12 Essential Steps: Moving to Korea Checklist

Seoul skyline at sunset for moving to Korea checklist

This moving to Korea checklist helps you prepare for every stage of your relocation — from visas and housing to banking, healthcare, and daily life. If you’re planning to move for work, study, or adventure, this guide provides more than 12 steps and 2,000+ words of actionable information to make your transition as smooth as possible.

1. Verify Your Visa and Residency Type

Identify your visa category (D-2 for students, E-2 for teachers, F-series for long-term residents).
Prepare required documents early, such as your passport, invitation letter, and proof of financial stability.
After arrival, book your Alien Registration Card (ARC) appointment through HiKorea.
Make photocopies of all your documents and store digital backups securely in cloud storage.

2. Choose Your Accommodation

Understand housing types: jeonse (deposit lease), wolse (monthly rent), and officetels (studio-style units).
Use trusted apps like Zigbang or Dabang to browse available listings with verified landlords.
Inspect the property before signing — check for mold, insulation, and hidden maintenance costs.
Ask for the “jeonse registration certificate” to avoid scams.

3. Prepare Your Finances

Managing money efficiently is essential. Set up a local account immediately to handle rent, utilities, and mobile payments.

Open a local bank account with your passport and ARC (KEB Hana and Shinhan Bank are expat-friendly).
Enable mobile banking for transfers and bill payments.
Compare remittance options such as Wise or Revolut for international transfers.
Consider keeping one international credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

4. Get a Korean SIM or eSIM

Internet access is vital in Korea. A local number helps with deliveries, app verification, and banking.

Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport for immediate use.
For long stays, sign a postpaid plan with SK Telecom, KT, or LG U+.
Newer phones can activate an eSIM through providers like Mobi or Chingu Mobile.
Register your number for two-step verification in major apps.

Korean SIM card and smartphone showing setup process

5. Learn Basic Korean Phrases

Even learning 100 words can transform your daily life. Use apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Talk To Me In Korean to learn the essentials.

“안녕하세요” (Hello) — Always polite and safe to use.
“감사합니다” (Thank you) — Essential in every situation.
“얼마예요?” (How much?) — Useful for shopping or dining.
Practice saying your address and phone number in Korean.

6. Arrange Health Insurance

Enroll in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) within your first month.
Visit NHIS official website for enrollment instructions.
Private insurance is recommended for additional dental or vision coverage.
Most clinics offer English support in Seoul and Busan.

7. Pack for Four Seasons

Korea experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Bring a mix of clothing for flexibility:

Light, breathable clothes for June–August.
Warm coat and thermal layers for December–February.
Comfortable shoes — walking is a big part of daily life.
Voltage adapters (220V) and travel medicine kit.

Four seasons in Korea - cherry blossoms, summer, autumn leaves, winter snow

8. Set Up Transportation

Korea’s public transport is world-class. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap to plan routes.

Buy a T-money card for subway, bus, and taxi use. Recharge at convenience stores.
Public transportation runs on time and covers even small towns.
Always tap in and out at card readers for transfer discounts.

9. Prepare Important Documents

Scan and store all legal documents in cloud storage.
Carry passport-size photos — required for applications.
Keep your lease and employment contract both digitally and physically.

10. Check Local Apps

Life in Korea is app-driven. Here are essentials you’ll need:

Naver Map for directions
KakaoTalk for communication
Baemin for food delivery
Coupang for online shopping

11. Understand Cultural Etiquette

Respect and politeness are key in Korean culture:

Use two hands when giving or receiving items.
Take off shoes before entering homes.
Avoid loud conversations in public spaces.
Always bow slightly when greeting elders or superiors.

12. Make an Arrival Plan (First 7 Days)

Days 1–2: Check into temporary housing, buy a SIM/eSIM, and get transport cards.
Days 3–5: Find a long-term apartment, open a bank account, register ARC.
Days 6–7: Set up NHIS, utilities, and get familiar with your neighborhood.

Tip: Join expat groups on Facebook, Reddit, and local apps to exchange tips and avoid common mistakes. Real-time advice from experienced expats saves time and stress.

Related Guides

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12 Essential Things to Prepare Before Moving to Korea