The Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon is a 2025 Korean government support program designed to boost consumer spending and help small business owners and self-employed people increase their sales. This time, certain foreign residents, including recognized refugees, are eligible to apply.
Can refugees apply?
Yes, if you meet either of the following two conditions, you can apply.
Condition 1: You are listed on the same household registration as a Korean national
- You are registered on a household registration (jumin deungnokpyo) that includes at least one Korean national, and
- You are enrolled in National Health Insurance (post-payment type) as a subscriber or dependent, or you receive Medical Aid.
Condition 2: You live in an all-foreign household but hold a specific residence status
- You hold one of the following: permanent residency (F-5), marriage migrant status (F-6), or recognized refugee status (F-2-4), and
- You are enrolled in National Health Insurance (post-payment type) as a subscriber or dependent, or you receive Medical Aid.
An important limitation: Humanitarian status holders and asylum seekers (people whose refugee applications are still pending) are not included in this round of support. Civil society organizations have welcomed this positive step while continuing to call for equal access to support for all migrants without discrimination.
Eligibility reference date
You must have been physically present in Korea on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. Whether you were in Korea on that date is the key factor for determining eligibility.
Application period
| Round | Period |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | Monday, 21 July 2025, Friday, 12 September 2025 |
| Round 2 | Monday, 22 September 2025, Friday, 31 October 2025 |
If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to apply, so please keep these dates in mind.
Staggered schedule for the first week (21, 25 July)
During the first week, applications are staggered by birth year ending digit to prevent overcrowding.
| Day | Last digit of birth year |
|---|---|
| Monday | 1, 6 |
| Tuesday | 2, 7 |
| Wednesday | 3, 8 |
| Thursday | 4, 9 |
| Friday | 5, 0 |
| Saturday & Sunday | Everyone |
From Saturday, 26 July onward, there are no day restrictions, you can apply any day. However, in-person applications at local community service centers (주민센터, jumin senteo) may follow an extended staggered schedule depending on the area, so it is a good idea to check with your nearest center first.
How to apply
You can apply either online or in person.
Online
- Where: Your card issuer’s website or app, or a local currency app (for example, Seoul Pay+)
- Who: The eligible person must apply themselves
- How: Apply using your credit card, debit card, or mobile card
In person
| Location | Self-application | Proxy application |
|---|---|---|
| Partner bank branch | Available | Not available |
| Community service center (주민센터) | Available | Available |
- A parent or the head of household may apply on behalf of a minor child.
- Proxy applications are only accepted at community service centers.
Documents to bring
| Application type | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Applying yourself | Your ID (passport, alien registration card, etc.) |
| Proxy application | Proxy’s ID + letter of authorization + document proving your relationship |
| Proxy is a spouse or direct-line family member not on the same household registration | All of the above + the applicant’s ID or a copy of it |
Payment amount
The basic payment is 150,000 Korean won (KRW) per person. Some local governments top this up with additional funds. For the exact amount in your area, check with your local community service center or visit the Ministry of the Interior and Safety official website before applying.
How to use the coupon
- The coupon is issued in the format you chose when applying (credit or debit card, prepaid card, local currency voucher, etc.).
- It can only be used in the region where you received it. For example, if you received it in Seoul, you can only spend it within Seoul.
Where you can use it
- Traditional markets, neighborhood grocery stores, supermarkets, and other small shops with annual sales of 3 billion KRW or less
- Look for the Consumption Coupon accepted here sticker on the shop entrance.
- Hanaro Mart locations in rural myeon (면) areas that have no similar stores nearby
Where you cannot use it
- Large supermarkets (E-Mart, Lotte Mart, etc.)
- Online shopping sites
- Food delivery apps (Baemin, Coupang Eats, etc.)
Expiry date
Sunday, 30 November 2025. Any unused balance after this date disappears automatically and cannot be refunded, so make sure to spend it before then.
Where to get help
If you need support during the application process, please reach out to the following:
- Seoul Migrant Residents Center 02-2229-4900 (online and in-person consultations available in 7 languages including English and Filipino)
- Immigration Contact Center (1345) 1345 (nationwide, multilingual service)
- MAP (Migration to Asia Peace, a refugee rights organization) 02-2038-0231 / Email: map@mapcast.org
- If you are outside Seoul, contact your nearest migrant support center or family center.
Watch out for smishing (text message scams)
The government, card companies, and local currency operators will never send text messages or social media messages containing a URL or link related to the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon.
- If you receive a suspicious message with a link, do not click it, delete it immediately.
- If you have already opened the message, do not tap any links inside it.
- Always apply through the official card company app or website, or by visiting a community service center or bank in person.
Figures and deadlines may change as policy is updated. Before you apply, please confirm the latest information by calling 1345 or contacting your local Korea Immigration Service office.