Complete your first tasks in Korea in the right order

Official-source guides for the first 7 travel days and first 100 study-and-settle days. Every article remains hidden from search until human review.

First 7 Days in Korea

Check whether you need a visa or K-ETA — Your passport, travel purpose and length of stay determine the correct entry route. Check the Korea Visa Portal first and use only the official K-ETA site if it applies to you.
Prepare your arrival documents — Carry the passport and entry documents that match your approved travel route. Entry is decided by immigration at the border, not by a guide or booking site.
Check customs and restricted items — Food, medicine, cash and other goods may require declaration or additional permission. Check the Korea Customs Service before packing.
Get from Incheon Airport to your destination — Confirm your terminal, arrival time and final destination before choosing rail, bus or taxi. Same-day operating information should come from the airport and transport operator.
Connect your phone and mobile data — Choose a temporary travel SIM or eSIM according to device compatibility and your stay. A travel data plan does not automatically provide Korean identity verification.
Use local transport and payments — Prepare more than one payment method and confirm how to buy and recharge a transport card. Card acceptance and foreign-card verification can differ by service.
Get medical or emergency help — Use official emergency channels for urgent danger and check current public-health guidance for infectious-disease concerns. A directory entry does not guarantee language availability at the time you visit.

Choose a school and study program — Use Study in Korea to explore options, then confirm the current semester's requirements and deadline in the university's official admissions notice.
Prepare a D-2 or D-4 student visa — Visa type and documents depend on your program and consular jurisdiction. Use the Visa Portal for common rules and the responsible Korean embassy or consulate for local submission instructions.
Secure housing without losing your deposit — Start with university housing and verify any private contract before transferring money. Never treat a social-media post or agent message as proof of ownership or contract safety.
Prepare your residence card application — Use HiKorea and your university's international office to confirm the current procedure, appointment route and documents for your status and address.
Set up phone identity checks and a bank account — A data SIM, a Korean phone line and identity verification are different services. Ask the carrier and bank which identity documents they currently accept for your status.
Understand student health insurance — Enrollment timing, contribution and exceptions depend on your recorded status. Use NHIS guidance and ask NHIS about your own record instead of relying on another student's bill.
Check permission before part-time work — A job offer does not prove that the work is permitted under your student status. Check HiKorea and your university before starting any paid work.