The Korean Red Cross’s Hope Windmill Emergency Support program helps households that have suddenly fallen into crisis. It provides cash or in-kind support for living expenses, housing costs, medical bills, and education expenses. Foreign nationals, including refugees, can apply if they meet certain requirements. As of 2025, this program runs year-round, but it may close early if the budget runs out. Before applying, please check with your local Red Cross branch to confirm the program is currently running and that foreign nationals and refugees are eligible in your area.
Step-by-Step Overview
- 1. Contact your local Red Cross branch first
Call the Red Cross branch that covers your area and ask whether they can support foreign nationals or refugees, and what documents you will need.
- 2. Visit your local Community Service Center to apply
Go in person to the Community Service Center (Haengjeong Bokji Center) for your registered address and submit your application form along with the required documents. All applications must go through this center to prevent duplicate government support.
- 3. Document review and screening
Only documents issued within the last three months are accepted. If anything is missing, you will be asked to submit additional documents. The review begins only after your documents are complete.
- 4. Support deliberation
The Solutions Committee at your local Red Cross branch decides whether to provide support and, if so, how much. Depending on the result, support may not be granted.
- 5. Cash or in-kind payment
If your application is approved, you receive support in the relevant category -- living expenses, housing, medical, or education -- as cash or in-kind goods.
What is this program?
This program identifies and assists households that have encountered unexpected hardship — such as a sudden job loss, a family member’s illness that has made medical bills urgent, or losing their home. Support is granted only after an application review, and depending on the outcome, support may not be provided.
For full details, visit the Korean Red Cross Hope Windmill Emergency Support official page.
Can refugees apply?
Yes, they can. However, the scope of support may vary depending on your visa type (residence status). Please contact your local Red Cross branch before applying.
What kind of support is provided?
Support is given as cash or in-kind goods in the four categories below.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Living expenses | Basic daily costs such as food. The amount varies by household size. |
| Housing costs | Expenses such as rent. The amount varies by household size. |
| Medical expenses | Up to 5,000,000 KRW (may vary by region and deliberation outcome) |
| Education expenses | Up to 3,000,000 KRW (may vary by region and deliberation outcome) |
The details for each support category differ by region, so please contact your local Red Cross branch before applying. Figures may change year to year — please also verify the latest information with the Immigration Contact Center (1345) or your local Korea Immigration Service (KIS) office before applying.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must meet the asset limits below and be able to submit the documents the Red Cross requests.
| Area of residence | Total asset limit | Financial asset limit |
|---|---|---|
| Large city | Under 250,000,000 KRW | 7,000,000 KRW or less |
| Small or medium city | Under 160,000,000 KRW | 7,000,000 KRW or less |
| Rural area | Under 140,000,000 KRW | 7,000,000 KRW or less |
These figures are for reference only. The actual criteria may differ by year and region. Please verify the latest information with the Immigration Contact Center (1345), your local Korea Immigration Service (KIS) office, or your local Red Cross branch before applying.
Important notes on submitting documents
Please follow these rules carefully when preparing your documents.
- Only documents issued within the last three months are accepted. Submitted documents will not be returned to you.
- For any document that includes a resident registration number or alien registration number, you must request a version with the last digits masked.
- If documents are missing, you will be asked to provide them. If you do not submit them, support cannot be provided. The document list given to you is a guide; additional documents may be requested during the review process.
Where do I apply?
Where you need to go in person: the Community Service Center
Apply at the Community Service Center that covers your registered address. All applications must go through the Community Service Center to prevent duplicate government support. You can find your nearest center by searching “행정복지센터” (Community Service Center) on Government24 or on Naver or Kakao Maps.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact the Red Cross branch in your area. The Korean Red Cross main phone number is 1577-8179. You can find the contact details for branches by region and get more information at the link below.
If you have difficulty reaching them by phone, you can also call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 first. Interpretation services are available, so people who are not comfortable in Korean can still get help.
If you are in a housing crisis, you may also want to read the Korea Immigration Service Reception Center Refugee Housing Support Guide. If you are preparing for employment training or working toward financial independence, the Support for Job Training, Interview Costs, Savings Matching, and TOPIK Fees for Refugees and Migrants guide may also be helpful.
Reference links
- Korean Red Cross Hope Windmill Emergency Support official guide
- Immigration Contact Center 1345 / HiKorea (Phone: 1345, available in Korean, English, Chinese, and other languages)
- Government24 Emergency Welfare Support guide
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) Emergency Welfare Support guide