The purpose of this chapter is to explain the development of welfare policies in South Korea (subsequently referred to as Korea) to international readers. The first section briefly sketches relevant developments since the foundation of the state in 1948 and especially since the democratic transition in 1987 and regarding contemporary social problems at the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century. After introducing the case, the chapter briefly compares how the Korean experience relates to other East Asian welfare states and regime types. Thereafter, a more detailed description and analysis of major branches of the Korean welfare state is provided. The chapter ends with concluding statements about what to expect in the near future under the current liberal presidency of Lee Jae-myung (elected into office in May 2025).