Disaster damage support

Photograph the damage, report it at your community centre, and get a damage confirmation certificate.

Types of support

• Disaster relief payments — according to the extent of damage such as a damaged or flooded home.
• Emergency welfare support — when your livelihood is threatened. See emergency-welfare.
• Tax and utility reductions or deferrals
• Temporary housing — shelters and interim accommodation
• Relief goods — necessities, blankets, food

The process

1. Safety first. Think about paperwork after you have evacuated.
2. Record the damage in photos and video. Take them before you clear up.
3. Report the damage at your community centre (주민센터). There is a deadline, so act quickly.
4. A site survey determines the extent of damage.
5. Get the damage confirmation certificate and apply for the various forms of support.
6. If insured, notify the insurer immediately as well.

What you need

• Alien registration card
• Photos and video of the damage
• Your lease, if you are a tenant
• A copy of your bankbook
• The damage confirmation certificate

Where to go

• Community centre (주민센터) — where damage is reported
• 119 emergency rescue
• 1588-3650 Safety Report (Ministry of the Interior and Safety)
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (emergency welfare)
• 1345 interpretation support

Questions people ask

Can foreign residents receive this? Eligibility differs by scheme. Ask at the community centre, mentioning your registration status. Emergency welfare has its own criteria for foreign residents.

I'm a tenant and the property was damaged. There are sometimes separate provisions for tenants. Take your lease to the community centre. Who pays for repairs is a separate question with your landlord.

I missed the reporting deadline. Explain your circumstances at the community centre as soon as possible. Photographic records help.

How much is paid? It depends on the extent and the time, so no figures are given here. Confirm at the community centre.

Take care

Always photograph before clearing up. Once tidied, damage is hard to prove. Beware of firms demanding money up front to help with repairs. Put contracts in writing and don't decide in a hurry.

Related

flood-fire-support · emergency-welfare · evacuation-shelters · disaster-alert-understanding · welfare-application

Source

Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Safe Korea portal www.safekorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08