UNFPA opened the Seoul Representational Office (SRO) in February 2019 inside the Underwood Hall of Yonsei University located in Seoul, Republic of Korea (RoK). The Office's main objective is to strengthen partnerships with the Government of Korea and other key stakeholders in the public and private sectors. These partnerships help to mobilize resources and raise awareness of UNFPA’s mandate. This includes sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender (equality, GBV, etc.), population issues (ageing and low fertility) and humanitarian assistance.
The cooperation between UNFPA and the RoK dates back to 1974, when UNFPA started supporting the RoK government's population settlement and family planning by providing assistance in the formulation of human rights-based family planning, census and data use for sustainable development. Currently, the RoK is an important cooperative partner and donor of UNFPA, and the Seoul Representational Office remains in close communication with various government ministries and affiliated agencies, while developing and further strengthening partnerships with other various stakeholders.
Our small office consists of a Chief, an Administrative Associate, and two undergraduate interns funded by Yonsei University.
Government partnerships
The Office’s government ministry and affiliated agency partnerships include:
The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW)
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) (as of 2023)
National Assembly / Korean Parliamentary League on Children, Population, and Environment (CPE)
Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH)
Korea Women's Development Institute (KWDI)
Good Neighbors, Ministry of Unification (MOU)
