Korea arrival checklist

You need a registered Korean address for ARC registration. Make sure your lease is signed and your address is confirmed before or immediately upon arrival.

Collect your employment contract, degree certificates (apostilled if required), passport photos, and any documents your employer or immigration office requires. Requirements vary by visa type.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid in Korea for up to one year. Get one from your home country before leaving. It cannot be obtained in Korea.

Let your home bank know you are moving abroad to avoid cards being blocked. Set up international transfers or a travel card for your first weeks before your Korean account is open.

Most countries offer an online registration system for citizens abroad. It helps your embassy reach you in emergencies and can simplify consular services.

Required for almost everything in Korea: bank accounts, phone contracts, healthcare enrollment. Apply at your local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. Most people do it in the first week to unlock other tasks. Bring your passport, visa, housing contract, passport photos, and the application fee.

Visit your 주민센터 (community service center / dong office) to register your Korean address. This is separate from ARC registration. Bring your passport and lease contract.

A Korean number is needed for banking apps, delivery services, and most Korean online accounts. Postpaid plans (most carriers) require your ARC. Prepaid SIMs can be set up with just your passport and are a good bridge while you wait for your ARC.

KakaoTalk is Korea's universal messaging app. Your landlord, employer, real estate agent, and most Koreans will communicate with you here. Install it and link your Korean number.

Check that electricity, gas, and water are active. Most apartments have a shared building management system. Ask your landlord or building manager how to read the meters and where to pay bills.

Most banks require your ARC, passport, and a Korean phone number. Kakao Bank and Toss Bank have English-friendly apps. Traditional banks (Shinhan, KB, Woori) have English service at some branches. You will need a Korean account for salary deposit, rent auto-transfer, and local payments.

If you are employed, your employer registers you for National Health Insurance (건강보험) automatically. Confirm that premiums are being deducted from your payslip. If you are self-employed or between jobs, register at an NHIS office or online with your ARC.

If employed, NPS deductions start automatically through your employer. Check your payslip. When you leave Korea, you may be eligible for a lump-sum refund of your contributions depending on your home country's pension treaty with Korea.

Korea has some of the fastest and cheapest home internet in the world. Fiber (기가 인터넷) is standard. Main providers: KT, SK Broadband, LG U+. Most require a 1 or 2 year contract. Your landlord may have a preferred provider already connected to the building.

A transit card works on all Seoul metro, bus, and many taxi and convenience store payments. Buy one at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) for around 3,000 won, then top up at subway station kiosks.

If you are on a jeonse contract, check the building's mortgage level against your deposit. A combined mortgage and deposit above 70% of property value puts your deposit at risk.

If you plan to drive long-term, converting your home country license avoids needing annual IDP renewals. Requirements vary by country: some allow direct conversion at the local driver's license office, others require a road test. Bring your home license, ARC, passport, and a medical check.

Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea due to government mapping restrictions. Naver Map and Kakao Map are the local standards and have English modes. Essential for transit directions, finding businesses, and food delivery integration.

Baemin (배달의민족) and Coupang Eats are the major platforms. Most require a Korean phone number and bank account. Both have English-language support in major expat areas.

Many countries require you to file a departure return or notify the tax authority when you move abroad. Deadlines and rules vary by country. Failing to do this can create double-taxation issues. Check with a tax accountant in your home country.

119: Fire and medical emergency. 112: Police. 1339: Health emergency hotline (some English). 1345: Immigration helpline (English available). Save these in your phone.

Your ARC expiry is tied to your visa expiry. Start the renewal process at least a month before it expires. An expired ARC affects your ability to use banking, healthcare, and other services.

Korea's annual income tax filing period is May 1 to 31. Most employees with a single employer do not need to file separately. The employer handles year-end settlement (연말정산) in January. If you have multiple income sources or freelance income, you must file in May. The NTS홈택스 (Hometax) portal has some English support.

In Korea, if neither party gives notice 2 months before the lease end date, it auto-renews for another term under the same conditions. If you want to leave or renegotiate, notify your landlord in writing at least 2 months before expiry.