Receiving charitable support
When public welfare isn't enough, private organisations can also help.
Who provides it
- Community Chest of Korea (Fruit of Love) — programmes for households in crisis.
- ChildFund Korea, Good Neighbors, Save the Children — much of it aimed at children.
- Korean Red Cross — disaster and emergency support.
- Religious organisations and local welfare centres — locally rooted support.
- Migrant workers' support centres and migrant organisations.
Eligibility and support differ by organisation. Ask several.
How to apply
- First check public welfare with 129 and your community centre. Public support comes first.
- Consult the welfare officer at your community centre or a local welfare centre — they often refer you to private organisations.
- Check the application method on the organisation's website.
- Prepare documents explaining your situation (medical certificates, receipts).
What support exists (broadly)
- Emergency living costs
- Medical cost support
- Children's education costs and school supplies
- Home environment improvement
- Food and daily necessities
Where to go
- 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre (public welfare first)
- The welfare desk at your local community service centre
- Local community welfare centres
- Community Chest of Korea www.chest.or.kr
- Local migrant workers' support centres and family centres
- 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
Can foreigners receive it? Private organisations often have broader eligibility than public schemes. Even where residence status blocks public support, ask them.
I don't know how to find them. Explain your situation to the welfare officer at your community centre or a local welfare centre. They know the local landscape and will connect you.
Is it ongoing once received? Most is one-off or time-limited. Fundamentally, plan alongside public welfare.
A private individual offered to sponsor me. Be cautious with money between individuals. Sponsorship is sometimes used as leverage to demand other things. Going through a registered organisation is safer.
Take care
Beware anyone asking for personal details or your bankbook while "offering support". Legitimate organisations never ask for bank PINs or original ID documents. If something feels wrong, consult 112 or 1332.
Related
emergency-welfare · food-bank · free-meal · welfare-eligibility-check
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / As of 2026-08