Korea is an attractive destination for foreign workers, entrepreneurs, students, and residents, offering various government support programs and benefits to help them integrate into Korean society. From financial assistance and healthcare to business grants and tax incentives, Korea provides numerous resources for expatriates.
In this guide, we’ll explore the government programs, financial aid, and essential services available to foreigners in Korea.
1. Employment & Business Support for Foreigners
✅ 1) Korea Employment Permit System (EPS) for Foreign Workers
• A work permit program for skilled and unskilled foreign workers
• Covers manufacturing, construction, fishing, agriculture, and services
• Provides visa sponsorship, job placement, and training
📌 Who can apply?
✔ Foreign workers from 16 designated countries
✔ Must pass the Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK)
📌 Where to apply?
• Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea)
• Employment Support Centers for Foreigners
✅ 2) Startup & Business Grants for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Korea actively supports foreign entrepreneurs through startup incubators, grants, and low-interest loans.
✔ OASIS Startup Visa Program – Fast-track D-8 startup visa for foreign entrepreneurs
✔ TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups) – Government-backed investment and mentorship
✔ K-Startup Grand Challenge – Grant funding for foreign startups
✔ Korea Development Bank (KDB) Loans – Low-interest business loans for foreigners
📌 Where to apply?
• K-Startup Go! (Government startup portal)
• Invest Korea One-Stop Service
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re a foreign investor, you may qualify for corporate tax exemptions and incentives in Free Economic Zones (FEZs) like Songdo and Pangyo.
2. Healthcare & Social Welfare Benefits
✅ 1) National Health Insurance (NHI) for Foreigners
Foreigners staying in Korea for six months or more must enroll in National Health Insurance (국민건강보험, NHI).
📌 Key Benefits:
✔ Subsidized medical treatments, hospital visits, and prescriptions
✔ Coverage at public and private hospitals
✔ Discounts on dental, maternity, and emergency care
📌 Who is eligible?
• D-visa, F-visa holders
• Foreign students (D-2, D-4 visa) after 6 months of stay
📌 Where to apply?
• National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Offices
• Online via NHIS website
✅ 2) Maternity & Childcare Benefits for Foreign Residents
Foreign residents in Korea with registered dependents can receive maternity and childcare support.
📌 Key Benefits:
✔ Maternity leave & financial support – Up to ₩2 million KRW (~$1,500 USD)
✔ Childbirth grants – Government provides ₩500,000–₩1,000,000 KRW per child
✔ Daycare subsidies – Up to ₩400,000 KRW per month
📌 Where to apply?
• Local Community Centers (주민센터)
• Social Welfare Offices
3. Education & Scholarships for Foreign Students
✅ 1) Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for International Students
A prestigious government-funded scholarship for foreigners studying in Korea.
📌 Key Benefits:
✔ Full tuition coverage
✔ Monthly stipend (~₩900,000 KRW)
✔ Health insurance & flight tickets
📌 Who is eligible?
✔ Foreign students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs in Korea
📌 Where to apply?
• National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
• Embassy Track or University Track Application
✅ 2) Korean Language Education Support
The Korean government provides free or subsidized Korean language classes for foreigners to help with integration.
📌 Where to apply?
✔ Korean Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP)
✔ Seoul Global Center & Foreigner Support Centers
4. Housing & Living Support for Foreign Residents
✅ 1) Foreigners’ Housing Loan Support
Foreigners living in Korea long-term (F-2, F-5 visa holders) can apply for government-backed housing loans.
📌 Key Benefits:
✔ Low-interest mortgage loans
✔ Rental support for low-income foreigners
📌 Where to apply?
• Korea Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG)
• Local banks with foreigner mortgage programs
✅ 2) Free Legal & Counseling Services for Foreigners
Korea provides free legal consultation and support services for foreigners facing visa, employment, and housing issues.
📌 Where to get support?
✔ 1345 Immigration Helpline – Free multilingual support for visa & legal issues
✔ Seoul Global Center (SGC) – Free legal advice, tax consulting, and business support
✔ Foreigner Welfare Centers in Major Cities
Final Thoughts – Maximizing Government Support for Foreigners in Korea
Whether you’re an expat worker, student, entrepreneur, or long-term resident, Korea provides valuable government benefits to help foreigners thrive in the country.
✅ Quick Checklist for Foreigners in Korea:
✔ Employment support – EPS system, startup grants, business funding
✔ Healthcare & maternity benefits – NHI coverage, childcare subsidies
✔ Education scholarships – GKS, free Korean language programs
✔ Housing & financial aid – Foreigner housing loans, legal support
To fully take advantage of these benefits, make sure to register with local government offices and stay informed through official immigration and expat support centers.