeveloped philanthropy, and capacity gaps in fundraising and communications, underscoring the need for sharper advocacy, donor-centric strategies, and a more fit-for-purpose organisational model.