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
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 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 |
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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
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
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