Before you fly · Your first 90 days

Land well.
Settle in fast.

A practical order for your visa, home, residence card, health insurance and first part-time job in Korea.

Pusan National University campus, Busan
Pusan National University · Busan · 2008Photo credit
Visa, insurance and work rules change. Each step below links to the office that decides; your university’s international office is your first contact for anything that applies to you personally. Information reviewed 31 October 2026.

  1. Before you fly

    Get the right student visa.

    D-2 is for degree study (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate). D-4 is for Korean-language training. You apply at the Korean embassy or consulate that serves you, using the Certificate of Admission your university issues for the visa.

    • Expect to show your passport, the visa form, academic records and proof that you can cover tuition and living costs.
    • The exact document list and the amount of financial proof are set by each embassy. Read your embassy’s own visa page before you book.
    • Arrive on the student visa itself. Universities warn that entering on another visa can mean leaving Korea to apply again.

    Korea Visa Portal (opens a new tab) Example: a consulate’s D-2/D-4 page (opens a new tab)

  2. As soon as you are admitted

    Secure a place to live.

    Apply for the university dormitory first. Places are limited and fill early. Keep a back-up plan while you wait.

    Dormitory

    Usually the simplest first home. Often paid by semester, with rules on guests and quiet hours.

    Goshiwon & share house

    Small private rooms with shared spaces. Little or no deposit, quick to move in, good for your first months.

    One-room & officetel

    Your own studio. Listings show the deposit and monthly rent together, for example 1000/60: a KRW 10 million deposit and KRW 600,000 a month, plus a separate maintenance fee.

    • Read the contract before paying a deposit. Check who owns the property and use a licensed agent.
    • Keep receipts for the deposit, rent and maintenance fee.

    Stays in Korea: places to live

  3. Your first week

    Phone, bank and transport.

    • Phone: you can start with a prepaid SIM using your passport. More plans open up once you have your residence card.
    • Bank: many banks ask for the residence card. Some universities host a bank branch that helps new international students.
    • Transport: a rechargeable transport card works on buses and subways in most cities.

  4. Within 90 days

    Register for your residence card.

    Anyone staying longer than 90 days must register with the immigration office that covers their address within 90 days of entry. The card is now called the Residence Card; many people still say ARC.

    • Book a visit on HiKorea, or join your university’s group application if it offers one.
    • Bring your passport, a photo, proof of enrolment, proof of address and the fee.
    • Report a new address within 14 days of moving.
    • With a valid card, you can usually leave and re-enter within one year without a separate re-entry permit.

    HiKorea (immigration e-services) (opens a new tab) Example: a university’s 2026 registration notice (opens a new tab)

  5. From registration

    National Health Insurance.

    Enrolment is compulsory. D-2 students are enrolled automatically from their registration date. Students on a D-4 general language course are enrolled six months after entry, so check whether your school requires private insurance for the first months.

    KRW 79,320monthly student premium in 2026, after the student reduction (university notice citing the National Health Insurance Service)
    • Premiums are billed monthly; set up automatic payment.
    • Unpaid premiums can block a visa extension.

    National Health Insurance Service (opens a new tab) 2026 premium notice (Sungshin University) (opens a new tab) Hospitals in Korea

  6. Before you take a job

    Get permission to work part-time.

    A student visa does not let you work automatically. You need permission from immigration before your first day, usually after your university’s international office confirms the job.

    • Weekly hours depend on your programme, year of study, Korean or English test results and your university’s certification. Vacation periods usually allow more.
    • D-4 language students generally become eligible only after six months in Korea and need good attendance.
    • Some workplaces and job types are not allowed. Working without permission can cost you your visa.

    Apply on HiKorea (opens a new tab) Example: a university’s hours table (PDF) (opens a new tab)

  7. Every semester

    Keep your status in good order.

    • Extend your stay before the date on your residence card. Universities usually start this about three months ahead.
    • Grades and attendance are checked at extension.
    • Report changes to your address or passport on time.

Thinking beyond graduation?

See how students move from study to work in Korea, or take their experience home.

After graduation →