First Week in Korea: Essential Checklist

Welcome to South Korea! Your journey as an international student has officially begun. The first week can feel like a whirlwind of paperwork, new sights, and cultural adjustments. To help you navigate your first seven days smoothly, KR Campus has compiled this ultimate post-arrival checklist. Staying organized during these initial days ensures a stress-free start to your academic adventure.

Get Connected: Pre-paid SIM and eSIM Options

Staying connected is your absolute top priority. You will need an active Korean phone number to navigate maps, order food, use taxi-hailing apps, and complete essential identity verifications for local platforms.

• Option A: Pre-paid SIM/eSIM (Immediate): You can purchase these at Incheon Airport or order online before departure. They are typically valid for 5 to 30 days and run on major networks like KT, SKT, or LGU+. It requires only your passport for activation.
• Option B: Post-paid Plan (After getting ARC): Once you receive your Resident Card (ARC), you can switch to a cheaper, long-term plan or sign up with budget MVNO providers like Woori Mobile or Chingu Mobile, which offer excellent student discounts.

Master Public Transit: Getting Your T-money Card

South Korea boasts one of the most efficient, clean, and affordable public transportation networks in the world. To travel seamlessly on subways, buses, and even some taxis, you need a T-money card.

• Where to buy: You can buy a basic T-money card at any convenience store (such as GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Emart24) or from ticket vending machines located inside subway stations. The physical card itself costs between KRW 3,000 and KRW 5,000.
• How to top up: T-money cards must be loaded with cash (Korean Won). You can load them at convenience store registers or subway station recharge kiosks. Card payments are generally not accepted for loading transit credit, so always carry a small amount of physical cash.
• Transit Tip: Always tap your card when boarding and when exiting buses and subways. This ensures you receive transfer discounts within a 30-minute window between different routes.

Secure Your Legal Status: Apply for Your Residence Card (ARC)

If you are staying in South Korea for more than 90 days under a D-2 (Student) or D-4 (Language General Trainee) visa, you must apply for a Residence Card—previously referred to as the Alien Registration Card (ARC). This card serves as your official government identity card while living in the country.

• Timeline: You must apply within 90 days of your arrival. However, slots at the Immigration Office fill up weeks in advance during the start of the semester. Book your appointment on the HiKorea website (hikorea.go.kr) the moment you land.
• Required Documents:
  • Valid Passport and a copy of your Visa Grant Notice.
  • Completed application form and one color passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background).
  • Certificate of Enrollment (issued by your Korean university after arrival).
  • Proof of residency (e.g., dormitory residence certificate, housing lease agreement, or confirmation of accommodation form).
  • Application fee of KRW 30,000 (usually paid in cash at the office ATM or counter).
• Important Note: The physical card takes about 3 to 4 weeks to be printed and delivered to your residence or university campus. Do not plan any international travel during this processing period, as leaving South Korea before receiving your physical card will cancel your visa application.

Set Up Your Finances: Opening a Korean Bank Account

Having a local bank account is essential for paying tuition, receiving housing refunds, shopping online, and using popular mobile payment systems like KakaoPay or Toss.

• Where to go: Most universities partner with a specific bank (such as Woori Bank, Hana Bank, or Shinhan Bank) and host a branch right on campus. It is highly recommended to use these on-campus branches, as the staff are trained to assist international students.
• Opening with Passport vs. ARC: Some banks allow you to open a temporary account using just your passport, but these accounts have strict daily transaction limits and do not allow internet banking. It is highly recommended to wait until you have your physical ARC to open a fully functional account.
• Mobile Apps: Once you have your local bank account and phone number registered under the same name, you can set up mobile payment apps. Korea is incredibly cashless, and having these tools makes split bills and instant peer-to-peer transfers effortless.

Attend Campus Orientation and Collect Your Student ID

Your university's Office of International Affairs (OIA) will host a mandatory orientation for new international students. Do not miss this event!

• Why it matters: The orientation covers critical academic policies, course registration finalizations, and health insurance requirements. Remember, all international students are automatically registered for Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) after their residency is established.
• Student ID Card: During orientation, you will learn how to apply for or collect your student ID card (학생증). This card gives you access to the library, campus buildings, and sometimes acts as an integrated debit card and T-money card.
• Get Involved: The first week is the best time to join buddy programs, language exchanges, and international student clubs. This will help you make local and global friends right away.

Your Journey Starts Now

Your first week in South Korea will fly by in a blur of exciting sights, new tastes, and essential administrative tasks. By staying organized and checking these five major milestones off your list early, you will set yourself up for a highly successful and stress-free academic semester. Welcome to South Korea, and enjoy your study abroad journey!