This study empirically examines the effectiveness of the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation System in promoting integrated management of urban-adjacent wetlands, enhancing community participation, and strengthening local capacity. Using survey and monitoring data from Jeju-si, Inje-gun, and Changnyeonggun (accredited in 2018) and Gochang-gun and Seogwipo-si (accredited in 2022), the analysis integrates AHP and statistical verification to evaluate system effectiveness, operational elements, and the relationship between performance and perception. The results indicate that the system positively contributed to establishing a supportive social foundation, including improved information accessibility (72%), strengthened community capacity (71%), enhanced conservation and management interest (83%), and greater public understanding of wetlands (84%), which in turn led to increased program participation and behavioral changes. Trust in local governments and management committees was relatively high, reinforcing regional governance. However, limitations such as inconsistent and discontinuous implementation, declining trust in central government, overreliance on local government initiative, and budget imbalances across project types were identified as constraints to sustainability. To address these issues, this study suggests establishing a scientific performance management system, expanding financial independence based on local resources, strengthening the authority of local management committees, improving evaluation quality, enhancing central-local cooperation, ensuring balanced budget allocation, and advancing information feedback systems, thereby supporting the evolution of Ramsar Wetland Cities as models of sustainable socio-ecological development.