Organisations that support young people

Several organisations support young people. Young people with a migrant background can use them too.

What exists

1. Youth counselling and welfare centres — in every area, for counselling, crisis support, study and careers. Reached via 1388.
2. Out-of-school youth support centres (Kkumdream) — study (qualification exams) and employment support for young people not in school.
3. Youth shelters — for young people who cannot stay at home. Free.
4. Youth after-school academies — study, activities and meals after school.
5. Family Centers — programmes for young people with a migrant background.
6. Support for young people who arrived mid-schooling — Korean language and school adjustment.

Steps

1. Call 1388. 24 hours; texting #1388 also works.
2. You are connected to a local youth counselling centre.
3. You are guided to support fitting the situation.
4. If not attending school, ask a Kkumdream centre.
5. Use Family Center programmes for migrant-background youth alongside.

Where to go

• 1388 youth counselling (24 hours) · text #1388
• Your local youth counselling and welfare centre
• An out-of-school youth support centre (Kkumdream)
• Your local Family Center
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages)
• 112 in danger · 109 when they want to die

Questions people ask

My child wants to leave school. Kkumdream centres support qualification exams, vocational training and counselling. There is a path even after leaving school.

My child arrived mid-schooling and can't attend. There are preparatory schools and Korean courses for such young people. Ask the district education office and a Family Center.

My child has run away. File a missing person report with 112 and tell 1388 too. They may have gone to a youth shelter.

My child struggles because of Korean. Combine Family Center support with the school's Korean language class.

Can parents get counselling? Yes. 1388 counsels guardians too.

Take care

"I don't want to go to school" is the signal. Before scolding, listen to what is happening. Discrimination and bullying are common causes. You can call 1388 together.

Related

call-1388 · multicultural-child-support · child-education-support · after-school-care

Source

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family www.mogef.go.kr / As of 2026-08