Start here.
Three stages, in the order you will need them. Read one stage at a time — nobody sorts everything in the first week.
- 01Before you fly
Before arrival.
Documents, a place to stay, phone and money — settled before you board.
- 02Landing
First 48 hours.
From the airport to your door, a working phone and your first transport card.
- 03Settling in
First month.
Residence card, bank account, health checks and setting up home.
Your own steps depend on your visa, employer or university. Still unsure? Ask Seoul →
Your arrival checklist.
Visas, housing, banking, phones and documents in one list. Tick as you go; your ticks are not saved and disappear when you leave.
Visas.
Visa issued or entry permission confirmed for your nationality and purpose.
Visa guideChecked whether you need K-ETA or an e-Arrival Card.
Before you arriveResidence card (ARC) appointment booked on HiKorea within your deadline.
Visa to residence cardHealth check booked if your visa or employer requires one.
Health checks
Housing.
First-night address confirmed, saved in Korean and in Naver or Kakao Map.
Before you arriveAirport-to-door route planned, including last train or bus times.
Your first 48 hoursLease and deposit terms understood before you sign or pay.
Housing guideAddress reported once you move in (usually as part of ARC or a change of address).
Forms & documents
Banking.
Two cards from different networks plus some cash for the first days.
Banking & paymentsKorean bank account opened (usually after your ARC).
Open the right accountChosen a way to send money home and compared fees.
Sending money home
Phones.
Phone unlocked; eSIM or airport SIM arranged for arrival.
Your phone is your identityNaver Map or Kakao Map, Papago, KakaoTalk and Kakao T installed.
The apps that run SeoulLocal phone plan in your name once you have an ARC.
Your phone is your identityTransport card bought and topped up.
Seoul by subway
Documents.
Passport plus originals your sponsor asked for (degree, apostilles, record check or admission letter).
Before you arrivePassport photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm) for ARC and other applications.
Everything scanned to storage you can open offline, and shared with someone you trust.
First 30 Days checklist and Korean address card printed.
Printable checklists
Requirements differ by visa, nationality, employer and university. Follow your sponsor's instructions and check official sources before you act.
Download the tickable PDF