Living guide
Handle Korea life setup tasks in the right order.
Connect visa, banking, SIM, insurance, transport, hospital, housing, and tax information with checklists and place details.
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Living guides
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Task groups
Linked
Checklist
Open a Bank Account
Open a Korean bank account as a foreigner. Most banks require your Residence Card or ARC, passport, and a Korean phone number.
Get a Korean Phone Plan
Set up a Korean mobile plan (USIM). Choose between major carriers (SKT, KT, LG U+) or budget MVNOs.
Get an eSIM for Korea
eSIMs let you activate a Korean data plan without a physical SIM card. Perfect for tourists and short-term visitors.
Set Up Home Internet
Korea has some of the world's fastest and cheapest broadband. Setup takes about a week for the technician appointment.
Get a Transportation Card
Get a T-money or Cashbee card to use on buses, subway, and taxis across all of Korea. Available at any convenience store.
Get a Korean Driver's License
Exchange your foreign license for a Korean one, or take a Korean driving test. Exchange eligibility depends on your home country.
Enroll in Health Insurance
Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS / 국민건강보험) applies to many registered foreign residents. Timing depends on visa, employment, and length of stay.
Understanding Korean Taxes
Key taxes for foreigners in Korea: income tax, VAT, and local income tax. Most employees have taxes withheld automatically.
Arrival setup
Recommended Setup Services
Practical recommendations for common first-week tasks in Korea.
Korea arrival essentials
Prepare bedding, towels, adapters, kitchen basics, toiletries, and first-week household items after arrival.
Browse essentials →Korea eSIM data
Get mobile data before landing so maps, translation, messaging, and transit apps work from the airport.
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