The Korea Artist Welfare Foundation (KAWF) is an organization dedicated to improving the welfare of artists in Korea, supporting their creative work and contributing to the development of the arts. Its services address practical, financial, professional, and emotional needs across an artist’s career. KAWF administers an arts activity verification process that enables eligible artists to access welfare programs, and provides preparation grants for artists with low arts-related income.

Financial support also includes living-stability loans and assistance with National Pension contributions. The foundation offers guidance on employment and industrial accident insurance, along with artist passes that provide discounts at participating cultural venues and other spaces. To help protect artists’ rights, KAWF provides legal and labor consultations, contract guidance, standard contract forms, rights-protection education, and channels for reporting rights violations or breaches of written agreements.

Its programs also include professional psychological counseling, childcare support, and initiatives connecting artists with companies and institutions. Through these services, KAWF works to strengthen artists’ working conditions, social protection, and ability to sustain their creative practice