Using the food bank

Don't go hungry. Food banks and food markets exist.

What they are

Places that pass donated food and household goods to households in need.

• Food banks — goods are delivered or handed over.
• Food markets — users visit and choose what they need themselves, like a shop.

Eligibility and use differ by area. Check with your community centre or 1688-1377.

Steps

1. Consult the welfare desk at your community service centre. They check eligibility and refer you.
2. Or ask the national food bank (1688-1377) for your nearest.
3. Register for use after eligibility is confirmed.
4. Receive goods at set intervals or visit the food market.

What to bring

• Alien Registration Card
• Income and household documents where requested

Where to go

• 1688-1377 national food bank
• The welfare desk at your local community service centre
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre
• Local community welfare centres
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation

Questions people ask

Can foreigners use it? It depends on the area and operator. Explain your situation to your community centre or 1688-1377 and ask. Don't assume you can't.

What goods do I get? Rice, instant noodles, tinned food, household goods — it varies with what has been donated, and differs each time.

I have nothing to eat today. Call 129 about emergency welfare support. Local welfare centres and religious organisations can sometimes help immediately.

I have children who need meals. Child meal card programmes and similar exist. Ask your community centre. See free-meal.

Take care

Don't endure going hungry. Where children are involved especially, tell 129 or your community centre immediately. Child hunger is treated as a priority. There is nothing shameful about it.

Related

free-meal · emergency-welfare · donation-receive · welfare-eligibility-check

Source

Korea Food Bank www.foodbank1377.org / As of 2026-08