Government Support for Pregnancies in Korea

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. Parents of children with Korean nationality are also eligible for additional government benefits, depending on their place of residence. To check and apply for different government support services for pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum, visit your local administrative welfare center (Jumin Center) or download the i-Majung app.

Korea offers a one-off benefit for pregnant parents covered by National Health Insurance (1 million won for singleton pregnancies, with an extra 400,000 won for twin pregnancies). This 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, and at a selected number of businesses. Any leftover amount can be used to pay for baby-related doctor visits and at selected shops and pharmacies.

At the moment, the Card cannot be used to pay for doula services or prenatal classes.

Busan

Parents with children of Korean nationality under 12 months receive 1 million won per month, while those under 24 months will receive 500,000 won. 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, there is a First Meet Voucher,  a one-off benefit of 3,000,000 won. This will be corresponded in the form of Citizens Happiness Card credits, which can be used like cash at offline and online stores.