How is South Korea's ODA changing over time?

Since 2017, South Korea’s ODA/GNI ratio has been relatively stable and the country has committed to the goal of doubling its ODA budget by 2030 with the aim of reaching ODA/GNI ratio of 0.3% by 2030. South Korea had previously committed to reaching an ODA/GNI ratio of 0.2% by 2020, but the government acknowledged its failure to reach the target in the Midterm Strategy for Development Cooperation (2021-2025), citing worsening public finances and financial disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 2025, the government approved a record ODA budget of KRW6.5 trillion (US$4.8 billion) and prioritized humanitarian assistance to strengthen strategic partnerships with international organizations and improve effectiveness in the development-peace nexus. However, in 2026, the government plans to cut ODA by KRW624 billion (US$422 million), a 14% reduction, with humanitarian assistance facing the steepest cuts. The reductions coincide with increased defense spending and plans to boost funding for diplomacy with Asian nations and the US. This shift reflects the current administration's focus on domestic issues and regional security, particularly following the former president's corruption scandal with alleged ties to ODA. Despite these near-term cuts, South Korea's long-term ODA goals remain focused on expanding volume and enhancing overall quality.