Settling in Korea — a practical checklist for long-term residents
For students, working-holiday makers, foreign workers and month-long stays. Every step you actually need after landing, with documents, costs and timing.
- Getting a Korean SIM — Without a Korean number you cannot use delivery apps, banking or most bookings. Do this on day one.
- Transit cards and getting around — One T-money card covers subways, buses and most taxis nationwide. Knowing the transfer rules cuts your costs a lot.
- Bank account and remittance — Rent, salary and app payments all run through a Korean account. Open one as soon as your ARC arrives.
- Alien Registration Card and visa extension — The ARC unlocks everything else in Korea. Missing a deadline means fines, so calendar management is the whole game.
- Healthcare and insurance — Korean healthcare is fast and affordable, but the same visit can cost several times more without insurance.
- Finding a place to live — The deposit system is the most unfamiliar part for newcomers. Checking the property register before signing prevents most problems.
- Delivery and shopping apps — Most everyday convenience in Korea lives inside apps. Once identity verification passes, the rest is easy.
- Everyday admin and public services — Move-in reports, certificates and taxes mostly run through Government24. Local foreigner support centres are the most underused resource.
Visa, tax and legal rules change often. This page is general information — always confirm with the official bodies linked above.