7 Things International Students Should Do in Their First Week in Korea

After arriving in Korea, the number of tasks can feel larger than expected. During the first week, international students should handle SIM, 외국인등록 (foreigner registration), school registration, banking, transit, insurance and address confirmation in that order. The basic rule is simple: get a working phone number on day one, then start school and immigration procedures within the first three days.

Arrival day — SIM activation and cash exchange

1. Activate your SIM

The first item on your Korea arrival day checklist is SIM activation. In Korea, your phone number is not just for calls. It is the starting point for identity verification. Without phone verification, you may be blocked from banking apps, food delivery apps, taxi apps, school portals and many other services that require identity checks.

Many students first use a prepaid SIM that can be activated with a passport. After receiving 외국인등록증 (Alien Registration Card, ARC), you can update the subscriber information or switch to a postpaid plan. GEA SIM makes it easier to prepare a number you can use right after arrival.

On arrival day, you do not need to exchange all your money. Prepare enough cash for transportation, meals and document fees you may need immediately.

First 3 days — Foreigner registration and school registration

1. Check the 외국인등록 schedule

The 외국인등록 (foreigner registration) procedure must be completed within 90 days after entering Korea. Still, it is better not to wait until the deadline. 외국인등록증 (Alien Registration Card, ARC) is often needed for banking, phone-number ownership updates, insurance and online identity verification.

Most schools either process group applications through the international office at the beginning of the semester or explain how to book an appointment. In general, you may need your passport, visa, ID photo, certificate of enrollment or admission documents and proof of residence.

The exact procedure and timing should be checked with your school’s international office or GEA.

1. Complete school registration

School registration is the administrative process that lets you start classes. Check tuition confirmation, course registration, orientation, student ID application, dormitory move-in confirmation and school portal activation. Important notices often appear in your school email and portal, so check them regularly.

Within 1 week — Bank account, T-money and insurance

1. Prepare to open an 외국인 계좌

The timing for opening an 외국인 계좌 (foreigner bank account) varies by bank and branch. Some branches may open a limited account with your passport, admission documents, Korean address and Korean phone number. Others may only allow account opening after your 외국인등록증 has been issued.

Before visiting a bank, prepare your passport, admission letter or certificate of enrollment, Korean address and Korean phone number.

1. Get a T-money card

T-money (Korean transit card) is a transit card that foreigners can use right away. You can buy and top it up at convenience stores or subway stations, then use it for subways, buses and some taxis. During the first week, your routes may change often, so T-money is usually easier than single-use tickets.

1. Check temporary insurance

There may be a gap before 건강보험 (National Health Insurance) applies. Check the coverage period of your school group insurance, travel insurance or home-country insurance, and keep your insurance certificate or English confirmation available in case you need to visit a hospital.

Within the first month — Address registration and health insurance

1. Confirm your address and 건강보험 status

Address registration is connected to your 외국인등록 application. If you live in a dormitory, you may need a dormitory residence confirmation. If you live in a one-room apartment or boarding house, you may need a lease contract or residence confirmation. If your address changes, you need to report it to your school and immigration office, so keep your contract.

The timing for 건강보험 (National Health Insurance) can vary depending on your visa type and length of stay. D-2 students often receive guidance after foreigner registration, while D-4 Korean language students may be covered after a certain period of stay. Premium notices are sent to your registered address.

Your first month is not about making life perfect. It is about connecting the basic systems. If you handle SIM, 외국인등록, school registration, banking, T-money, insurance and address in order, your life in Korea will become much more stable.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do I need to activate a SIM on the first day?

It is best to do it on the first day if possible. Many Korean services require phone verification, so without a number you may be blocked when opening accounts, signing up for apps or receiving school messages.

Q. When is the deadline for 외국인등록?

It must be completed within 90 days after entry. However, because 외국인등록증 is needed for banking, insurance, phone ownership and identity verification, prepare as soon as your school announces the group application schedule.

Q. Can I open a bank account without 외국인등록증?

It depends on the bank and branch. Some may open a limited account with your passport and admission documents, while others require 외국인등록증. Before visiting, check the required documents with your school’s partner bank or the branch you plan to use.

Q. Can foreigners use T-money?

Yes. Foreigners can buy T-money at convenience stores or subway stations, top it up and use it immediately. If you plan to use buses and subways often, prepare it during your first week.

Q. Does 건강보험 start immediately?

Not always. The start date can depend on visa type and registration status, so during the early period you should also check the coverage period of your school insurance or personal insurance.