We've compiled a comprehensive guide to various youth welfare benefits and support programs available to foreign residents in Korea. From housing subsidies, transportation benefits, to employment incentives, this guide details the support programs available based on visa types. Foreign youth residents shouldn't miss out on these valuable Korean youth policies that are accessible to them as well.
Table of Contents
Overview of Foreign Youth Support
Young foreign residents in Korea can access many of the same welfare benefits as Korean youth, yet many are unaware of these opportunities. As of 2025, approximately 526,000 foreign residents aged 19-34 live in Korea, and government support for this demographic continues to expand. The Korean government and local authorities are increasingly developing policies to assist with integration and provide equal opportunities.
- Student visas (D-2, D-4)
- Specific activities (E-7)
- Marriage migrants (F-6)
- Residents (F-2)
- Permanent residents (F-5)
- Housing and rent subsidies
- Transportation and living expenses
- Employment and start-up support
- Cultural activities
- Ministry of Gender Equality and Family
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport
- Ministry of Employment and Labor
- Local governments
💡 Did you know? Starting in 2025, a Unified Platform for Foreign Youth Support was launched to provide information and application services for various support programs in one place. While most youth support policies are available to those with F-2 residence visas or higher, some benefits are also accessible to international students (D-2).
Since 2023, the government has strengthened foreign youth support measures in its "Basic Youth Policy Plan," particularly focusing on attracting and supporting talented individuals. However, many foreign youth still struggle to access these benefits due to language barriers and lack of information.
Housing Support Programs
One of the most significant living expenses in Korea is housing. Foreign youth who meet certain requirements can access various housing support benefits. Let's examine the housing support programs available based on visa type and region.
1 Youth Rental Subsidy Programs
Regional Youth Rental Subsidies
This program provides monthly rent support for youth aged 19-34, including permanent residents (F-5) and marriage migrants (F-6). Support varies depending on income and housing conditions.
- Eligible applicants: F-2, F-5, F-6 visa holders (aged 19-34)
- Support details: Up to 200,000 won monthly (varies by region)
- Support period: Up to 12 months
- Income requirements: Below 150% of median income
- Application method: Local government website where you're registered
LH Youth Jeonse Rental Housing
The Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) offers Jeonse (key money deposit) rental housing for youth, available to those with F-2 visas or higher. These units are offered at significantly lower rates than market prices.
- Eligible applicants: F-2, F-5, F-6 visa holders (aged 19-39)
- Support details: Deposit support (up to 100 million won in Seoul, 80 million won in metropolitan cities, 60 million won elsewhere)
- Rental cost: 30-40% of market Jeonse prices
- Contract period: 2 years (renewable up to 10 years)
- Application method: LH Application Center website
Most housing support for foreign youth requires a stable visa status. Permanent residents (F-5) and marriage migrants (F-6) can access almost the same housing benefits as Korean nationals. Some local governments also operate special housing support programs for international students (D-2), so it's worth checking regional policies.
2 International Student Housing Support
University Dormitory Priority Placement
Many universities provide priority dormitory placement for international students, and some operate dormitories exclusively for international students.
- Eligible applicants: D-2, D-4 visa holders
- Advantages: Higher selection rate compared to domestic students (100% at some universities)
- Cost benefits: 10-30% discount compared to regular dormitory fees (varies by university)
- Additional benefits: Utilities included, meals provided (varies by university)
- Application method: International Affairs Office or dormitory administration at your university
Global Share Houses
Major cities like Seoul and Busan operate share houses where foreign and Korean youth live together, promoting cultural exchange while providing affordable housing.
- Eligible applicants: Foreign youth of all visa types (typically ages 19-35)
- Support details: Rental fees at 50-70% of market rates
- Contract period: 6 months to 2 years (varies by region)
- Special benefits: Language exchange, cultural programs, networking opportunities
- Application method: Local government youth portals or Foreign Support Centers
Living and Transportation Support
Beyond housing expenses, living costs and transportation fees can be a significant burden for youth. Many local governments operate transportation and living support programs that are also available to foreign youth. Particularly, those with residence visas (F-2) or higher can access various benefits.
1 Youth Transportation Support
Regional Youth Transportation Support
This program provides transportation card credits or mileage for youth aged 19-34 to use on public transportation. The support amount and conditions vary by region.
- Eligible applicants: F-2, F-5, F-6 visa holders (varies by region)
- Support details: 30,000-50,000 won monthly transportation allowance (varies by region)
- Support period: Up to 12 months (renewable)
- Application requirements: Minimum 6-month residency in the region
- Application method: Local government website or youth center
Most regional transportation support programs require local residence registration, and some regions apply income criteria. Applications are typically submitted through youth portals or regional youth centers, so it's advisable to check information from your local youth center.
2 Cultural and Living Support
Youth Cultural Points
This program provides points that can be used for cultural activities such as movies, performances, exhibitions, and book purchases. The name and amount of support vary by region.
- Eligible applicants: F-2, F-5, F-6 visa holders (ages 19-34)
- Support details: 50,000-100,000 won in annual points
- Where to use: Movie theaters, performance venues, bookstores, museums, art galleries
- Application method: Regional youth portal or cultural foundation website
Employment and Career Support
Various employment support programs are available for foreign youth seeking jobs in Korea. Education and job placement services for professional development are being strengthened, and specialized startup support for foreigners is also becoming more active.
1 Foreign Youth Employment Support
K-Move School (International Student Track)
A specialized employment education and Korean company placement program for international students, allowing them to develop both Korean language and job skills simultaneously.
- Eligible applicants: D-2 visa holders about to graduate or D-10 job-seeking visa holders
- Support details: Customized training by job sector (up to 6 months), job placement
- Training fields: IT, business, trade, service, manufacturing, etc.
- Additional benefits: Full tuition support, company interview opportunities upon completion
- Application method: Human Resources Development Service of Korea (World Job Plus website)
Applying for Benefits by Visa Type
The support available to foreign youth varies significantly by visa type. Let's examine the support programs available by visa type and effective application methods.
1 Support Programs Available by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Housing Support | Living Support | Employment/Startup Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student (D-2) | Dormitory, Share house | Cultural experience, Language exchange | K-Move, Employment training |
| Job-seeking (D-10) | Foreign resident housing support | Job search support allowance | Job placement, Entrepreneurship education |
| Resident (F-2) | Youth rental support, Public housing | Transportation, Cultural points | Startup support, Employment incentives |
| Permanent resident (F-5) | All housing support available | All living support available | All employment/startup support available |
| Marriage migrant (F-6) | All housing support available | All living support available | All employment/startup support available |
💡 Note: The above table represents general guidelines, and some support programs may have different eligibility requirements depending on the region or institution. Many local government programs have residence requirements, so be sure to verify before applying.
Generally, permanent residents (F-5) and marriage migrants (F-6) can receive almost the same level of welfare benefits as Korean nationals, and residents (F-2) are also included in most youth support policies. In contrast, student (D-2) or job-seeking (D-10) visa holders can only receive limited support, but they can utilize specialized programs operated by universities or professional institutions.
2 Effective Application Strategies
Key Platforms for Benefit Applications
Major application platforms and portals that foreign youth should know to effectively utilize various support policies.
- Youth Policy Comprehensive Site: Provides information on all government youth support policies (www.youthcenter.go.kr)
- Regional Youth Portals: Seoul Youth Portal, Gyeonggi-do Youth Portal, etc. with region-specific support information
- Korean Language Proficiency: TOPIK scores or Korean language course completion certificates (required by many support programs)
- Foreign Resident Information Center: Customized information provided through phone (1345) or in-person consultation
- Global Centers: Multilingual consultation services at foreign support agencies in major cities
Application Precautions
Be aware of the following when applying for benefits:
- Always check eligibility requirements based on your Alien Registration Card and visa status
- Most support programs require a certificate of residence registration
- Some benefits have income criteria, so prepare relevant supporting documents
- Use notification services from major portal sites to avoid missing application periods
- If you face language barriers, use interpretation services (1345) or seek help from Global Centers
Foreign youth often miss many support benefits due to limited information access. It's advisable to search for 'foreigners' on the Youth Policy Comprehensive Site (www.youthcenter.go.kr) or visit a local Global Center for customized information. Information can also be obtained through foreign-targeted KakaoTalk channels or regional foreign communities.
Tip
For foreign youth to receive various support benefits in Korea, it's important to gather information appropriate to your visa status and residential area. In particular, improving your Korean language skills and participating in community activities can provide more opportunities and information.
Government and local support policies are continuously changing and expanding, so it's necessary to regularly update related information. Using newsletters from major portal sites or notification services can help you stay informed about new support policies. Also, obtaining customized information through international exchange coordinators at schools or workplaces is another effective approach.
💡 For more information, contact the Foreign Resident Information Center (1345). Consultation is available in 20 languages. For information on various scholarships for international students, please refer to our article on Scholarship Programs for International Students.
