As South Korea grapples with the economic aftershocks of soaring international oil prices and persistent inflation, local governments across the country are rolling out high oil price damage support funds. These payments, designed to cushion the blow for ordinary citizens, are being distributed in cities and counties from Asan and Cheonan to Goheung and Pyeongtaek. Yet, while the intent is to ease economic pain, the policies have sparked controversy—particularly over the eligibility of foreign residents.
According to Jeonmaeil Newspaper and Maeil Ilbo, the support funds target the bottom 70% of the population, with differentiated payments based on income and region. In non-metropolitan areas like Asan, Cheonan, and Goheung, the minimum payment per person hovers around 150,000 KRW, but can rise to 600,000 KRW for the most vulnerable, such as basic livelihood recipients. In Pyeongtaek, for example, basic livelihood recipients will receive 550,000 KRW, low-income groups and single-parent families 450,000 KRW, and general citizens in the bottom 70% income bracket 100,000 KRW.
Local governments have moved quickly to secure budgets for these payments. Asan expects about 280,000 beneficiaries with a total budget of 53 billion KRW, of which 80% is funded by the national government and 20% by local authorities. Cheonan’s program is even larger, with 320,000 expected recipients and a budget of 62.3 billion KRW. Goheung County, meanwhile, will provide 600,000 KRW to basic livelihood recipients, 500,000 KRW to low-income groups, and 250,000 KRW to other eligible residents, all based on income status as of March 30, 2026.
The funds aren’t just a handout—they’re also an economic stimulus. Payments can be received as local gift certificates or credited to check or debit cards, and are valid for use at small businesses with annual sales under 3 billion KRW. The aim is to direct spending toward local shops, helping to revitalize main streets and neighborhood economies battered by high prices. The funds must be used by August 31, 2026, or the unused balance will expire, ensuring the money circulates quickly.
Applications for the support funds are being accepted in two phases to avoid confusion and crowding. The first phase, running from April 27 to May 8, 2026, is reserved for the most vulnerable—basic livelihood recipients, low-income groups, and single-parent families. The second phase, from May 18 to July 3, 2026, opens to the broader group: the bottom 70% of income earners. In Pyeongtaek, to further streamline the process, the first week of applications will use a birth year last-digit weekday rotation system.
Applicants have a variety of ways to claim their funds. They can apply in person at local administrative offices or banks, or online through card company websites, mobile apps, call centers, or local gift certificate apps. K-Bank, for instance, has announced a simplified application process via its app, where users can check eligibility and apply without additional paperwork. Once approved, funds are credited directly to the applicant’s K-Bank check card, and users are notified by text message. As an added perk, spending the support funds with the K-Bank ‘ONE’ check card also earns standard card cashback benefits.
Despite the logistical successes, the support fund rollout has not been without controversy. According to Chungcheong Ilbo, foreign residents are generally excluded from receiving the payments, except in narrowly defined circumstances. Only foreigners who are permanent residents, marriage immigrants, or recognized refugees with health insurance or medical aid status—or those living in households with Korean nationals—are eligible. This policy mirrors previous restrictions applied during last year’s livelihood recovery coupon program.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) weighed in on the issue as recently as March 2026, recommending that the government expand eligibility to include a broader range of foreign residents. The NHRCK’s Discrimination Correction Committee argued that “to protect all members of the local community from the economic difficulties caused by the recession, financial support policies should be improved to expand the range of foreigners eligible for support beyond just permanent residents, marriage immigrants, and recognized refugees.” The Commission formally conveyed this opinion to the Ministers of Interior and Safety, Strategy and Finance, and Health and Welfare.
However, the government’s response has disappointed many. As of March 2026, about 70,000 foreigners—including non-professional workers (E9), overseas Koreans (F4), and visiting employment visa holders (H2)—reside in Chungnam province, but remain excluded from the support funds. Over 41,000 of these individuals live in Asan and Cheonan alone. The repeated exclusion of large segments of the foreign population has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and foreign communities alike.
Woo Sam-yeol, director of the Asan Migrant Workers Center, expressed his frustration: “We had hoped for a policy change following the Human Rights Commission’s recommendation, but it’s disappointing that expectations have not been met. The fact that the current administration under Lee Jae-myung has not overcome the limitations of previous policies on migrant inclusion is a clear shortcoming and needs improvement.”
Foreign residents themselves have not remained silent. Last July, more than 60 overseas Koreans living in Asan filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, arguing that “providing livelihood recovery coupons only to some foreigners is unreasonable discrimination without rational justification.” With the same restrictions now being applied to the high oil price damage support fund, disappointment and resentment have grown.
Local governments, for their part, have emphasized the urgency of distributing the funds quickly and efficiently. In Goheung, a dedicated task force led by the deputy county governor has been established to ensure smooth payment. A county economic industry official told Jeonmaeil Newspaper: “We will do our utmost to ensure the support funds are paid promptly and without issue. We hope the high oil price damage support fund will be a lifeline for residents struggling with high prices and a spark to invigorate the local economy.”
For many ordinary Koreans, the support funds are a welcome relief. With real incomes squeezed by energy price spikes and inflation, the payments offer a tangible boost to household budgets and a chance to support local businesses. But for the tens of thousands of foreign residents who continue to be left out—despite paying taxes, working, and contributing to their communities—the policy remains a bitter pill. The debate over eligibility is likely to persist, especially as South Korea’s demographic landscape grows more diverse and the need for inclusive social policies becomes ever more apparent.
As the funds begin to flow and families line up—whether at local offices, banks, or with a few taps on a smartphone—the question of who gets help, and who is left behind, will remain at the heart of South Korea’s response to economic hardship.