If you’re coming to Korea for a longer stay, getting an Alien Registration Card (ARC) is one of your first tasks. This card serves as your Korean ID, and you’ll need it for essentials like setting up a bank account, getting a phone plan, and accessing healthcare. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your ARC without any hassle.

1. Who Needs an Alien Registration Card?

• Anyone staying over 90 days (students, employees, residents, etc.)
• Short-term visitors (under 90 days) don’t need an ARC. Typically, only people with long-term visas, like D-2 student visas or E-2 teaching visas, are eligible.
• Exemptions include:
  • Foreigners under 17 (it’s optional for them).
  • Diplomats, consulate staff, and their families.
  • Those granted special privileges through agreements with the Korean government.

Anyone not covered under these exemptions is required to register. Even those under 17 must be registered in the system, though they’re not given a physical card.

2. When to Apply

You’ll need to apply within 90 days of arrival. If you miss this deadline, fines can apply, with serious consequences like deportation for major delays. Foreigners who reach the age of 17 while living in Korea need to apply for their ARC within 90 days of their birthday or face a fine of up to 500,000 KRW.

3. How to Apply for Your ARC

3.1 Make an Appointment

Use Korea’s immigration website, HiKorea, to book an appointment at a local immigration office. Some regions may allow walk-ins, but most require a reservation.

3.2 Documents You’ll Need

• Passport (original and a photocopy)
• Visa Issuance Confirmation or Residence Permit (proves your stay eligibility)
• Photo: Recent passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm), taken within the last six months
• Proof of Residence (lease agreement, etc.)
• Application Form: Available at immigration offices or can be downloaded from the HiKorea site
• Fee: Typically 30,000 KRW
• Additional Documents may be needed depending on your visa type. For example, students will need enrollment confirmation, and employees need a work contract.

3.3 Visit Your Local Immigration Office

Submit your application at the nearest immigration office. Major cities have multiple offices, like the Seoul Southern and Seoul Northern Immigration Offices. Be sure to double-check the location and bring all necessary documents to avoid any delays.

3.4 Processing Time

Expect to wait about two weeks for your ARC to be processed. Times may vary, so it’s best to confirm the processing duration when you apply.

3.5 Pick Up Your Card

Once it’s ready, you can pick up your ARC at the immigration office or opt for delivery by mail (additional fees may apply).

4. Important Reminders

4.1 Lost ARC

If you lose your ARC, head to the nearest immigration office to request a replacement. This involves a reapplication fee.

4.2 Change of Address

Moving? You’ll need to update your address with the immigration office within 14 days of the move.

4.3 Extending Your Stay

If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, make sure to apply for an extension before your visa expires.

5. Returning Your ARC

When it’s time to leave Korea for good, remember to return your ARC. Foreigners exiting Korea permanently should return the card at immigration before departure. This applies unless you’re planning to re-enter within an authorized period or if you hold a multiple-entry visa that allows for return within the valid stay period. Though some people may want to keep it as a memento, Korean law mandates returning the ARC, as it has no expiration date and could be misused.

For additional information and to book appointments, visit the HiKorea website, a government portal for all your visa and immigration needs

HiKorea

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1. Restaurant Call Button

When you visit a restaurant in Korea, you’ll likely notice a call button on the table’s edge. This button is used to call over the staff when you want to place an order or make a request. Before call buttons were introduced, people would often call out “Yogiyo!” (Hey, here!) or “Auntie!” to get a staff member’s attention. Now, it’s hard to imagine a restaurant without one! Many foreign visitors are amazed by this feature and wish they could bring it back to their own countries.

2. Banchan (Side Dishes)

If you travel just to nearby Japan, side dishes are typically extra and cost more, even when you order a main dish. But in Korea, no matter what you order—even a simple kimbap roll—you’ll often be served an array of free side dishes, like kimchi, pickled radish, and even soup. In many places, you can even go for seconds by either helping yourself or pressing the call button! And yes, all of these are complimentary.

3. Postnatal Care Centers

In Korea, the concept of “postnatal care” has deep roots. Today, it’s common for new mothers to stay at specialized postnatal care centers after giving birth, where they focus on recovery and rest. These centers resemble hotel suites, providing nutritious meals and snacks specially prepared for recovery. Newborns are also cared for by the staff, and mothers can enjoy massages from trained professionals to relieve swelling and promote healing. The centers also offer classes, allowing mothers to create keepsakes like baby handprints or connect with other mothers who become “mom friends” for life. Most mothers stay for one or two weeks before returning home.

4. Hangover Relief Drinks

Korea has an impressive variety of hangover relief drinks, essential for those who enjoy the country’s vibrant drinking culture (ever heard of “Soju” as a favorite drink?). Along with Korea’s famous drinking games, hangover relief drinks, known as “huk-chae-haeso,” have become an integral part of Korean drinking culture. Easily found in any convenience store, the most popular brands include Condition and Morning Care 808. These drinks are often taken before or during drinking sessions to ease next-day symptoms.

Young people in Korea are catching onto the ‘modisugar’ trend—mixing their own custom hangover drinks with ingredients straight from convenience store shelves! A classic combo? Mixing Powerade, Bacchus, and pear juice to create their own post-party recovery potion!

But remember, they’re just a helpful supplement—don’t overdo it!

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[2024] ILLIT Returns with “Cherish”

Nowadays, international travel has become as unrestricted as it was before COVID-19. Recently, starting from the autumn of 2023, Korean travelers have shown a growing interest in visiting nearby Japan, particularly to ‘super low yen’.

If you’re planning a trip to Korea and unsure of where to go, here are the top 5 popular tourist destinations for international visitors

Here are the top 5 popular tourist destinations in Korea for international travelers!

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (SEOUL)

Representing the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a glimpse into Korea’s history and tradition. Nestled amidst modern buildings in downtown Seoul, it’s a harmonious blend of past and present, attracting both locals and foreigners alike. Before visiting, consider renting a hanbok, as wearing one grants free admission. It’s a common sight to see young Koreans and foreigners strolling around the palace grounds dressed in traditional attire.

2. Myeongdong (SEOUL)

Known as the shopping and entertainment hub of Seoul, Myeongdong offers a plethora of diverse cuisines and shops to explore. Similar to Japan’s DON QUIXOTE, Myeongdong boasts the largest DAISO building in Seoul, perfect for finding affordable gifts for family and friends. Don’t miss out on sampling a variety of Korean street food while wandering through the bustling streets.

3. Haeundae Beach (Busan)

As one of Korea’s most famous beaches, Haeundae Beach is the ideal destination for summer relaxation and seaside fun. Although a bit far from Seoul, Haeundae Beach attracts a significant number of foreign tourists, especially drawn to its stunning marine cityscape and vibrant nightlife. Busan enjoys warmer temperatures compared to Seoul and features numerous temples and shrines due to its mountainous terrain.

4. Jeju Island

Known for its breathtaking natural landscapes including beaches, volcanoes, and waterfalls, Jeju Island is a must-visit destination in Korea. Recently, Korean football captain Son Heung-min showcased Jeju Island along with other iconic Korean travel spots to a global audience.

5. Gyeongju

Experience Korea’s rich history and culture in Gyeongju, a city filled with various historical sites and cultural heritage. If you’re touring the Busan area, consider adding Gyeongju to your itinerary as it’s only about a 1.5-hour drive away. Everywhere you turn, you’ll encounter Korea’s cultural treasures, including UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites. Night city tours, especially, are quite popular here.

So, what do you think?

Apart from that, places frequently visited by Koreans and everyday blog postings will begin.

Please look forward to it!

In the early 2000s, the focus on Hallyu was mainly in Japan and Southeast Asia.

In the current 2020s, interest in Hallyu is growing in the United States and Europe as well. You, looking at this page, are undoubtedly one of the global enthusiasts, right?

Although it’s personal information for me, amidst the flood of scattered internet data, I’ve decided to stack up diverse aspects of Korean music, food, and daily life like pancakes to show you.

Introducing, Fan+Cake+Korea.

I hope you join this experimental blog journey together!

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