Moving Guide

Overview

**Getting Your ARC (외국인등록증)**: The Alien Registration Card is essential for life in Korea. Apply at your district immigration office (출입국관리소) within 90 days of arrival. Required documents: passport, visa, address proof, photos, and application fee (₩30,000). Processing takes 2–4 weeks. The ARC enables: bank account opening, phone contract, NHIS enrollment, library cards, gym memberships. **Hi Korea Portal (www.hikorea.go.kr)**: The government portal for all immigration matters — ARC applications, visa renewals, address registration. English available. **Shipping Goods**: Sea freight from the US takes 20–30 days; from Europe 25–35 days. Customs regulations are strict — no used mattresses, strict rules on alcohol and electronics quantities. **Phone Plans**: Get a T-money card at any convenience store on arrival. Tourist SIMs available at Incheon Airport. Once you have an ARC, major carriers (SKT, KT, LG U+) offer unlimited data plans for ₩30,000–60,000/month. **Driver's License**: Many countries (USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia) are eligible for direct exchange at the local District Office (구청) — no driving test required.