Public perception of foreign aid in South Korea: The effects of policy efficacy in an emerging donor

Motivation Previous studies on public perceptions of foreign aid have mainly focused on individual‐level variables in traditional donor countries. Few studies have been conducted on how citizens of emerging donor countries perceive their own foreign aid policies, although emerging donors have recently gained attention as a new agent of international co‐operation. Purpose The study investigates the factors which influence public perceptions of foreign aid policies of South Korea, an emerging donor. Methods and approach This study uses Ordered Logistic Analyses to analyse factors influencing the public perception of foreign aid policies at the individual level, as well as at policy level, using nationwide survey data of 1,000 citizens in South Korea. Findings In addition to the individual‐level variables that many previous studies have considered, this study shows that the perception of policy efficacy has had a greater effect than policy knowledge on public support for foreign aid and the expansion of the aid budget. Furthermore, the results imply that the greater the appreciation of South Korea’s experience as an aid recipient, the stronger the support for aid when the country later becomes a donor. Policy implications The citizens of emerging donor countries support foreign aid policy based on feelings of appreciation and beliefs that such aid has helped their country’s economic and social development. There is a need to accumulate further evidence of success in achieving development effectiveness and contribute to national development through foreign aid among emerging donor countries.