Exchange and cooperation projects can be financed through the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund. We go through the eligibility requirements with you and help you prepare the application.
What the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund is
It is a government fund created under the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund Act (남북협력기금법, enacted in 1990) to finance inter-Korean exchange and cooperation projects. It is operated by the Minister of Unification, with the Export-Import Bank of Korea handling day-to-day administration, and decisions on support are taken by resolution of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council. Its resources come from government contributions, private donations and returns on the fund's operations.
Fund size — 2026 budget
Based on the 2026 budget proposal announced by the Ministry of Unification; all amounts are in Korean won. The size of the fund and the split between areas change from year to year, so please check the operating plan in force when you apply in the Ministry of Unification's notices.
What the fund supports
| Item | What it covers | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Trade and economic cooperation loans | Loans for trade financing and for economic cooperation projects. | hairo.unikorea.go.kr · Export-Import Bank of Korea |
| Loss compensation (economic cooperation insurance) | Covers part of the losses arising from events such as the suspension of a project. | hairo.unikorea.go.kr · Export-Import Bank of Korea |
| Support for social and cultural exchange | Covers part of the costs of non-profit exchange projects in fields such as scholarship, culture and sport. | hairo.unikorea.go.kr |
Requirements and ceilings change with each year's operating plan. Please check the latest notice from the responsible channel before you apply.
How to apply
Applications are accepted at any time through the Humanitarian Cooperation System (hairo.unikorea.go.kr). Because there is no fixed window there is nothing to wait for, but checking the requirements and the exclusions below first will save you wasted effort.
Projects that qualify
The basic requirement is a project that can demonstrate transparency in distribution — for example by visiting North Korea regularly or by stationing staff there — and that involves continuing exchange and cooperation, such as travel between the two sides. Relief for disaster victims, cooperation on food, health care and water and sanitation, and responses to disasters and the climate crisis fall into this category.
What is not supported
- Where the project duplicates a humanitarian project already under way
- Where the purpose is economic gain
- Where the support is a simple one-off contribution
- Where the support is ancillary to an economic cooperation project or to a social or cultural event
- Where access to the project site is judged to be difficult
Procedure and conditions
- STEP 1ApplicationComplete the application in the Humanitarian Cooperation System and upload the six required documents (project and expenditure plan, own resources, distribution transparency plan and others)
- STEP 2Written and in-person assessmentScreened by the Fund Support Screening Committee (relevant agencies and outside experts)
- STEP 3Project consultationThe content of the project is settled with the Ministry of Unification, followed by the final assessment
- STEP 4Decision on supportConfirmed by resolution of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council
- STEP 5Disbursement and settlementPaid in instalments as the project progresses and settled afterwards. A guarantee insurance policy may be required
This guidance is for reference only and is not legal advice. Detailed requirements follow the Regulations on the Handling of Inter-Korean Humanitarian and Cooperation Projects (남북 인도적 사업 및 협력사업 처리에 관한 규정) and confirmation from the Ministry of Unification.
Support programs run by the Center
| Program | Who it is for | When | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary review of procedures | Companies and organizations | Year-round | Open |
| Consultancy on preparing social and cultural exchange | Civic organizations | Once a year | Planned |
| Briefing on using the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund | Open to all | Every quarter | Open |
Tell us the type and scale of your project and we will check with you whether fund support is available.