Using a shelter
If violence means you must leave home, there is somewhere to go. Shelters are free and their addresses are not disclosed.
What a shelter provides
- Safe accommodation and meals — free
- Counselling — psychological, legal, immigration
- Referral to medical care
- Entry with your children
- Preparation for independence — vocational training, jobs, housing referral
- Shelters specifically for migrant women provide interpretation and immigration advice
Steps
- Call. 1366 (24 hours) or 1577-1366 (13 languages, 24 hours).
- Describe your situation. You do not have to give your name.
- The counsellor finds a shelter with space.
- You are told how to get there. Accompaniment support exists if needed.
- Move in and rest.
- Plan the next steps together.
Take if you can
Passport, Alien Registration Card, bankbook and cards, phone and charger, medication, children's things, medical certificates and photo evidence. Leave even without them. Documents can be replaced.
Where to go
- 1366 women's emergency line (area code + 1366, 24 hours)
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
- 112 if you are in danger now
- 129 health and welfare counselling
- Your local Family Center
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything? No, it is free.
What if my husband comes looking? Shelter addresses are not disclosed. You can also request police protective measures.
Can I bring my children? Yes. There are shelters that take children with you.
I don't speak Korean. There are shelters specifically for migrant women, and 1577-1366 connects in 13 languages.
My visa depends on my spouse. You can receive shelter and immigration advice together. Being a victim of violence can be recognised as grounds to continue your stay.
How long can I stay? There is a set period, and extension is possible. Meanwhile you plan the next step together.
Take care
The moment you try to leave is the most dangerous. Do not plan alone — prepare with 1366 or 1577-1366. Counsellors will plan even the safe route with you.
Related
domestic-violence-emergency · migrant-women-shelter · dv-legal-support · f6-divorce-stay
Source
Ministry of Gender Equality and Family www.mogef.go.kr / As of 2026-08