Welfare & Support

Korean procedures explained in plain language

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Flood and fire support

After flooding or fire, you can apply for support and temporary housing once the damage is confirmed.

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Scholarships and support for children

There is education cost support and scholarships for primary and secondary pupils.

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Support for international marriage families

Family centres and the Danuri portal are the heart of multicultural family support.

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Free vocational training

The National Tomorrow Learning Card covers training costs, and some courses pay an allowance.

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Applying for the child allowance

A monthly allowance for children under a set age. It is paid from the month you apply, so don't delay.

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The first-meeting voucher

A one-off voucher when a child is born, loaded onto the National Happiness card.

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The Culture Nuri Card

A culture voucher for performances, films, books and travel. It must be issued each year.

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Jeonse deposit loans

Housing and Urban Fund products exist. Consult the bank before signing a contract.

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Support for language development

If speech seems delayed, checking early is always best.

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Reporting elder abuse

Report to 1577-1389 or 112.

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Employment support for marriage migrants

Family Centers and Saeil Centers provide free support from counselling through to job placement.

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How to apply for welfare

Most applications go through the community centre or Bokjiro. Prepare documents in advance.

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Medical benefit — reducing hospital costs

Households below the income threshold pay far less of their own hospital costs.

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Jobs for older people

From age 65 you can join local senior employment programmes.

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Taking free Korean classes

Family Centers, the integration programme, local governments and libraries all offer free Korean classes.

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Using the Korea Legal Aid Corporation

Call 132 for free legal advice.

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Linking medical care and welfare

When treatment costs feel impossible, the hospital social work office is the first door.

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The sports voucher

Schemes support sports lesson fees for children and young people.

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Helping your child settle at school

Korean-language classes, bilingual instructors and counsellors are there to help.

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Applying for childcare fee support

The state supports childcare fees for children attending daycare or kindergarten. Apply on Bokjiro or at your community centre.

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Local government support schemes

There is more support unique to your area than you might expect.

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Support for returning home (marriage immigrants)

Before deciding to return, get advice on residence, children and money together.

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Using the food bank

Donated food and daily necessities are distributed. Get a referral at your community centre.

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Small loans and financial support

If you urgently need money, call the Inclusive Finance Agency (1397) rather than a private lender.

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Applying for public rental housing

Applications open only during announcement periods. Set up alerts.

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Discounts on phone and internet bills

Welfare recipients can get reductions on mobile and internet charges.

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Parenting education

Family centres offer free parenting classes and language support for children.

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Support for people with disabilities

Registering a disability opens up medical, welfare, mobility and education support.

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Eligibility of foreign residents for basic livelihood benefits

Not every foreign resident qualifies. Specific categories such as marriage migrants and recognised refugees apply.

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Disaster damage support

Reporting the damage and getting a confirmation certificate is where all support begins.

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Community mental health centres

Every area has one; counselling is free and confidential.

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Volunteering

Apply through the 1365 portal and your hours are recorded. A good way to get to know your area.

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Using your community service centre

From move-in reports to welfare advice, it is the starting point of everyday administration.

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Free legal consultations

Beyond legal aid, local governments, home-doctor lawyers and migrant organisations all offer free advice.

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Seoul's support for foreign residents

The Seoul Global Center and district centres are the main routes.

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Debt and credit recovery counselling

Debt has formal ways out. Don't carry it alone.

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Welfare glossary

The terms you keep seeing on welfare forms and notices.

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Rent support

Housing benefit and local government rent schemes exist. Ask your community centre first.

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Migrant support NGOs

Beyond public bodies, civil society organisations run counselling, interpretation and shelters.

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Bereavement support

Grief is not an illness, but you don't have to bear it alone either.

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Using a shelter

You do not need somewhere to go. Shelters are free, the address is confidential, and children can come.

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Services available at a Family Center

Korean classes, interpretation, counselling, help for children and job preparation — mostly free or very cheap.

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Transport discounts

Transfer discounts, season passes and public transport refund schemes exist.

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Using the Danuri portal

A government portal with information for multicultural families in 13 languages — daily life and support schemes in one place.

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Checking what welfare you can receive

Use the simulation and consultation. Not knowing is the most common reason people miss out.

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Emergency childcare

When you suddenly need someone to look after your child, the Idolbom service exists.

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Funeral cost support

Funeral allowances and public funeral schemes exist.

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Finding support in other regions

Wherever you live, the way to check is the same.

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Reporting child abuse

If you suspect it, call 112. The reporter's identity is protected.

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Preparing for naturalisation

The Social Integration Programme (KIIP) is the core of preparation.

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