First 7 Days in Korea — Checklist for International Students

Day 1 — Airport Arrival

• Immigration screening (visa + passport)
• Baggage claim
• Travel to accommodation via Airport Railroad/Limousine Bus
• Rest well on the first day

Tip: T-money cards (transit cards) can be purchased immediately at airport convenience stores (KRW 4,000).

Day 2 — SIM Card / Phone Activation

Recommended for students: Budget prepaid SIM (KRW 20,000–30,000/month, 20GB+)

• KT M-mobile, SKT 7Mobile, LG HelloMobile
• Required documents: Passport + Alien Registration Card (some accept passport only)
• Where to get it: Yongsan Electronics Market, stores near Hongdae Station

Day 3 — School Orientation / Settling Into Accommodation

• Visit the school's International Affairs Office → Complete registration
• Apply for student ID
• Unpack and organize accommodation + buy household items (Daiso, Emart)

Day 4 — Bank Account Opening

Foreigner-friendly banks:

• KB Kookmin Bank — dedicated foreigner counter
• Shinhan Bank — English consultation available
• Woori Bank, Hana Bank

What to bring: Passport, Alien Registration Card (or student ID + enrollment certificate), Korean address proof

Debit card issuance: Apply when opening the account (takes about 1 week)

Day 5 — Alien Registration Card Application

Important: Must apply within 90 days of entering Korea.

• Where to apply: Local Immigration Office (make a reservation via HiKorea app)
• Required documents: Passport, integrated application form, passport photo, enrollment certificate, proof of address (rental contract or dormitory certificate)
• Fee: KRW 30,000
• Issuance period: Approx. 2–3 weeks (temporary number issued same day)

Day 6 — Health Insurance Enrollment

Mandatory enrollment for D-2/D-4 visa holders. Automatically enrolled for stays of 6 months or more, but it is best to proactively apply.

• Visit a National Health Insurance Service branch or apply online
• Approx. KRW 49,000/month
• Only 30% out-of-pocket when visiting a hospital

Day 7 — Setting Up Daily Life Infrastructure

• Top up transit card: At convenience stores/subway stations
• Install delivery apps: Baemin (배달의민족), Coupang Eats
• Map apps: Naver Maps, KakaoMap (more accurate than Google Maps)
• Papago app: Korean translator
• Locate nearby supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals

Checklist Summary

• ☐ Purchase T-money transit card
• ☐ Activate SIM card
• ☐ School registration and student ID application
• ☐ Bank account opening + debit card application
• ☐ Alien Registration Card application (required within 90 days)
• ☐ Health insurance enrollment
• ☐ Install daily apps and get to know your neighborhood

Frequently Encountered Issues

Q. Can't get a SIM card without an Alien Registration Card?
Some budget mobile plans are possible with passport only. If not available, use a KT M-mobile prepaid SIM first.

Q. Do I have to pay the first month's rent in cash?
No. If you haven't opened a Korean bank account yet, ask the landlord about international bank transfer options. Some universities also have student loan support programs.