Have you just arrived in Korea? It can feel overwhelming not knowing what to do first, but please do not worry. Simply follow this page from top to bottom, in order. To help you work through the most urgent things first and settle in at a comfortable pace, we have organized everything into 6 steps — from the moment you arrive all the way through to settlement. Do not try to do everything at once; just take it one step at a time.
Quick Overview of the Steps
- 1. Securing Your Stay and Identity
Apply for refugee status or complete alien registration to receive your Alien Registration Card, which you will use as your everyday ID.
- 2. Health and Medical Care
After 6 months from your alien registration, you will be enrolled in National Health Insurance. In an emergency, call 119.
- 3. Daily Settlement: Money, Housing, and Communication
Work through opening a bank account, signing a housing contract, paying utility bills, getting a mobile phone, and using public transport.
- 4. Working
Check what kinds of work are permitted under your visa, then learn your labor rights, including employment contracts and the minimum wage.
- 5. Protecting Your Rights
If you experience discrimination, workplace harassment, or sexual harassment, you can report it and receive help through official channels.
- 6. Adapting to Life in Korea
Learn about Korean daily culture, and take part in free Korean language education and the Social Integration Program (KIIP).
Step 1. Right After Arrival: Your Stay and Identity
Securing your visa status and identity is the very first thing to do, because everything else depends on it. If you need protection, apply for refugee status. If you are staying for more than 90 days, complete alien registration to receive your Alien Registration Card. The Alien Registration Card serves as your ID for almost everything in daily life — banks, hospitals, mobile phones, and more.
Follow this path: New to Korea? Step 1: Your Stay and Identity → Refugee Application Process
Step 2. Health and Medical Care
Be prepared for illness by learning about health insurance and how to use hospitals. If you have completed alien registration and have lived in Korea for 6 months or more, you will be enrolled in National Health Insurance, which means you only pay a portion of your medical bills. For emergencies, call 119.
Follow this path: New to Korea? Step 2: Health, Hospitals, and Insurance → National Health Insurance: Enrollment, Premiums, and Medical Costs
Step 3. Daily Settlement: Money, Housing, and Communication
Now it is time to open a bank account and sort out your housing, utility bills, mobile phone, and transport. Never lend your bank card or ID to anyone else — doing so can get you caught up in financial fraud.
Follow this path: New to Korea? Step 3: Daily Settlement → Opening a Bank Account → Financial Life Basics
Step 4. Working
Before you start working, check what types of work are permitted under your visa. Once you begin working, make sure you know your rights, including the minimum wage, your employment contract, and what to do if your wages are not paid. There is also guidance for those who want to start their own business.
Follow this path: Legal Work by Visa Type → Labor Rights Basics → Starting a Business and Business Registration
Step 5. Protecting Your Rights
If something unfair happens to you, do not stay silent. Discrimination, workplace harassment, and sexual harassment can all be reported, and help is available to you.
Follow this path: Reporting Discrimination and Racism → Reporting Workplace Harassment → Dealing with Sexual Harassment
Step 6. Adapting to Life in Korea
To make daily life in Korea easier, learn about Korean living culture and customs, and study the Korean language. Completing the Social Integration Program (KIIP) can also benefit your residency status and naturalization application.
Follow this path: Korean Living Culture and Customs → Free Korean Language Education → Social Integration Program (KIIP)
If You Have Children
Make sure to also look into school enrollment, childcare, and childcare cost support for your children.
Follow this path: Enrolling Your Child in a Korean School and Childcare → Childcare Support Guide
For full details on each step, please see the linked guides. Policies and amounts can change, so before applying for anything, please confirm the latest information with the 1345 Immigration Contact Center or the relevant authority. Take it one step at a time, and you will get there.