Your first 7 days in Korea

You’ve landed at Incheon, you’re jet-lagged, and everything is in Hangul. Here’s what to sort out in your first week, in the order that saves you the most hassle.

Day 1: Get connected at the airport

Pick up a prepaid SIM or eSIM at the airport. You only need your passport for a prepaid plan. Data matters more than calls in Korea, because almost everyone messages on KakaoTalk.

• Prepaid plans are fine for your first few weeks.
• A cheaper monthly (postpaid) plan usually needs your ARC (see below), so most people switch later.
• Download KakaoTalk, Naver Map or KakaoMap, and Papago (translation) before you leave the airport Wi-Fi.

Google Maps doesn’t give walking or driving directions in Korea. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap from day one.

Day 1: Buy a T-money card

A T-money card works on subways and buses across the country, and in many taxis and convenience stores. Buy one at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or airport vending machine, then top it up with cash at a store or subway station.

Tap on and tap off when you leave the bus. Transfers between bus and subway within a short window are discounted, but only if you tap off.

Days 2–3: Book your ARC appointment

If you’re staying more than 90 days, you must register as a foreign resident within 90 days of your entry date. You’ll get a Residence Card (still widely called the ARC, Alien Registration Card).

Don’t leave this until week 10. Appointments at immigration offices fill up, especially in Seoul.

1. Book a visit on HiKorea (the government immigration site). Walk-ins are often not accepted.
2. Bring your passport, a passport-style photo, the application form, proof of address (a lease or a letter from your accommodation) and the fee.
3. The card usually arrives a few weeks later. Ask whether you can have it posted or need to collect it.

The fee has changed over the last few years, so check the current amount on HiKorea or call the immigration helpline 1345 (English available) before you go.

Days 3–5: Open a bank account

You can usually open an account with just your passport, but expect a limited account (한도제한계좌): lower daily withdrawal and transfer limits, and sometimes no online banking.

• Go in person to a branch. Bring your passport and, if you have one, your employment contract or proof of address.
• Once your ARC arrives, go back and ask to update the account. Limits are usually raised after you have the card and some account history.
• Some internet banks only let foreigners sign up online once they have an ARC.

Branch policies differ, so it’s worth calling or asking at the counter first.

Days 5–7: Find a longer-term place

Hostels and guesthouses are fine for the first week, but monthly rent is much cheaper. The usual options for working holiday makers:

• Goshiwon (고시원): a tiny private room, often with shared kitchen and rice included. No or low deposit.
• Share house: your own room in a shared flat. Small deposit.
• One-room (원룸): your own studio. Usually a large deposit (보증금), which is hard on a working holiday budget.

Never send a deposit for a room you haven’t seen or that a stranger is pushing you to pay for fast.

Numbers to save

Quick checklist

• Prepaid SIM or eSIM
• KakaoTalk, Naver Map or KakaoMap, Papago
• T-money card
• ARC appointment booked on HiKorea
• Bank account opened
• Longer-term room lined up

Sources

• HiKorea – Korea Immigration Service
• Study in Korea – Residence and stay information
• KOTRA – How foreigners can open a bank account in Korea (PDF)