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First weeks in Korea checklist

The order that solves the ARC, phone and bank account loop.

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  1. 1.Before you fly

    Where people get stuck

    Bring printed copies of your employment or admission letter and proof of your first address; some offices do not accept phone screenshots.

  2. 2.First days

    Where people get stuck

    Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs work with your passport, but many apps still need a Korean number registered in your own name later.

  3. 3.Alien registration (ARC)

    Where people get stuck

    Online reservations fill up weeks ahead. Book as soon as you arrive; you must register within 90 days of entry.

  4. 4.Address and move-in report

    Where people get stuck

    Your ARC address must match your lease. Report any move within 15 days.

  5. 5.Bank account

    Where people get stuck

    Your name must be written exactly the same on your ARC, phone contract and bank account, including spaces and order. Long names are often cut short, so ask the bank how it will be written.

  6. 6.Postpaid phone plan

    Where people get stuck

    A postpaid plan in your own name is what unlocks identity checks (본인인증) for banking apps, delivery and government sites.

  7. 7.Health insurance

    Where people get stuck

    Most foreigners staying 6 months or more are enrolled automatically; check your status on the NHIS app so unpaid premiums do not block your visa extension.

  8. 8.When you leave Korea

    Where people get stuck

    Apply for the pension refund and departure insurance before you fly; both are much harder from abroad.

Results are estimates for reference only and are not tax or legal advice. Actual amounts can differ depending on your contract, employer and individual circumstances.

How it is calculated

Why ARC, phone and bank depend on each other

Many foreigners get stuck in a loop: banks want a Korean phone number and ARC, phone companies want an ARC, and apps want a phone in your own name. The way out is to use a prepaid SIM first, register for your ARC as early as possible, then open a bank account and finally switch to a postpaid plan in your own name.

How long it takes

ARC appointments and card delivery can take several weeks in busy cities. Until your card arrives, keep your passport and application receipt, use cash or a foreign card, and ask your employer or school whether they can help with a bank account.

Before you leave

When your stay ends, return your ARC at the airport, claim your National Pension lump-sum refund if your country is eligible, and claim departure guarantee insurance if you worked on an E-9 or H-2 visa.

Frequently asked questions

›How do I apply for an ARC in Korea?

Book a visit on HiKorea, then bring your passport, a photo, the application form, the fee and proof of address and of your work or study to your local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

›Can foreigners open a bank account without an ARC?

Some banks open a limited account with a passport and proof of work or study, but most features need an ARC and a Korean phone number in your name.

›How do I get a Korean phone number as a foreigner?

Start with a prepaid SIM or eSIM using your passport. After you receive your ARC, switch to a postpaid plan in your own name to use identity verification.

›Why does my name not match between my bank and phone?

Systems limit the number of characters and spaces. Ask each company to write your name exactly as on your ARC, or as close as possible, and keep them consistent.

›Do foreigners have to join national health insurance?

Most foreigners staying 6 months or more are enrolled automatically, either through their employer or as regional subscribers.

Recent rule changes

All rule changes →

  • InsuranceIn effect

    National Pension income cap rises to ₩6.59M a month

    From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, National Pension contributions are charged on monthly income between ₩410,000 and ₩6,590,000 (previously ₩400,000–₩6,370,000).

    Affects: allSource: nps.or.kr

  • VisaIn effect

    Digital nomad visa (F-1-D) becomes permanent with lower income rules

    The F-1-D workation visa moved from a pilot to a formal status. The income requirement now ranges from 1× to 2× GNI per capita depending on age and region, and the maximum stay is 3 years.

    Affects: F-1-DSource: immigration.go.kr

  • VisaIn effect

    2026 E-7 minimum salary requirements take effect

    Ministry of Justice notice 2025-406 sets the 2026 E-7 salary requirements from February 1 to December 31, 2026: E-7-1 ₩31.12M, E-7-2 and E-7-3 ₩25.89M, E-7-4 ₩26M a year. They apply to new visas, changes of status and extensions.

    Affects: E-7Source: immigration.go.kr

Sources and verification

Official help

This page gives reference estimates and general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and individual cases differ, so confirm with the official agency before acting.

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