✅ Your first 30 days in Busan

Get a SIM or eSIM

A prepaid plan works with just your passport. Long-term monthly plans need your residence card (ARC), so switch later.

Get a transit card

Buy a T-money or Cashbee card at any convenience store and top it up with cash. It works on Busan's subway, buses and most taxis.

티머니 카드

Install the essential apps

Naver Map for directions, Kakao T for taxis, Papago for translation. Google Maps doesn't give walking or driving directions in Korea.

Save the emergency numbers

119 fire & ambulance, 112 police, 1345 immigration help line (many languages). All work from any phone.

Sort out money

Foreign cards work in most shops; keep some cash for markets and card top-ups. Use ATMs marked “Global”.

Book your residence card (ARC) appointment

If you stay over 90 days, you must apply within 90 days of arrival. Book a visit on HiKorea now — slots fill up weeks ahead. Students: ask your university's international office first; many apply as a group.

외국인등록

Get proof of your address

You need it for the ARC: your lease contract, or a dorm residence certificate from your school.

기숙사 거주확인서

Prepare the other documents

Passport, one passport photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm), the application form, your enrollment or employment certificate, and the fee. HiKorea lists the exact papers for your visa type.

Check your dorm's move-in documents

Many dorms ask for a chest X-ray (TB check) result and passport photos at move-in. Check your dorm's list before you fly — getting the X-ray at home can be easier.

결핵 검사

Go to orientation

The international office runs one at the start of each semester: course registration, student ID, insurance and visa briefings — and the easiest place to meet people.

Sign up for the buddy program

Most Busan universities pair new international students with a Korean student who helps with the first weeks. Sign-up is usually early in the semester — ask the international office.

Set up your student ID and portal

You need them for the library, campus Wi-Fi, course changes and student discounts. Some student IDs double as a transit or bank card.

Open a bank account

Easiest once you have your ARC. Bring your passport, ARC, a Korean phone number and your enrollment or employment certificate. Branches near universities are used to foreign customers.

계좌 개설

Switch to a monthly phone plan

With your ARC you can get a cheaper long-term plan. Budget carriers (알뜰폰) cost much less than the big three.

알뜰폰

Check your health insurance

Students on a D-2 visa are enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHIS) automatically once registered; most other long-stay residents join after 6 months. Bills come monthly — unpaid premiums can block a visa extension.

Learn the trash rules

General trash goes in official pay-per-bag bags from convenience stores; food waste and recyclables are separated. Ask your landlord or dorm which days to put them out.

종량제 봉투

Moved? Report your new address within 15 days

Do it online on HiKorea or at the community center (주민센터) of your new neighbourhood. Late reports get a fine.

체류지 변경 신고

Free help in your language

Busan Global Center's call center answers everyday questions — housing, work, legal — in several languages on weekdays.

Extend your visa before it expires

Apply on HiKorea before your permitted stay ends — staying even a day over can mean a fine. Put the date in your calendar now.