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Kimchi refrigerators are eligible for the 2026 high-efficiency appliance purchase support program for vulnerable households. The program is for households receiving electricity bill welfare discounts. The support rate is 30% for Group A and 15% for Group B. The limit per household is 300,000 won, and whether applications are currently open must be checked separately.
The support rates and limit are based on the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment's announcement of February 8, 2026.
What is the kimchi refrigerator support program?
The high-efficiency appliance purchase support program for vulnerable households covers part of the cost of buying appliances. It aims to ease energy costs for households receiving electricity bill welfare discounts. Kimchi refrigerators are among the 11 eligible appliance categories.
The budget announced for the vulnerable household program in 2026 is 10 billion won. The 49.8 billion won announced alongside it includes the small business program. This should not be interpreted as the budget for kimchi refrigerator purchase support alone. The source is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment's announcement of the 2026 programs.
The eligible appliance categories are as follows.
- Kimchi refrigerators, refrigerators, air conditioners
- Washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers
- Electric rice cookers, air purifiers, dehumidifiers
- Televisions, corded vacuum cleaners
Applications require separate evidence of the energy efficiency rating and serial number.AI-generated image
Eligibility breakdown: How do Groups A and B differ?
The support rate varies by the type of household receiving an electricity bill welfare discount. People with disabilities, benefit recipients, and near-poverty households, among others, were listed under Group A. Households with multiple children, a recent birth, or many members fall under Group B.
| Category | Eligible recipients specified in the 2026 announcement | Purchase cost support rate | Limit per household |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | People with disabilities in the former grades 1 to 3, persons of national merit and persons with service-related disabilities in grades 1 to 3, persons of merit for national independence, basic livelihood benefit recipients, near-poverty households, etc. | 30% | 300,000 won |
| Group B | Households with at least 3 children, households less than 3 years after childbirth, large households with at least 5 members | 15% | 300,000 won |
| General households not eligible for welfare discounts | Not eligible for support under this program | Not applicable | Not applicable |
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment's press release specifies the scope of eligibility as follows.
Eligible recipients are households receiving electricity bill welfare discounts, including basic livelihood benefit recipients and near-poverty households.
This table summarizes the eligibility requirements and support rates at the time of the announcement. It does not mean that applications are currently open for each category. Individual eligibility must be checked on the KEPCO program website.
How do the support rates and the 300,000 won limit apply?
The support amount is determined by applying both the rate for the household's category and the per-household limit. Groups A and B have different rates but the same limit. Thus, 30% and 300,000 won are separate criteria.
| Criterion | Meaning | Incorrect interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 30% for Group A | The purchase cost support rate applied to Group A | Every buyer receives 30% |
| 15% for Group B | The purchase cost support rate applied to Group B | Group B receives the same rate as Group A |
| 300,000 won per household | The maximum support amount per household | 300,000 won is paid for each product |
For the same eligible purchase cost, the amount calculated using Group A's rate is 2 times that for Group B. This calculation compares the announced support rates. The actual payment is not always 2 times as much, because the per-household limit also applies.
If you have received support before, you must check your remaining limit separately. Do not assume that the limit resets in the new year. How past support is counted must be checked in KEPCO's latest notice.
Does every kimchi refrigerator qualify because the category is eligible?
Inclusion in an eligible category does not by itself determine whether an individual product qualifies for support. A category refers to a type of product. When applying, you must check the support criteria for the specific model.
Check the following before buying.
- The product's exact model name
- The energy efficiency rating label attached to the physical product
- The support criteria applicable to that model
- Whether the purchase date falls within the program's eligible period
A high-efficiency claim in a sales description is not enough to determine eligibility. The product must be checked against the eligible product criteria on KEPCO's official website. This article does not confirm the eligibility of any particular manufacturer or model.
How do the supporting documents for a kimchi refrigerator differ?
Product photos and purchase documents each prove different things. The efficiency rating label shows the product's efficiency information. The serial number plate identifies the individual product. The transaction statement and proof of purchase are used to verify the purchase.
| Material to prepare | What it verifies | What to check when preparing it |
|---|---|---|
| Photo of the energy efficiency rating label | The product's efficiency rating information | Whether the letters and numbers on the label are readable |
| Photo of the serial number plate | Product identification information, including the model name and serial number | Whether it has been confused with the label photo |
| Transaction statement | Which product was bought and through which transaction | Whether the model name and purchase amount can be verified |
| Proof of purchase | Payment | Whether the format is accepted under the notice |
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment's announcement listed the materials above as examples of supporting documents. This should not be interpreted as the complete list of required documents. Check the latest notice for any additional documents related to identity, household relationships, and bank accounts.
