Korea Policy Now

Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program: Save 10% When You Upgrade South Korea’s Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is gaining strong attention among consumers. By purchasing appliances with the highest energy efficiency grade (Grade 1) , buyers can receive a 10% rebate (up to KRW 300,000 per person). The program covers 11 major home appliances, including TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. With the rebate benefits and rising awareness of energy savings, more households are replacing old appliances with high-efficiency models. Program Overview This initiative applies to purchases made after July 4, 2025 , following the passage of the supplementary budget. Applications opened on August 13, with rebate payments beginning on August 20. The total program budget is KRW 267.1 billion , and the program will continue until funds are exhausted. As of now, about 30% of the budget has already been consumed. Consumers can apply through the official we...

Seoul’s “Safe Care Clinics for Children” – Worry-Free Pediatric Care The City of Seoul has established Safe Care Clinics for Children to ensure that young patients and their parents can receive timely and safe medical treatment. This system is designed to fill pediatric care gaps during nights and holidays , offering step-by-step treatment options from minor to severe cases. Parents can now feel more secure knowing that their children can access care even late at night or on weekends. How the Safe Care System Works Seoul’s pediatric care network is structured into three levels of medical institutions: Primary Care : Safe Care Clinics & Moonlight Children’s Hospitals – outpatient care for minor conditions Secondary Care : Safe Care Hospitals – 24/7 semi-emergency care Tertiary Care : Specialized Pediatric Emergency Centers – 24/7 care for severe or critical conditions Level 1: Safe Care Clinics & Moonlight Children’s Hospitals Safe Care Clinics ...

Extended Repayment Plan for Small Business Owners: Up to 15 Years for Guaranteed Loans The Korean government has announced a special policy to support small business owners who closed their businesses but continued to make repayments faithfully . Under the new measure, the repayment period for guaranteed loans through regional credit guarantee foundations will be extended to a maximum of 15 years . This initiative is designed to reduce financial burdens on small business owners who shut down operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide them with opportunities for a fresh start. Eligibility and Requirements The extended repayment support applies to small business owners who operated between April 1, 2020, and the end of June 2023 and have since closed their business. The main requirements include: - Currently holding a guaranteed loan through a regional credit guarantee foundation - Demonstrated faithful repayment history - Business officially closed at the tim...

💡 Quick Summary: Starting in October 2024, employees at selected industrial parks will enjoy a 1000-won breakfast . The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) will support pilot projects at up to 17 sites, with applications open until September 17. The popular 1000-won breakfast program, which has already benefited university students, will expand to include industrial park workers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) announced that the “Pilot Project for Industrial Park Workers’ 1000-Won Breakfast” will be implemented from October to December 2024. Through this initiative, workers will only pay 1,000 KRW for a nutritious breakfast, with the remaining costs shared by the government, local governments, and participating companies. The program aims to improve workers’ health, strengthen productivity, and promote rice consumption nationwide. Why the 1000-Won Breakfast Program Matters Industrial park workers often face limited access to...

💡 Quick Summary: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCT) will reissue 1.88 million movie 6000-won discount coupons starting September 8 at 10 AM through CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, and CineQ websites and apps. The movie 6000-won discount initiative, led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCT) and the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), is back. From September 8, 1.88 million unused coupons from the initial distribution will be reissued. This policy aims to stimulate domestic demand, support citizens’ cultural enjoyment, and revitalize Korea’s film industry, which has faced challenges in recent years. With participation from major multiplexes and independent theaters, the movie 6000-won discount project makes cinema more accessible to everyone. Background of the Reissue On July 25, MOCT distributed 4.5 million movie 6000-won discount coupons using a supplementary budget of 27.1 billion won. However, as of September 2, 1.88 million coupons remained unused...

2025 Youth Culture & Arts Pass: ₩150,000 Support for 19-Year-Olds to Enjoy Performances and Exhibitions The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Arts Council have launched the Youth Culture & Arts Pass , providing up to ₩150,000 per person to help 19-year-old youths in Korea experience performances and exhibitions. This program is designed to expand cultural opportunities and empower young people to become active cultural consumers. 🎫 Eligibility The program targets Korean citizens born in 2006 , who turn 19 in 2025. A total of 160,000 youths are expected to benefit. However, those who already received the pass in the 1st round (March 6 – May 31, 2025) or those whose unused benefits were reclaimed are not eligible for this 2nd round. 💰 Benefits Each eligible youth will receive ₩100,000 to ₩150,000 depending on their region’s budget allocation. The funds can be used to purchase tickets for cultural experiences. Ticketing platforms:...

Korea Raises Deposit Insurance Limit to ₩100 Million After 24 Years South Korea has officially raised its deposit insurance protection limit from ₩50 million to ₩100 million (including principal and interest) , marking the first adjustment in 24 years. On September 1, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced that Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young visited Hana Bank’s headquarters in Seoul to inspect the implementation status on the first day of the new policy. This landmark change is aimed at strengthening financial consumer protection and restoring public trust in the financial sector. 💡 What Is the Deposit Insurance System? The deposit insurance system ensures that if a bank or financial institution fails, depositors’ principal and interest are protected up to a legal limit. Since 2001, the limit had been ₩50 million, but as of September 2025, the ceiling has been raised to ₩100 million . Applicable institutions: banks, savings banks, credit unions, and other insured...