Raising a child alone in a foreign country is never easy. In Korea, single parents face unique challenges—especially when navigating unfamiliar legal systems, applying for financial aid, or even understanding if they're eligible for help.
This guide is written specifically for foreign residents in Korea who are raising children as single parents.
Whether you’re divorced, separated, widowed, or never married, Korea offers several forms of support that may be available to you—even if you’re not a Korean citizen.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, don’t worry.
I’ll explain which benefits you might qualify for, how to apply, and what documents you’ll need.
Can Foreign Residents Receive Single Parent Benefits in Korea?
Yes, foreign residents in Korea can receive support for single-parent families—but only if they meet certain requirements.
These requirements are based on your visa type, income level, and the nationality of your child.
Residency and Visa Requirements
You must have a valid long-term visa that allows you to legally reside in Korea. Some of the most commonly accepted visa types include:
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F-6 (Spouse of a Korean national)
※ only if you're divorced or separated and hold F-6-2 or F-6-3 status -
F-5 (Permanent resident)
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F-2 (Long-term resident)
Short-term visas or tourist visas (e.g., C-3) are not eligible.
Your Child Must Be a Korean Citizen
The most important factor: your child must have Korean nationality.
Even if you're a foreigner, if your child is legally recognized as a Korean citizen (usually through the Korean parent), you're likely eligible to apply for benefits on their behalf.
If your child does not have Korean nationality, unfortunately, you will not qualify for these programs. In that case, check other types of welfare or education assistance open to foreigners through multicultural support centers.
Income Thresholds Apply
To qualify for most single-parent support programs in Korea, your household income must fall below a specific percentage of the national median income (중위소득).
As of 2025, the standard threshold is 63% of the median income.
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For a 2-person household (e.g., one parent and one child), this means a monthly gross income of KRW 2,477,575 or less.
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For a 3-person household, the limit is KRW 3,165,972 or less.
If the single parent is under 24 years old, they may be classified as a “young single parent,” and the income threshold is expanded to 72% of the median income.
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In that case, a 2-person household may qualify with an income of up to KRW 2,831,514/month.
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For 3 people, the extended limit is KRW 3,618,254/month.
Income requirements are reviewed annually and may vary slightly depending on your city or district.
Make sure to check with your local community center (주민센터) for the most up-to-date details.
What Is the Single-Parent Family Certificate?
In order to access most government support for single parents in Korea, you must first obtain official recognition of your family status. This is done through a document called the Single-Parent Family Certificate (한부모가족증명서).
Why Is This Certificate Important?
This certificate proves to the government and service agencies that:
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You are raising a child without the support of a spouse
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You live with and care for the child as the primary guardian
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You meet the income and legal requirements set by law
Without this document, you cannot apply for most single-parent benefits, including childcare support, housing assistance, and educational subsidies.
Who Can Get This Certificate?
You may apply for this certificate if:
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You are not married and are raising a child alone
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You are divorced or separated and have custody
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You are widowed, or your spouse is missing or institutionalized
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You are a foreign national, but your child is a Korean citizen and lives with you
Korean law defines a single-parent household as one where a parent is solely responsible for raising a child under the age of 18 (or under 22 if the child is still in school).
🔵 Note: If your child doesn’t have Korean nationality yet, you must complete the citizenship process first. 👉 See our full guide on how to secure Korean citizenship for your child
How to Get the Certificate (Step-by-Step)
Obtaining the Single-Parent Family Certificate is a crucial step before applying for any government support.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Visit Your Local District Office (주민센터)
Go to the community service center (주민센터) in the area where you and your child are officially registered.
Some districts may allow online applications through Government24 (Korea’s official e-government portal), but most require at least one in-person visit for verification.
Step 2: Submit the Required Documents
You’ll need to prepare the following:
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Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport
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Your child’s resident registration (주민등록등본) showing cohabitation
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Proof of child’s nationality (e.g. Korean passport or family registry)
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Proof of income and assets (bank statements, salary, rent contract)
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Custody agreement or court order (if divorced/separated)
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Any document showing that the other parent is not involved, such as:
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Death certificate (if widowed)
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Medical records (if institutionalized)
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Missing person report
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All documents must be either in Korean or translated with notarization.
Local staff may help you find a translation support service if needed.
Step 3: Interview or Verification
You may be asked a few questions to confirm your situation—such as living arrangement, childcare responsibility, or work status.
This step is usually quick but necessary for official approval.
Step 4: Certificate Issuance
If everything is in order, the certificate is usually issued within 7 working days.
You will receive a paper version and can later reprint it online if needed.
Core Benefits for Single Parents in 2025
Once you have your certificate, you can apply for several government-funded support programs. The major benefits include:
Childcare Allowance (아동양육비)
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KRW 230,000 per month per child (under 18)
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Paid directly to your bank account
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May increase depending on income level or number of children
Education Support
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School supplies allowance: About KRW 93,000/year for middle and high school students
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Priority for public after-school programs
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Some local governments offer free tutoring or scholarships for low-income single-parent families
Medical and Psychological Services
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Free or discounted health checkups for your child
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Counseling services for parents and children through local centers
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Mental health support for single parents under stress or burnout
These benefits vary slightly by city or district, so it’s a good idea to ask your local center what’s available in your area.
Housing Support Options
Housing is one of the most critical challenges for single parents in Korea. Fortunately, several housing assistance programs are available for eligible applicants with the single-parent certificate.
Public Rental Housing (공공임대주택)
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Offered by LH (Korea Land and Housing Corporation) or SH (Seoul Housing)
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Monthly rent is significantly lower than the market rate
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Long waiting periods apply, but single-parent families may get priority in some cases
Jeonse Deposit Assistance (전세자금 지원)
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Partial financial support for Jeonse deposit (large housing lease payment)
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Offered in the form of low-interest loans
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May require co-signing and income screening
Housing Allowance (주거급여)
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Monthly financial aid to help cover rent
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Amount depends on income, number of household members, and local rent standards
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Applied together with general welfare programs via 주민센터
To apply, you must report your current housing situation—rent contract, monthly cost, and family size.
Even if you live in a shared apartment or with relatives, you may still qualify.
Work and Self-Reliance Programs
The Korean government offers various support programs to help single parents become financially independent.
These are especially helpful if you're struggling to balance parenting and employment as a foreign resident.
Job Training and Employment Aid
Local governments and employment centers provide job training, skill development, and resume support to single parents.
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무료 직업훈련 과정: Offered through 고용복지플러스센터 (Employment & Welfare Plus Centers)
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우선 취업 연계: Single parents are often given priority in certain job placement programs
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지원 대상: Must be legally residing in Korea with work eligibility (F-6-2, F-6-3, F-5, F-2 visas)
You can visit your local Job Center or ask the 주민센터 staff to connect you with the proper resources.
Childcare for Working Parents
Working single parents can apply for additional childcare support:
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National/public daycare centers (국공립 어린이집): Priority placement
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Emergency childcare: Short-term care when you're sick or must work late
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Childcare voucher programs: Additional financial support for low-income working parents
Ask your 주민센터 if your district provides after-school care or weekend childcare options. Many multicultural centers also offer referrals.
How to Apply for Benefits
Once you have your Single-Parent Family Certificate, you can begin applying for various benefits.
Here's how to do it properly, without missing any steps.
Where to Apply
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Your local community service center (주민센터): Most applications are submitted here
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Online via 복지로: Some benefits, such as housing or childcare aid, can be applied online
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Job support: Go to 고용복지플러스센터
Always bring your certificate and ID when visiting in person.
Required Forms and Documents
Each program may require slightly different documents, but most will ask for:
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Single-Parent Family Certificate
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Alien Registration Card (ARC)
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Proof of income (salary, bank records, rent contract)
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Proof of child’s residency and schooling
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Application form (provided on-site or downloadable)
Some programs may also request evidence of job-seeking efforts or past benefit usage.
Tips to Avoid Delays
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Double-check deadlines: Some benefits are only available at certain times of year
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Make digital copies of everything for backup
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Ask for a receipt or application number when submitting forms
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If your Korean is limited, bring a friend or interpreter, or ask for multicultural center assistance
Useful Resources for Foreign Parents
Getting support as a foreign single parent in Korea can be easier when you know where to turn for help.
These resources are designed with non-Korean speakers in mind.
1. Multicultural Family Support Centers (다문화가족지원센터)
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Services in multiple languages
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Help with document translation, childcare info, and family counseling
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Free classes for parenting, Korean language, and digital literacy
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Website: Danuri Portal
2. Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (여성가족부)
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Main authority for family-related welfare and policy
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Regularly updates programs for single-parent and multicultural families
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Website: MOGEF
3. Bokjiro (복지로)
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Government’s welfare portal
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Check eligibility, apply online, or browse available programs
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Website: Bokjiro
4. Korea Legal Aid Corporation (법률구조공단)
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Help with custody, child support claims, and legal status
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Often free or low-cost for low-income parents
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Website: KLAD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply if my child is over 18 but still in school?
In some cases, yes. If your child is under 22 and currently enrolled in university or vocational training, certain benefits may still apply—especially for educational aid.
However, monthly child support usually ends at age 18. Check with your 주민센터 for your district’s specific policy.
Q2: What if I’m a step-parent raising my spouse’s Korean child?
Step-parents are not automatically eligible unless you have legal guardianship and your stepchild lives with you.
In that case, you may need to provide documentation showing legal custody or sole caregiving responsibility.
Q3: Do I need proof that the other parent is “absent”?
Yes. Most programs require you to prove that the other parent is not providing financial or caregiving support.
This can include a court custody order, child support non-payment history, or a written statement from a local official (이장 or 주민센터장) confirming the situation.
Q4: What if the other parent sometimes visits or sends money?
Casual contact or occasional support does not automatically disqualify you.
What matters is who lives with the child and who provides the primary care and financial support.
Still, regular financial contributions from the other parent may affect income-based benefits.
Q5: Can I apply if I live in government housing already?
Yes, but it depends on the program.
If you're already receiving housing benefits (like LH 공공임대), you may still qualify for childcare or educational aid,
but you cannot double-dip housing support (e.g., get both rent subsidy and deposit loan for another place).
Being a single parent is hard—especially in a country where the language and system may feel unfamiliar.
But you don’t have to go through it alone.
With the right information and proper documents, you can access real support that helps both you and your child live more securely in Korea.
Start with the certificate, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a support center near you. You’ve already taken the hardest step—looking for answers.
