The first month in Korea is both exciting and administratively demanding. There’s a lot to set up — some of it time-sensitive, some of it just makes daily life dramatically easier once it’s done. This checklist is ordered by urgency. The top items have deadlines or create blockers for other tasks. Work through them roughly in sequence and you’ll avoid the most common first-month headaches.
Priority 1: Day 1 Essentials
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1. Get a SIM Card or Pocket WiFi at the Airport
Incheon and Gimpo airports have SIM card kiosks and rental counters in the arrivals hall, before you even exit. Don’t leave the airport without connectivity. A standard prepaid SIM from KT, SKT, or LG U+ costs ₩30,000–₩55,000 for 30 days with unlimited data. If you’re not yet ready to commit to a plan, rent a pocket WiFi device (₩8,000–₩12,000/day) — but note that a pocket WiFi alone won’t let you register for Korean apps that require phone number verification. Getting an actual Korean SIM is the priority.
2. Arrange Short-Term Accommodation
If your longer-term housing isn’t finalized, book a guesthouse, officetel short-stay, or Airbnb for the first week or two. Rushing into a lease before you know the neighborhood is a mistake. Areas popular with expats for short-term stays: Mapo-gu (Hongdae/Hapjeong), Yongsan-gu (Itaewon), and Gangnam-gu. Short-term serviced apartments (생활숙박시설) are another option and more apartment-like than a hotel.
Priority 2: First Two Weeks
3. Open a Bank Account
A Korean bank account is needed for salary deposits, rent payments, and to get a Korean debit card for apps. Foreigner-friendly banks:
- KEB Hana Bank: Has a dedicated foreigner branch (KEB Hana Foreign Exchange Center) and English-speaking tellers at main branches. Best overall choice for new expats.
- IBK Industrial Bank of Korea: Popular with foreign workers, has English service available at many branches.
- Shinhan Bank: Widely available and has an English app (SOL). Good for everyday banking.
Bring your passport and ARC (or passport if you apply before getting your ARC — some basic accounts open with passport only). Expect to spend 30–60 minutes at the branch.
4. Start Your ARC Application
You have 90 days from arrival to register for an Alien Registration Card, but appointment slots at immigration offices book up 2–3 weeks in advance. Book your immigration appointment within the first week of arrival. Don’t wait until week 8. See our full ARC guide for complete document requirements.
5. Get a Korean Phone Number
A voice-capable Korean number (not just a data SIM) is required for Baemin, Coupang, Kakao, Naver Pay, and most banking apps. Major carriers: SKT, KT, LG U+. MVNOs like HelloMobile or KT M Mobile are cheaper — ₩15,000–₩30,000/month for unlimited data with calls.
6. Enroll in NHIS (National Health Insurance)
If your employer doesn’t automatically enroll you, or if you’re self-employed or on a non-employer visa, register for Korea’s National Health Insurance Service. Workplace employees are enrolled by their employer within the first month of employment. Others must register at a NHIS branch (건강보험공단). The monthly premium for local income earners is calculated based on your income; for those without Korean income, a standard foreigner rate applies (around ₩130,000–₩170,000/month as of 2026). NHIS covers approximately 60–70% of most medical costs.
Priority 3: First Month Setup
7. Install Kakao, Naver, and Set Up Navigation
KakaoTalk is how Koreans communicate — your coworkers, landlord, and contacts will all use it. Install it immediately. Also install Naver Map as your primary navigation tool — it’s more accurate than Google Maps for Korean transit routes and shows more local businesses. Enable English mode in Naver Map settings. KakaoPay and Naver Pay are the main mobile wallets; link your Korean bank card to both once your account is open.
8. Get a T-Money or Climate Card for Transit
T-Money (티머니) is a rechargeable transit card that works on Seoul subway, buses, and taxis throughout most of Korea. Buy one at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) for ₩3,000. Top it up at convenience stores or subway top-up machines. In Seoul, consider the Climate Card (기후동행카드) — a monthly unlimited transit pass for ₩65,000/month (as of 2026) covering all Seoul subway, buses, and the Han River ferry. If you commute daily, it pays for itself quickly.
9. Register Your Address
Once settled, report your address to the local district office (주민센터) or update it via Government24 (www.gov.kr). This address receives tax documents, NHIS correspondence, and immigration notices. Legal requirement: report address changes within 14 days.
10. Get a Korean Debit Card
Apply for a debit card (체크카드) the same day you open your bank account — approved on the spot. A credit card requires Korean credit history (typically 3–6 months of salary deposits before approval). Use your debit card for everything until then.
11. Learn the Recycling System (종량제)
Korea uses a mandatory pay-as-you-throw system. Buy designated garbage bags (종량제 봉투) at any convenience store — regular waste cannot go in regular bags. Recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, cans) go in separate clear bags or bins. Food waste requires its own small purchased bags. Collection points and days vary by district; ask your landlord for the specifics.
13. Find a Local Clinic
Register with a nearby internal medicine clinic (내과) or general practice clinic before you need one urgently. Many clinics have Google-translated interfaces or staff with basic English. For English-speaking clinics in Seoul, International Clinic (Itaewon), Severance Hospital International Healthcare Center, and Gangnam Severance are well-known options. For everyday illnesses, neighborhood clinics (동네 병원) are inexpensive with NHIS (₩3,000–₩10,000 per visit) and rarely require appointments.
14. Korean Tax Registration if Needed
Employed by a Korean company? Your employer handles withholding and year-end settlement (연말정산) automatically. If you’re freelancing or have multiple income sources, register via Hometax (www.hometax.go.kr) — requires your ARC. Annual income tax filing (종합소득세) is due each May.
15. Join Expat Communities
Active expat communities save time and sanity: Seoul Expats (Facebook) for housing and practical questions; Internations Seoul for professional networking; r/korea and r/seoulexpats on Reddit for candid advice; Kakao Open Chat rooms by neighborhood or interest.
Quick Reference Timeline
| When | Task | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | SIM card, short-term accommodation | Critical |
| Week 1 | Book ARC appointment, open bank account, Korean phone number | High |
| Week 2 | NHIS enrollment, T-Money card, Kakao/Naver setup | High |
| Month 1 | Address registration, Korean debit card, find a clinic, recycling system | Medium |
| Before Day 90 | ARC registration completed | Legal deadline |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which task creates the most problems if delayed?
The ARC, without question. Because you must book an immigration appointment (2–3 weeks wait), and the 90-day deadline is hard, missing it results in fines and potential visa complications. Book the appointment within your first week, even if you haven’t gathered all documents yet — you can collect them before the appointment date.
Do I need a Korean phone number before I can open a bank account?
Most Korean banks require a Korean phone number for SMS verification during the account opening process. Get your SIM with a voice number first, then go to the bank. Some banks allow international numbers for initial setup, but it’s the exception rather than the rule.
Can I use a foreign credit card for everyday expenses while I set up Korean banking?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most large stores, restaurants, and supermarkets. However, some smaller restaurants and street vendors are cash-only, and many Korean app-based services reject foreign cards. Keep ₩100,000–₩200,000 in Korean won cash for the first week, and prioritize getting a Korean debit card as soon as your bank account is open.
Is it possible to get everything done in the first month while starting a new job?
Yes. Tasks like NHIS enrollment and address registration can be handled at the district office during lunch. Banking and immigration appointments work best on weekday mornings. If your employer has HR support for foreigners, use it — they can significantly streamline the ARC and NHIS process.
Key Resources
- HiKorea: www.hikorea.go.kr — ARC application and immigration services online
- Government24: www.gov.kr — address changes and many government administrative services in English
- NHIS English page: www.nhis.or.kr/english — health insurance enrollment and premium information
- Immigration Helpline: 1345 — English-language support for ARC, visa, and residence questions
- KEB Hana Bank foreigners page: www.kebhana.com — foreigner-focused banking services
- T-Money website: www.tmoney.co.kr — transit card information and balance check