A newcomer's guide to your first month in Seoul

The first month in Seoul can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. Keep the essentials simple: your address, immigration status, school or employer contacts, transport, banking, and a small circle of people who know you have arrived safely.

Your first-month checklist

• Save your passport, visa details, local address, and key contacts in a secure place.
• Ask your school or employer exactly which documents they can issue and where to get help with immigration appointments.
• If you intend to stay more than 90 days, arrange foreigner registration within 90 days of entry. Requirements can vary by status, so verify the current checklist before booking.
• Set up practical daily life: a transport card, Korean phone service, bank arrangements when eligible, and reliable housing records.
• Learn your nearest hospital, pharmacy, police station, and the route to your school or workplace before an emergency makes the task harder.
• Join a reliable community channel or gathering so that you have a place to ask practical questions without relying on rumours.

Use official sources for immigration

Government guidance states that people intending to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must register within 90 days of entry. Check current documents, fees, and booking procedures directly with the responsible immigration service because they can change.

Check the government residence and stay guidance at Study in Korea.

For appointments and immigration updates, use Hi Korea.