Welfare & Support

Korean procedures explained in plain language

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Shelters for migrant women

Protection facilities specifically for migrant women, with interpretation and immigration advice.

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Support for children with disabilities

Registration opens access to developmental rehabilitation services and care support.

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Emergency childcare

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

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Disaster damage support

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

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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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Seoul's support for foreign residents

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

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Transport discounts

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

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Addiction management centres

Alcohol, gambling and drug problems are matters for treatment, not willpower.

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Parenting education

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

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Community mental health centres

Every area has one; counselling is free and confidential.

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Housing support: an overview

Public rental housing, deposit loans and rent support. Check them all on MyHome.

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Funeral cost support

Funeral allowances and public funeral schemes exist.

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Discounts on phone and internet bills

Welfare recipients can get reductions on mobile and internet charges.

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Adult qualifications (equivalency exams)

The equivalency exam lets you gain middle school or high school qualifications.

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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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Scholarships and support for children

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

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Support from faith organisations

Many religious organisations run counselling, interpretation and gatherings for migrants.

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Receiving charitable support

Private organisations also offer help. Look at them alongside public welfare.

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Applying for public rental housing

Applications open only during announcement periods. Set up alerts.

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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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Welfare apps and websites

Bokjiro and Government24 cover almost everything.

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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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Family tax benefits

Listing family as dependants at year-end settlement reduces your tax.

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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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Preparing for naturalisation

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

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Migrant self-help groups

Groups of people from your own country help with both information and morale.

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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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Suicide prevention

Call 109 — 24 hours, free and confidential.

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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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Using the Bokjiro website

Search the welfare you may qualify for and apply online.

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Winter support

Check heating support and cold-wave measures in advance. In winter, lives depend on it.

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Utility bill reductions

Some households qualify for reductions on electricity, gas, water and telecoms.

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Jeonse deposit loans

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

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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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Migrant support NGOs

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

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Debt and credit recovery counselling

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

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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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Volunteering

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

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The sports voucher

Schemes support sports lesson fees for children and young people.

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Reporting elder abuse

Report to 1577-1389 or 112.

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Startup support schemes

First check whether your residence status permits business, then start with training and consulting.

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Support for language development

If speech seems delayed, checking early is always best.

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Employment support for people with disabilities

The Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities supports training and work.

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Rent support

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

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Reporting child abuse

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

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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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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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Using your community service centre

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

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Family conflict counselling

Family centres and the Danuri Call Centre offer counselling in many languages.

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Free meal services

Child meal cards, senior canteens and free meal centres exist. Don't go without food.

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