Stimulus checks for foreign residents roll out starting Mon, Jul. 21 with the same process as for Korean citizens
Seoul activates its municipal support system using 44 foreign resident centers and family centers
Hotline to provide multilingual support as well as guidance on smishing prevention, eligibility check, and application and appeal processes
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is establishing a support system to help eligible foreign residents apply for the first round of the government’s stimulus check program starting on Mon, Jul. 21 with the aim of minimizing difficulties, such as language barriers.
In accordance with government guidelines, eligibility is limited to foreign residents with ties to Korean citizens* or foreign households that meet certain conditions.** Although about 450,000 foreign residents currently live in Seoul, only around 80,000 (17.8%) are estimated to be eligible.
* Foreign residents with ties to Korean citizens:individuals listed in a resident registration that includes at least one Korean citizen, and who are enrolled in the National Health Insurance (including deferred payments), are dependents, or recipients of medical benefits.
** Foreign households meeting specific conditions:even households made up only of foreign residents may be eligible if the person is a permanent resident (F-5), marriage migrant (F-6), or recognized refugee (F-2-4), and is enrolled in the National Health Insurance, is a dependent, or a recipient of medical benefits.
The application period for eligible foreign residents is the same as for Korean citizens. The first round runs through Fri, Sep. 12 while the second runs through Fri, Oct. 31, and the stimulus checks can be used until the end of November.
To address language barriers expected during the application process, the city is activating a support system through 18 foreign resident centers and 26 family centers. These centers will provide assistance on smishing prevention and response, checking eligibility, how to apply, and how to file an appeal to ensure a smooth experience. 15 multilingual call center staff will be immediately dispatched to the foreign resident centers starting on Mon, Jul. 21, with additional staffing starting on Thu, Aug. 1. Consultations are available in seven languages, including English and Filipino, both online and in person at the Seoul Global Center (02-2229-4900).
For more information, visit the following websites: Seoul Global Portal (global.seoul.go.kr/web/main.do?lang=en) and Seoul’s multicultural family information portal Hanultari (mcfamily.or.kr).
Government Stimulus Check Information
Target
(1st round) All citizens / (2nd round) 90% of the population (excl. top 10% by income)
– Foreign residents:
1. Must be listed in a resident registration that includes at least one Korean citizen;
2. Must be enrolled in the National Health Insurance (incl. deferred payment), be a dependent, or be a recipient of medical benefits.
– Permanent residents (F-5), marriage migrants (F-6), and recognized refugees (F-2-4) must be enrolled in the National Health Insurance, be a dependent, or be a recipient of medical benefits.
Payment Amounts
General recipients: ₩150,000
Recipients in lower-income brackets or single-parent households: ₩300,000
Basic livelihood security recipients: ₩400,000
* For the 2nd round, ₩100,000 will be provided per person (excl. top 10% by income)
Payment Schedule
1st round: Mon, Jul. 21 to Fri, Sep. 12, 2025
2nd round: Mon, Sep. 22 to Fri, Oct. 31, 2025
Using Your Stimulus Check
Stores
Local gift certificates can be used at existing affiliated merchants
Credit, debit and prepaid cards can be used at stores* with annual sales under ₩3 bn.
* Excl. large retailers, department stores, entertainment venues, speculative businesses, and cash-equivalent businesses
Region
Must be used within Seoul only
Validity
Valid until Sun, Nov. 30, 2025
* Paper local gift certificates may have a different valid until date, but is recommended to be used by Sun, Nov. 30, 2025
Contact
Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission hotline: 110 (50 agents for 4.5 months)
Seoul Metropolitan Government hotline: 120
Foreign resident center hotline with multilingual support: 02-2229-4900
Korea Internet & Security Agency smishing response center: 118
Foreign resident centers (7 locations)
Category Address Contact
Main Seoul 40 Dosin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu 02-2229-4900
Hub Dongbu 47-1 Muhak-ro 6-gil, Seongdong-gu 02-2282-7974
Local Gangdong 56 Seongan-ro 13-gil, Gangdong-gu 02-478-0126
Geumcheon 129 Gasan-ro, Geumcheon-gu 02-868-5208
Seongbuk 47-1 Muhak-ro 6-gil, Seongdong-gu (temporary) 02-911-2884
Yangcheon 59 Mokdongdong-ro 12-gil, Yangcheon-gu 02-2643-0808
Eunpyeong 14-26 Eunpyeong-ro 21-gil, Eunpyeong-gu 02-359-3410
