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
- Consult the welfare desk at your community service centre. They check eligibility and refer you.
- Or ask the national food bank (1688-1377) for your nearest.
- Register for use after eligibility is confirmed.
- 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