Arrival in Korea
Just arrived in Korea? Let us guide you on how to get from the airport to your destination.
After Arrival Procedure
- Immigration: Submit passport and arrival card (filled out on the plane)
- Baggage Claim: Pick up luggage from the baggage belt
- Customs Declaration: Declare high-value items or cash over $10,000
- Move to Arrival Hall: Choose transportation (Airport Railroad, bus, taxi)
Airport Transportation
Airport Bus
- Operates from Incheon & Gimpo airports to Seoul and major cities nationwide
- Hours: 4 AM ~ Midnight (varies by route)
- Fare: ₩10,000 ~ ₩18,000 (varies by distance)
Subway (Airport Railroad)
- Incheon Airport ↔ Seoul Station Express: ~43 minutes
- All-stop train: ~1 hour
- Fare: Express ₩9,500 / All-stop ₩4,150
Taxi
- Regular taxi: Meter fare + highway toll
- Incheon Airport → Seoul City: ~₩65,000 ~ ₩100,000
- Deluxe taxi: About twice the regular fare
Transportation Tip
What to Prepare on Arrival
- Cash: At least ₩20K~30K for transit card (exchange available at airport)
- SIM card: Buy at airport convenience store or carrier booth
- WiFi: Free airport WiFi 'Airport WiFi' available
- School contact: Save international office number for emergencies
Housing Options
Korea offers various housing types. Choose based on your budget and lifestyle preferences.
| Type | Deposit | Monthly Rent | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dormitory | None | ₩200,000~500,000 | University-provided, priority allocation |
| One-room | ₩5M~20M | ₩350,000~800,000 | Private space |
| Goshiwon | ₩100,000~500,000 | ₩250,000~450,000 | Small, utilities included |
| Hasuk (Boarding) | None or minimal | ₩400,000~700,000 | Meals included (2-3/day) |
| Share House | ₩500,000~2M | ₩300,000~500,000 | Shared common areas |
Housing Tip
Caution
- Always sign a contract and keep deposit receipts when leasing real estate
- Agent fees are typically 50~100% of monthly rent
- Jeonse (long-term deposit system) is not recommended for foreigners (potential deposit return issues)
Housing Search Sites
- Zigbang (zigbang.com): Search for one-rooms/officetels
- Dabang (dabangapp.com): Compare various listings
- For foreigners: KoreaStay, Borderless House
Transportation
Korea's public transportation is world-renowned for being convenient and affordable. With one transit card, you can go anywhere.
Public Transport Fares (Seoul, 2024)
※ Fares may be adjusted annually.
| Transport | Base Fare | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Subway | ₩1,400 | Within 10km |
| City Bus | ₩1,500 | Regular bus |
| Village Bus | ₩1,000 | - |
| Taxi | ₩4,800 | Base fare (2km) |
| KTX (High-speed rail) | ~₩50,000+ | Seoul↔Busan ~2.5hrs |
Transit Card Required!
Transit cards are ₩100+ cheaper than cash and offer transfer discounts.
- T-money / Cashbee: Available at convenience stores and subway stations
- Recharge: Convenience stores, subway station machines, auto-recharge via app
- Transfer discount: Free transfers within 30 minutes
- Youth discount: 20% off (ages 13-18)
Essential Transit Apps
- Kakao Map: Navigation, real-time bus/subway arrival info
- Naver Map: Detailed walking/public transit routes
- Kakao T: Call taxis, check fares in advance
UNIVijob Tip
Health Insurance
If you stay in Korea for more than 6 months, you must enroll in the National Health Insurance. It's very helpful when you're sick.
National Health Insurance (Mandatory)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Those staying 6+ months after alien registration |
| Premium | ~₩70,000 ~ ₩140,000/month (varies by income) |
| Benefits | 30-60% co-pay, rest covered by insurance |
| How to Apply | Bill sent automatically after alien registration, or visit NHIS branch |
Coverage
✓ 보장 항목
- Outpatient care (hospitals, clinics)
- Inpatient treatment and surgery
- Pharmacy prescriptions
- Health checkups (partial)
✗ 비보장 항목
- Cosmetic procedures
- Some dental work (implants, etc.)
- Medical expenses incurred abroad
University Student Insurance
UNIVijob Tip
Medical Care
If it's your first time using Korean hospitals, here's what to expect.
Medical Visit Process
- Visit hospital (outpatient registration)
- Wait for your turn
- Consultation and examination
- Payment (co-pay after insurance)
- Pick up prescription at pharmacy
Types of Medical Facilities
- Clinic/Hospital: For mild symptoms like cold, skin issues → Neighborhood clinic
- General Hospital: For hospitalization, surgery, specialist care → University hospitals, Samsung, Asan, etc.
- Emergency Room: Serious injuries, high fever, breathing difficulties → Call 119 or visit directly
Hospitals with Foreign Language Services
Major hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and Asan Medical Center have international patient centers.
International patient centers usually require appointments. Please call or book online before visiting.
Using Pharmacies
Prescription medications must be purchased at pharmacies. Submit your prescription and the pharmacist will explain the medication. Over-the-counter medicines like cold medicine and digestive aids can be bought at convenience stores or pharmacies without a prescription.
UNIVijob Tip
Banking
You'll need a bank account in Korea for rent payments, part-time job wages, and more.
Documents for Opening a Foreigner Account
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card (or Domestic Residence Card)
- Student ID or enrollment certificate
- Phone number
Without an Alien Registration Card, opening a bank account can be difficult. When you first arrive, use prepaid cards from your university or exchange foreign currency. Open a bank account after completing alien registration.
Major Banks
- Kookmin Bank (KB): Has foreign customer counters, English service available
- Shinhan Bank: SOL app supports English banking
- Woori Bank: Many branches on university campuses, offers accounts for international students
- Hana Bank: Strong in foreign exchange services, multi-language support
Mobile Banking
After opening an account, install your bank's app for transfers, balance checks, and card management on your smartphone. Fintech apps like Toss and KakaoBank (available 6 months after alien registration) are also convenient.
Remittance Services
- Bank remittance: Fee ~₩10,000 ~ ₩30,000
- Remittance apps: Wise, Western Union, etc. (cheaper)
- For sending money home, we recommend Wise. It has low fees and uses real-time exchange rates.
UNIVijob Tip
Mobile Phones
A mobile phone is essential in Korea. You can choose between prepaid SIM or postpaid plans.
Prepaid SIM Card
- Available at convenience stores and airports
- Can activate with passport only
- Data-only or voice + data
We recommend buying a prepaid SIM at the airport upon arrival, then switching to a postpaid plan after alien registration.
Postpaid Plan
Required: Alien Registration Card, bank account, enrollment certificate
Major carriers: SKT, KT, LG U+ (reliable service, higher prices)
Budget MVNOs: Hello Mobile, Liiv M, Freety, etc. (lower prices, same network)
Plan Examples (monthly)
- Unlimited data + calls: ~₩50,000 ~ ₩70,000 (major carriers)
- 11GB data + 100 min calls: ~₩15,000 ~ ₩25,000 (MVNOs)
eSIM Option
If you have an eSIM-compatible device (iPhone XS or later, recent Galaxy), you can activate without a physical SIM through an app. KT, SKT offer eSIM services, and you can even purchase before arriving in Korea.
UNIVijob Tip
Safety Tips
Korea is generally a safe country, but it's good to know emergency contacts just in case.
Emergency Contacts (Must Save!)
| Situation | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 경찰 | 112 | 범죄, 교통사고 신고 |
| 소방/응급 | 119 | 화재, 응급환자, 구급차 |
| 외국인종합안내센터 | 1345 | 비자, 체류, 생활 상담 (다국어) |
| 관광안내 | 1330 | 여행 정보, 통역 지원 |
| 법률상담 | 132 | 법률 문제 무료 상담 |
| Mental Health Crisis | 1577-0199 | 24-hour psychological counseling |
Safety Tips for Students
- Keep copies of passport and ARC separately (cloud storage recommended)
- Save embassy/consulate contact information on your phone
- Check your university's international office emergency contacts
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas late at night
- Be cautious of requests from strangers (carrying luggage, etc.)
Disaster Alert Messages
In Korea, emergency messages are sent to phones during disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, or heavy rain. If you use a Korean SIM, you'll automatically receive them. English versions are also sent, so don't panic.
Recommended Safety Apps
- Safety Disarm (안전디딤돌): Disaster alerts, shelter guidance (official Ministry of Interior app)
- 112 Emergency Report: Emergency reporting with automatic location transmission
UNIVijob Tip
Living Costs
Living costs in Korea vary greatly depending on location and lifestyle. Here's a monthly average based on Seoul.
Monthly Living Costs (Seoul, 2025 Reference)
※ Costs may vary significantly depending on individual lifestyle.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | ₩300,000 ~ ₩600,000 |
| Food | ₩300,000 ~ ₩500,000 |
| Transportation | ₩50,000 ~ ₩100,000 |
| Phone | ₩30,000 ~ ₩50,000 |
| Health Insurance | ₩70,000 ~ ₩140,000 |
| Entertainment | ₩100,000 ~ ₩200,000 |
| Other | ₩100,000 ~ ₩200,000 |
| Total | ₩880,000 ~ ₩1,650,000 |
Regional Cost Differences
- Seoul/Capital Area: Highest
- Metropolitan cities (Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, etc.): 80-90% of Seoul
- Regional cities: 60-80% of Seoul
Money-Saving Tips for Students
- Use school cafeteria: 3,000~5,000 won per meal
- Take advantage of convenience store 1+1, 2+1 promotions
- Get a monthly transit pass or climate companion card
- Shop during supermarket discount hours (after 7 PM)
- Use second-hand trading apps (Karrot Market, Bungaejangter)
- Save on phone bills with MVNO
- Use libraries and free cultural events
Earning Extra Income from Part-Time Work
UNIVijob Tip
First Week Checklist
Your first week in Korea is crucial for getting settled. Follow this checklist to start your life smoothly!
Day 1-2: Arrival & Initial Setup
- Clear immigration and collect luggage
- Get a SIM card at the airport (prepaid recommended)
- Exchange some cash (₩200,000-500,000 initially)
- Get to your accommodation via airport bus, subway, or taxi
- Unpack and buy essential groceries nearby
Day 3-4: University Registration
- Attend university orientation
- Get your student ID card
- Complete dormitory registration (if applicable)
- Visit the International Office for guidance
- Apply for campus WiFi and library access
Day 5-7: Life Setup
- Open a Korean bank account (need passport + ARC or certificate)
- Get a T-money transit card and register it
- Explore your neighborhood - find supermarkets, convenience stores
- Download essential apps: Kakao, Naver Maps, delivery apps
- Book your Alien Registration Card appointment at immigration
Must Do Within 90 Days!
- Apply for Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival
- Register for National Health Insurance (after 6 months, mandatory)
- Report your residence address to immigration
- Set up mobile banking once you have ARC