Expectant parents covered by the Korean National Health Insurance System, either through their employer or their spouse and regardless of nationality or income, qualify for government support during pregnancy.
From January 1st, 2022 the national one-off benefit for pregnant parents has been increased to 1 million won (for singleton pregnancies, with an extra 400,000 won for twin pregnancies). The subsidy is to be spent within 2 years.
The money is transferred onto a card called Kukmin Haengbok Card, issued by various bank as well as credit card companies. In order to apply for the card, parents need a note from their doctor confirming the pregnancy, as well as their passport/ARC. Some facilities issue the card immediately (for instance, Lotte Department Store for Lotte Cards) whereas others send it in the mail once the application process is successful. Some cards also need to be activated at the issuing facility.
The card can be used to cover for hospital visits as well as birth itself. Any leftover amount can be used to pay for baby-related doctor visits and at selected shops and pharmacies.
At the moment unfortunately the Card cannot be used to pay for doula services or prenatal classes.
Parents of children with Korean nationality are also eligible for additional government benefits, depending on their place of residence. To apply for these benefits, visit the administrative welfare center having jurisdiction over the child’s residence, or check the Bokjiro website (bokjiro.go.kr).
Busan
Starting Jan. 1 2024, parents with children under 24 months will receive a higher government stipend. Children under 12 months will receive 1 million won per month, while those under 24 months will receive 500,000 won. These are increases over last year’s 700,000 won and 350,000 won, respectively.
The benefit for children under 12 months will be given as cash. Parents of children under 24 months can receive the benefit either as cash or as a childcare voucher if the child is enrolled at a daycare center.
In addition, the national First Meet Voucher now stands at 3,000,000 won. Families who have an additional child in 2024 will receive 3,000,000 won per child in the form of Citizens Happiness Card credits, which can be used like cash at offline and online stores.
(source: www.busan.go.kr)