Administrative Procedures for Living in South Korea

Published on January 17, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to South Korea isn’t just about finding a flight and packing your bags. As soon as you go beyond a simple tourist stay, the country becomes extremely procedural: appropriate visa, resident card, address registration, housing, bank account, health insurance, phone, driver’s license, bill management… Everything is regulated, often with specific deadlines and well-defined documents.

Preparing Your Arrival: Visa, Entry into the Territory, and Initial Obligations

Even before setting foot on Korean soil, you must check that you have the correct entry status. South Korea applies a highly codified visa system: each letter-number combination corresponds to a specific purpose of stay (work, study, family reunion, investment, working holiday, etc.).

Contrary to a common belief, it’s not enough to arrive with a simple tourist visa C-3 if you want to actually study, work, or reside in the country. For stays longer than 90 days, a long-term stay visa is mandatory and must be obtained before departure from a Korean embassy or consulate.

Choosing the Right Visa for Your Project

There are many visa categories, but they can be grouped into major blocks related to your life project in South Korea.

For studies, the main statuses are as follows:

– D-2 for students enrolled in a university program (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate).

– D-4 for language training or general training programs.

For skilled or non-skilled salaried work, the range is wide:

Job seekers without a contract can apply for a D-10 job search visa, provided they meet fairly strict eligibility criteria.

For an entrepreneurship or investment project, several statuses also exist:

– D-7 for intra‑company transfers.

– D-8 for corporate investors.

– D-9 for managers of international business activities.

Family life mainly relies on F-series statuses:

– F-1 for extended family visits.

– F-2 for long-term residence (often based on a point system).

– F-3 for dependents of work visa holders.

– F-4 for overseas Koreans.

– F-5 for permanent residence.

– F-6 for spouses of Korean citizens (marriage migrant).

In addition, there are specific programs like the working holiday H-1 visa, the H-2 work and visit visa, and more recently an F-1-D visa intended for remote workers for foreign companies.

Entering the Territory: Electronic Authorizations and Arrival Formalities

For nationals of many countries exempt from visas for short stays, South Korea has implemented an electronic travel authorization (K‑ETA). Even though this system mainly targets tourists or business travelers for less than 90 days, it illustrates the progressive digitalization of Korean borders.

In parallel, an electronic arrival card (e‑Arrival Card) is gradually becoming mandatory for most foreigners. It must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival. Until at least the end of 2025, a paper version remains available, but the objective is clearly to shift to all‑digital.

These formalities do not replace the visa for those who need one: they simply complement the entry system by providing immigration with prior information about the traveler.

Upon arrival, the immigration officer has the final say: even with a valid visa, a foreigner can be turned back if their profile or answers raise serious doubts. It is therefore better to have the main supporting documents on hand (accommodation reservation, university admission letter, employment contract, etc.).

The Key Element of Life on Site: The Resident Card (ARC)

As soon as you plan to stay more than 90 days, the absolute priority after settling in is to obtain your Alien Registration Card, generally referred to by its acronym ARC.

Without this card, a large part of daily life is blocked: access to a full bank account, postpaid phone subscription, registration for national health insurance, signing of standard leases, etc.

Who Must Register and Within What Timeframe?

Any foreigner planning to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days must register with immigration and obtain an ARC. This obligation concerns:

– Holders of long-term stay visas (D‑2, E‑2, E‑7, F‑2, F‑6, etc.) whose intention is to stay at least 91 days.

– Foreigners born in Korea who acquire a foreigner’s stay status and plan to stay more than 91 days.

– People who have just lost Korean nationality in favor of another citizenship, as long as they remain in the country.

Registration must take place within 90 days of entering the territory. Living in South Korea beyond this period without being registered constitutes a criminal offense, exposing you to high fines, even imprisonment or deportation.

Where and How to Apply for Your ARC?

The application must be made in person, at the territorially competent immigration office for your place of residence. In practice:

– In the Seoul and Incheon area, there are several branches (Seoul Southern Immigration Office, Sejongno Immigration Office, Incheon Immigration Office, Pyeongtaek notably).

– Elsewhere, each major city has its main office and sometimes subsidiary offices.

Appointments are now made almost systematically online via the official HiKorea platform (www.hikorea.go.kr). It is strongly advised to book as soon as possible, as slots in major cities fill up quickly.

On the day, the procedure follows a standard sequence: submission of the file, verification of documents, fingerprinting (all ten fingers), payment of the fee, then choice of card delivery method (pick-up on-site or paid postal delivery).

Documents Required for the ARC

The common core of documents to provide is well established:

– Official registration application form duly completed.

– Original passport and photocopy of the identification page.

– Proof of residence in South Korea: rental contract in the applicant’s name, dormitory certificate for on-campus students, housing confirmation form accompanied by the establishment’s K-biz registration (gosiwon, guesthouse, etc.).

– Documents related to stay status: enrollment certificate, visa issuance confirmation, employer’s business registration extract, as applicable.

– Depending on nationality, a medical certificate attesting to a negative tuberculosis test may be required; for some visas like E‑2, sealed medical exam results (including TB and HIV) are mandatory.

– Payment of registration fees, generally around 30,000 to 35,000 KRW, often in cash.

Obligations and Risks Related to the Resident Card

Once the ARC is issued, its holder is required to carry it at all times: it serves as the main identity document and attests to the regularity of the stay.

Several update obligations apply:

– In case of a passport change, the new document must be reported to the immigration office within 15 days.

– Any move must be reported within 15 days, either to an immigration office or to the district office (gu‑cheong) or city/town office (si‑cheong/gun‑cheong).

– The extension of the stay, when the visa is approaching its expiration, must be requested no later than the expiration date, under penalty of penalties for illegal stay.

– In case of loss or damage to the card, a reissuance request must be filed within 14 days.

Sanctions for non-compliance can be heavy: failure to register initially can result in fines of up to 10 million won, even a maximum prison sentence of one year and deportation. Fraudulent use of a registration number (identity theft, for example) is punished even more severely.

Declaring Your Address: A Mandatory Step with Every Move

In South Korea, the issue of address is taken very seriously. Beyond registration with immigration, every change of residence must be notified to the local authorities within a strict deadline of 14 days.

This procedure is done at the district offices in large cities or at city/town halls elsewhere. It is essential to remain in compliance, but also to access many services without difficulty: bank, health insurance, telecom operators, etc.

Address Registration Procedure

The initial registration is generally done at the same time, or shortly after, obtaining the resident card. Subsequent procedures are similar with each move.

The principle is simple: you must go in person to the local office responsible for the new residence, with:

On-site, you take a queue ticket, fill out a change of residence notification form, then submit everything at the counter dedicated to foreigners. In some cases, the administration may call the landlord to confirm the reality of the contract.

Practical Importance of an Up-to-Date Address

Beyond the legal aspect and fines (100,000 to 1,000,000 KRW depending on the delay), the officially declared address serves as a reference for:

– Sending National Health Insurance statements.

– Bank correspondence.

– Bills and notifications from phone and internet operators.

– Sending official mail by universities or employers.

Not updating your address also complicates future visa extension or status change applications, since in the eyes of immigration, the file presents inconsistencies.

In Seoul districts frequented by foreigners, such as Yongsan‑gu or Gangnam‑gu, specialized counters sometimes offer service in English and online reservation systems, reducing wait times. In the provinces, using an interpreter or a Korean friend often remains wise.

Finding Housing: Rental Contracts, Types of Housing, and Precautions

The Korean rental market is known for its speed… and its complexity for a newcomer. Listings circulate quickly, good properties disappear within hours, and the deposit systems (key money) can be confusing. However, by understanding the basic mechanisms, it is possible to find housing within one to two weeks after arrival.

A Very Reactive Market Where You Must Decide Quickly

Unlike some countries where you search for an apartment months in advance, this is not recommended in South Korea. Most properties are rented within a very short time after being listed. Starting the search one month before the desired move-in date is generally sufficient; anticipating three or four months might even be counterproductive.

The most common practice is to walk into a neighborhood real estate agency (« budongsan ») in the area where you want to live. The agent organizes group viewings of several properties likely to match the budget and profile.

Understanding the Main Types of Housing

The Korean real estate landscape is varied, with typologies that don’t always have a direct equivalent elsewhere. Among the most common formulas: the most common formulas.

– Large apartments in tower complexes (often 8 to 16 buildings), sometimes managed by well-known brands like Hyundai or Lotte. They are spacious (about 30 pyeong, or one hundred square meters), with services and common areas, but expensive.

– Officetels, a sort of studio in mixed office/residential buildings, very common in large cities and popular with expatriates for their practicality and often for the possibility of registering a business activity there.

– “Villas”, small buildings of less than six floors, often without an elevator, on the outskirts of city centers. They are generally cheaper, larger, but with fewer communal facilities.

– One-room studios (“one‑room”), medium-sized around 27 m², sometimes furnished, very popular with students.

– Renovated hanoks, traditional modernized houses, rare and expensive in large cities but sought after by lovers of old charm.

– Goshiwons, very simple dormitory-style rooms, targeting mainly students during exam periods, with strict rules (sometimes no visitors allowed).

Wolse, Jeonse, Banjeonse: Three Rental Systems to Master

The Korean specificity lies not only in the types of housing but also in the financial arrangements. Three systems dominate:

Contract Type	Financial Principle	Typical Deposit	Monthly Rent	Usual Duration
Wolse	Deposit + rent	From 3–5 M KRW (often > 10 M)	Yes, variable	2 years
Jeonse	Very large deposit, no rent	40–90 % of the property value (e.g., 200 M KRW)	No	2 years
Banjeonse	Significant deposit + reduced rent	Approx. 100 M KRW	Yes, reduced	2 years

In the wolse system, the most common for foreigners, you pay a refundable deposit (key money) and a monthly rent. The relationship between the two is inverse: the higher the deposit, the lower the rent, and vice versa. For a small officetel, an average deposit is around 10 million won, with a monthly rent of around 500,000 won in large cities.

Jeonse, on the other hand, relies on an enormous deposit — often between 40 and 90 % of the property’s value — instead of rent. The owner invests this sum and collects the interest. At the end of the contract, the entire amount must be returned to the tenant. In practice, this system is very popular with Koreans but less so with expatriates, as it requires either significant savings or access to specific bank loans, rarely granted to foreigners.

Banjeonse is a compromise: a substantial but smaller deposit than jeonse, complemented by a monthly rent lower than in the wolse system.

Contracts, Deposits, and Tenant Protections

Standard leases last two years, although it is sometimes possible to negotiate for one year. If no new contract is signed six months before the end of the period, the tenant can in principle remain in the housing by continuing to respect the initial conditions.

The financial process generally follows this pattern:

Step	Typical Amount	Comment
Down payment upon reservation	Approx. 10 % of the deposit	Paid upon signing the contract to secure the property
Balance of the deposit	Remaining 90 %	Paid on the move-in day
Agency fees	Approx. 0.4–0.9 % of the amount (deposit + rent×100)	Often around 300,000 KRW for a standard rental

If the tenant withdraws after paying the down payment, the landlord has the right to keep this sum. If it is the landlord who withdraws, they must in principle pay double the down payment as compensation.

Several administrative tools exist to secure your position:

– The “Hwakjeongilja”, issued by the local community center, allows for the official registration of the deposit and establishes the tenant’s priority over other creditors in case of problems.

– The “Tunkibudungbun” document (land register extract) provides information on possible debts or mortgages on the property and allows verification of the actual owner’s identity.

Given the frequency of misleading or exaggerated listings (embellished photos, inaccurate prices, even fictitious rentals), it is strongly recommended for foreigners to use a serious agency, verify all official documents, take photos of the condition of the property upon move-in, and put any promised repairs in writing in the contract.

Opening a Bank Account and Managing Your Money

Without a Korean bank account, many procedures become very complicated: paying rent and bills, receiving salary, subscribing to a phone plan, smooth use of local applications, etc.

Conditions and Documents to Open an Account

Most banks require physical presence at a branch to open an account. Opening online before arrival is virtually non-existent.

In practice, two situations arise:

– Without a resident card (ARC), some banks accept opening a basic account upon presentation of a passport, but with strong limitations (no card, no online banking, transactions only at the counter).

– With an ARC, it becomes possible to get a debit card (“check card”), activate online services, and expand transaction limits.

The most common documents to provide are: proof of identity, proof of residence, bank statements, employment certificates, diplomas.

– Valid passport.

– Long-term stay visa.

– ARC as soon as available.

– Proof of Korean address (rental contract, dormitory certificate, even a bill).

– Korean phone number.

– Employment certificate or work contract for employees, student card or enrollment certificate for students.

Some banks require an initial deposit, generally modest (10,000 to 20,000 KRW). Standard checking accounts do not require a minimum balance and do not impose account maintenance fees; fees come more from specific services (transfers, exchange, out-of-network withdrawals…).

Choosing Your Bank and Understanding Services

Among the major players, you’ll find KEB Hana Bank, Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank, Nonghyup Bank, IBK, Standard Chartered Korea, Citibank Korea, HSBC, or specialized foreign banks.

Alongside the checking account, there are savings accounts, foreign currency accounts, “global” packages including international transfer facilities. Transfers abroad sometimes require designating a “foreign designated bank” for exchange operations and card use abroad.

For online operations, the Korean system relies on digital certificates, a sort of security file to install on your computer or phone, essential to validate transfers.

On the tax side, foreigners are taxed on Korean-sourced income during the first five years of residence, then, in case of prolonged residence, on their worldwide income like nationals. Rates can be flat or progressive, with an additional local tax and contributions to the national pension.

Getting Insured: Integration into the Korean Healthcare System

South Korea has a mandatory and universal national health insurance (NHI) system. For foreigners, the challenge is not only to be covered but also to remain compliant with the law, as subscription becomes automatic as soon as you reside for more than six months.

Who Must Contribute to National Health Insurance?

Any foreigner residing more than six months in South Korea is, in principle, required to be enrolled in NHI. Enrollment is automatic for ARC holders, as long as their stay status suggests a stay of more than six months.

Several categories benefit from immediate affiliation without a waiting period:

– D-2 students enrolled in higher education.

– D-4-3 students (primary, middle, high schools).

– E-9 workers (non-skilled employment).

– Permanent residents F-5.

– Spouses of Koreans F-6.

– Foreign spouses of holders of certain visas.

Families of foreign workers can be registered as dependents, subject to length of stay conditions (since 2024, minimum six months of presence for some categories, except for minor children and spouse).

Contribution Amounts and Coverage

The system distinguishes two main types of insured persons:

– Employer-insured persons (public or private sector employees subject to health insurance).

– Local insured persons (self-employed, unemployed, students, etc.).

Amounts average around 70,000 to 80,000 KRW per month, with specific rates for students (about 76,390 KRW monthly from 2025). The exact level depends on income and, for local insured persons, on indicators like owned assets.

The NHI does not reimburse everything at 100%, but covers a significant part of costs:

Type of Facility or Care	Patient’s Share (Copayment)
Cancer, rare diseases	5–10 %
Clinics and small hospitals	Approx. 30 %
Pharmacies	35–40 %
General hospitals	45–50 %
High-level tertiary hospitals	Up to 60 %

Prevention, childbirth, dental care, or traditional medicine are partially covered, but purely aesthetic procedures (non-medical surgery, for example) remain the patient’s responsibility.

Requesting an Exemption: A Highly Regulated Process

Some foreigners seek to be exempt from NHI by invoking private insurance deemed more suitable. Exemption is possible but reserved for specific cases (e.g., temporary visas like working holiday, students, some remote workers) and subject to strict criteria:

The file is submitted to a local NHIS office, accompanied by a translation (not necessarily certified) if the contract is not in Korean. The administration retains broad discretionary power and can refuse even if all criteria seem to be met.

Consequences of Non‑Payment

Failure to pay contributions gradually leads to a restriction, then suspension of rights. Debts accumulate, with penalties, and can seriously complicate visa renewal, especially for students whose arrears exceed certain thresholds (for example 500,000 KRW).

It is possible to restore rights by settling debts, sometimes via installment plans. But it is better to take this expense into account from the start in your overall budget for living in South Korea.

Telecommunications: Getting a Korean Number and Getting Connected

In a country where almost all online procedures require phone identity verification, having a Korean phone number quickly becomes essential, whether to use major local apps, shop online, or manage your bank account.

Formats and Players in the Mobile Market

Korean mobile numbers have 11 digits and almost all start with 010, followed by eight digits. From abroad, you must dial +82 (country code) then omit the initial zero.

Three major operators dominate the market (nearly 87 % of subscriptions):

– SK Telecom (SKT).

– KT (brand Olleh).

– LG U+.

Around them gravitate many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), often called “alddul‑phone”, which lease the network of the major groups but offer more attractive rates. Among those particularly targeting foreigners, you’ll find for example Woori Mobile, Chingu Mobile, or Kimchi Mobile.

Prepaid or Postpaid: What the Resident Card Changes

For stays of less than three months, temporary SIM cards sold at the airport (Incheon, Gimpo) or via providers like Trazy are often the simplest solution. They generally offer a lot of data and local calls/SMS for a fixed period (30 days for example), for about fifty dollars. You can also rent a terminal and a SIM simultaneously.

Without an ARC, you are limited to prepaid: possible with just a passport, but often more expensive and, crucially, incompatible with most online identity verification mechanisms. This point is crucial: the phone account must be in your name, linked to your ARC number and a Korean bank account for the “identity verification” (bonin‑injeung) to work.

Cost of Plans and Tips to Pay Less

Unlimited plans from major operators are generally between 66,000 and 88,000 KRW per month for high-end 4G/5G offers. MVNOs, on the other hand, offer much more affordable plans: around 12,000 KRW for data-only plans, about 30,000 KRW and up for offers with generous voice and data, even unlimited around 33,000 KRW.

In parallel, using “pocket Wi‑Fi” (portable routers) can prove to be an economical alternative if you have little need for calls and prioritize data via apps like KakaoTalk, WhatsApp, or FaceTime. An allowance of 10 GB of data on pocket Wi‑Fi can cost much less than the same amount included directly in a standard phone plan.

Fixed Internet: Visa Conditions and Constraints

For fixed internet, South Korea boasts one of the best infrastructures in the world. The major providers are KT, SK Broadband, and LG U+. Contracts often include an internet + IPTV package, even discounts if you bundle internet and mobile with the same operator.

Again, an ARC and a Korean bank account are required to subscribe. Standard contract durations range from 12 to 24 months, with penalties for early termination. The main obstacle for a foreigner is visa validity: it is difficult, if not impossible, to sign a 3-year contract if your visa is only granted for one year. In practice, the contract duration is therefore often aligned with the validity of the residence permit.

Managing Bills and Essential Services Day-to-Day

Once settled, living in South Korea involves getting familiar with how bills work (electricity, gas, water, building management fees), waste sorting, heating, and air conditioning.

Understanding Your Bills and Payment Methods

Depending on the type of housing, you receive either several separate bills (common in villas: one for gas, one for electricity, one for management fees) or a consolidated bill for everything (more common in large apartment complexes). The paper used often has a characteristic yellowish color for tax notices, fines, or public bills.

Recurring elements of a bill include:

– The provider’s name, contact details, and consumption period.

– The account holder’s name and billing address.

– Details of consumption (gas volume, kWh of electricity, m³ of water), sometimes compared to the same period the previous year.

– Various tariff items, taxes, and possible discounts.

– A series of virtual bank account numbers to send the payment to.

– A barcode or QR code for payment via a banking app.

The payment methods are multiple:

Banks often have dedicated bill payment machines (gonggwageum sunapgi) inside the branch; security guards willingly direct customers to these machines for small transactions.

Electricity, Gas, Water: Average Costs and Points to Note

Electricity is supplied by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The standard voltage is 220 V, 60 Hz, with type C or F outlets (two round pins). For a studio or small two-room apartment in Seoul, the monthly bill can range from 20,000 to 70,000 KRW depending on the season and use of air conditioning or energy-intensive appliances.

City gas, managed by local companies under the Korea City Gas Association, is mainly used for heating (ondol underfloor heating, auxiliary heating) and hot water. Bills are very variable: around 10,000 KRW per month in summer, but can climb to 90,000 KRW or more during harsh winters if you heat generously.

Periodic checks are organized, especially for gas: technicians visit to check for leaks and place safety stickers on installations. If the meter is inside the dwelling, the resident may be asked to note their consumption on a given date.

Waste Sorting and Building Management Fees

South Korea is particularly strict regarding waste management. Residents must sort household waste, recyclables, and food waste, according to a system of specific bags or dedicated bins per building/neighborhood. Some types of bulky waste require purchasing a paid sticker to place on the item before collection.

In apartment complexes, building management fees (gwanlibi) encompass a whole range of services: cleaning, security, elevator maintenance, disinfection, routine repairs. On average, they are around 100,000 KRW per month for a standard-sized dwelling, but this figure can vary greatly depending on the surface area, the complex’s facilities (security, gardens, gym), and collective consumption.

Driving in South Korea: International Permit or Conversion

For those wishing to drive, Korean legislation is strict: a simple foreign driver’s license is not sufficient for long-term residence in the country.

Using a Foreign Driver’s License: In Which Cases?

Short-term visitors from a country that is a signatory to the Geneva Convention can drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) coupled with their national license. The IDP is not a standalone license but an official translation, valid for one year from its issuance.

In South Korea, it is recognized:

– Up to one year after entering the territory, or

– Until the visa expires, if that occurs earlier.

Exchanging Your License for a Korean One

Long-term residents can convert their foreign license into a Korean license, provided their country of origin is recognized by South Korea. The procedure is managed by the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoROAD) and its local examination centers.

Generally, you need:

For nationals of countries with a reciprocity agreement, the exchange can be done without a theoretical or practical exam. In other cases, a written test (often available in English) and sometimes a road test are necessary. Fees remain generally moderate: a few thousand won for exams, 8,000 to 10,000 KRW for printing the license.

Category 2 “regular” licenses are sufficient for standard passenger cars (up to 9 seats).

For those who have no license, you must follow the full Korean process (theoretical training, practical exams on a circuit and in traffic), which can take several weeks.

Considering Real Estate Purchase: Rights, Constraints, and Illusions

Korean legislation allows foreigners to purchase real estate, whether residents or not, subject to a number of formalities.

Acquisition by a Foreigner: Possible but Regulated

For residents, the purchase procedure is similar to that for Koreans: define a budget, use a real estate agency, sign a contract, pay the installments, and have the property transferred to your name according to the Real Estate Registration Act and the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act.

Certain areas (near military bases, protected natural areas…) require specific authorizations.

For non‑residents, in addition to the acquisition declaration to the local office (si/gun/gu) within 60 days of signing, a declaration must be made to an exchange bank under the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, supported by: sales contract, land register extract, and sometimes an official property appraisal.

Prices remain high, particularly in Seoul and in so-called speculation zones. To give an idea, a small studio can be around 1.5 to 2.5 million won… per square meter, more spacious dwellings starting at around 4 million won/m², with variations depending on the building brand, age, proximity to transport, and features like floor or orientation.

—

Living in South Korea therefore implies a real immersion in a dense administrative culture, but ultimately very structured. By knowing the major steps — visa, ARC, address registration, housing, bank account, health insurance, telecommunications, bill management, driving — you considerably reduce the stress of the first months and secure your stay on solid foundations.

Each procedure relies on a logical sequence: the visa allows obtaining an ARC, which authorizes opening a bank account, which in turn allows subscribing to a phone plan and setting up automatic payments for rent and bills, while the declared address conditions the validity of the resident card and many public services. This administrative chain, once understood and planned, becomes a powerful lever to transform a life project in South Korea into a successful and long-term installation.