The Alien Registration Card (ARC) — also called the 외국인등록증 (waegugin deungnokjeung) — is the essential ID document every foreigner staying in Korea for more than 90 days must obtain. If you are an exchange student, foreign worker, or long-term visitor, your ARC card is required to open a bank account, sign a lease, get a SIM card, and access Korean government services. You must apply within 90 days of entering Korea, and the card typically arrives within 2–4 weeks.

What Is the Alien Registration Card (ARC)?

The ARC is a government-issued photo ID for foreigners residing in Korea on a visa that permits a stay longer than 90 days. It contains your name, photo, nationality, date of birth, ARC number, and visa type. The ARC number (13 digits) functions much like a Korean resident registration number and is required for nearly all administrative tasks in Korea.

For foreign students on a D-2 (student) visa or D-4 (general training) visa, getting an ARC card is the very first task you should complete after arriving in Korea. Without it, everyday tasks like opening a Kakao Bank account or registering for internet service become extremely difficult.

Who Needs an ARC Card in Korea?

Exchange students on a D-2 visa staying more than 90 days
Language students on a D-4 visa
Foreign workers on an E-series visa
Spouses and dependents on an F-series visa
Digital nomads and long-stay visitors on specific visa types

You do NOT need an ARC if you are staying in Korea for 90 days or fewer on a tourist or short-stay visa.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your ARC Card in Korea

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before visiting the immigration office, prepare the following documents:

Valid passport (original)
1 colour passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
Completed application form (Form 34 — downloadable from the HiKorea website at www.hikorea.go.kr or available at the immigration office)
Application fee: 30,000 KRW (paid at the immigration office)
Proof of address in Korea (a lease agreement, dormitory confirmation letter, or housing certificate from your university)
Certificate of enrolment from your Korean university (for D-2 student visa holders)

Step 2: Book an Appointment (Strongly Recommended)

Walk-in appointments at immigration offices are accepted, but waiting times can exceed 3–4 hours during peak seasons (August–September and February–March, when semesters start). It is strongly recommended to book in advance through HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) or the government appointment portal. You can also visit the Hi Korea app on your smartphone to book an appointment slot.

Step 3: Visit the Immigration Office

The main Seoul immigration office is located at:

Seoul Immigration Office (서울출입국·외국인청)
Address: 12 Yangcheon-ro 69-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강서구 양천로69길 12)
Nearest subway: Chemgok Station (Line 5) or Gaehwa Station (Line 5 / Incheon Line 1)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–18:00 (lunch 12:00–13:00)

Other Seoul offices include the Mapo Immigration Office and Seocho Immigration Office. If you live near a university area such as Sinchon or Hongdae, the Mapo office at 1445 Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu may be more convenient.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

At the immigration office, take a number, wait for your turn, and submit all documents to the officer at the counter. Pay the 30,000 KRW fee (cash or card is accepted). You will receive a receipt and be told an estimated collection date, which is typically 1–3 weeks later.

Step 5: Collect Your ARC Card

Return to the immigration office on the collection date with your passport and receipt. Some offices allow you to request home delivery via registered mail for an additional fee of approximately 3,000 KRW. Once you have your card, check all details carefully for errors before leaving the office.

What Can You Do With an ARC Card?

Once you have your alien registration card in Korea, a whole range of services opens up:

Bank accounts: Open a Kakao Bank, Shinhan, or Woori bank account using your ARC number
Mobile SIM: Register a postpaid plan with KT, SK Telecom, or LG Uplus
Apartment rental: Sign a lease agreement (jeonse or wolse) as a legal resident
Healthcare: Enrol in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) program
Government services: Use the Government24 portal (www.gov.kr) to access tax filings, housing certificates, and more
Credit card: Apply for a Korean credit or debit card (after 6 months of account history)

Online Application via HiKorea

As of 2025, some foreigners can apply for their ARC online through the HiKorea website without visiting the immigration office in person. You will still need to upload scanned documents and pay the 30,000 KRW fee online. The card is then mailed to your registered Korean address. This online option is available for D-2 and D-4 visa holders who have a valid Korean mobile phone number for identity verification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long: You must apply within 90 days of entry. Late applications incur a fine of 20,000–100,000 KRW
Wrong address: The address on your ARC must match your actual residence — use your dormitory address or apartment lease address
Blurry photo: Immigration officers may reject photos that don't meet the strict format requirements (white background, no shadows, no glasses)
Missing university documents: Student visa holders must bring both their passport and university enrolment certificate

Living in Seoul as a Foreign Student

Once you have your ARC card, finding a comfortable, furnished apartment in Seoul becomes much easier. Many foreign students prefer furnished apartments near their university — areas like Sinchon, Hongdae, Yonsei, and Anam (Korea University) are popular. Platforms like Homes Signature (homessignature.com) specialize in furnished apartments for foreign exchange students, offering English-language support, flexible lease terms, and fully equipped units near major universities in Seoul.

Having your ARC card means you can sign a proper lease, set up Korean utilities in your name, and make the most of your time studying and living in Korea.

Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Students