Living in Korea: ARC, Banking, Phone & Housing

Staying longer than a short visit means a few setup steps that unlock everything else. Do them in order - registration first, then a bank, a phone, and a place to live.

The Alien Registration Card (ARC)

If you are staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you generally must register with immigration and get an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival. It becomes your main ID for banking, phone contracts, and public services. The entry and visa basics are covered in Travel Essentials; this page picks up once you are here to stay.

Book your appointment through HiKorea before visiting an immigration office, and bring your passport, visa, a passport photo, the fee, and any documents your visa category needs. Once you have your ARC, most other setup steps become straightforward.

  • Reserve your immigration appointment early on HiKorea.
  • Your ARC is required before a bank account and a phone plan.

Opening a bank account

A Korean bank account usually needs your ARC and a local phone number. Major banks - KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, Hana, and NH - have branches everywhere, and some have English-language service or foreigner desks. Bring your ARC, passport, and phone.

Once you have an account you can set up the local card and transfer payments described in Transport & Payment, and use the mobile wallets that need a Korean account.

  • A standard account generally needs an ARC plus a Korean phone number.
  • Ask about English service or a foreigner desk before choosing a branch.

Getting a phone and SIM

For short stays, a prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIM works without an ARC and is sold at the airport and convenience stores. For a longer stay, a monthly (postpaid) plan needs your ARC. Budget carriers (known as altteul or MVNO plans) run on the same networks for less.

A local number is what unlocks bank accounts, delivery, and the Korean wallet apps, so sorting your phone early makes everything else smoother.

  • Prepaid SIM = no ARC needed; monthly plan = ARC required.
  • MVNO (altteul) plans use the same networks at lower cost.

Renting a home: jeonse and wolse

Korean rentals come in two main forms. Wolse is a smaller deposit plus monthly rent, like renting elsewhere. Jeonse is a large lump-sum deposit - often a big share of the property value - with no monthly rent, returned when you leave.

Use a licensed real estate agent (budongsan), and before paying a deposit, check the property registry (deunggibu) to confirm the owner and any loans against the home. After moving in, file your move-in report (jeonipsingo) and get a fixed date (hwakjeongilja) at the community office to protect your deposit legally.

  • Never pay a large deposit without checking the property registry.
  • A move-in report plus a fixed date protect your deposit.

Quick answers

How soon must I register for an ARC?
Within 90 days of arrival if you are staying longer than 90 days. Book the immigration appointment early through HiKorea, as slots fill up.
Can I open a bank account without an ARC?
Usually not for a full account. Some banks offer limited options, but a standard account generally needs your ARC and a Korean phone number.
What is jeonse versus wolse?
Jeonse is one large deposit and no monthly rent, returned when you leave. Wolse is a smaller deposit plus monthly rent. Always check the property registry before paying either deposit.

Last updated: 2026-07-08