The first reality you encounter when relocating to Korea is that everything is in Korean — visa forms, lease agreements, bank account documents, health insurance enrollment. The language barrier is the first real hurdle of any Korea relocation.
KOCATION is a professional relocation service that accompanies foreign nationals through every step of settling in Korea. This guide covers the essential procedures you must complete when moving to Korea.
1. Visa — What to Decide Before You Arrive
To stay in Korea longer than 90 days, you need to obtain an appropriate visa in advance. Key visa types:
| Visa | Who It's For | Duration |
|------|-------------|----------|
| E-7 | Specialized employment | Up to 3 years |
| D-8 | Foreign investors | Up to 3 years |
| F-6 | Spouse of Korean national | Up to 3 years |
| F-5 | Permanent residents | Indefinite |
After arriving in Korea with your visa, you must complete alien registration within 90 days.
2. Housing — Seoul's Neighborhoods and the Rental Market
Popular expat neighborhoods in Seoul:
- Itaewon/Yongsan: International schools and foreign embassies nearby, strong English-speaking community
- Mapo/Hongdae: Young atmosphere, relatively reasonable rents
- Gangnam/Seocho: Business hub, close to international schools (GSIS, KISJ)
- Songpa/Jamsil: Family-oriented, convenient amenities near Lotte Tower
Lease types:
- Wolse (monthly rent): Deposit + monthly payment — recommended for expats
- Jeonse (lump-sum deposit): Full deposit paid upfront, no monthly rent (requires large capital, 2–3 year contracts)
KOCATION assists with lease negotiation and contract review in English.
3. Bank Account Setup
One of the first things to do after arriving in Korea. Required documents:
- Passport
- Alien Registration Card (issued after 90 days)
- Proof of address (lease agreement)
Note: Some banks (KakaoBank, Toss Bank) allow account opening before the Alien Registration Card is issued.
4. Health Insurance
Korea operates a National Health Insurance system, and foreign nationals are required to enroll:
- Employees: Automatically enrolled through workplace insurance
- Non-employed: Must register for local area health insurance separately
- Premiums: Calculated based on income and assets
5. Telecom — SIM Card and Internet
All three major Korean carriers (SK Telecom, KT, LG U+) accept foreign national registration.
- Required: Passport + Alien Registration Card
- LTE/5G coverage: 95%+ nationwide
Start with KOCATION
If you want to handle every step of your Korea relocation in one place, contact KOCATION. We support everything from visa applications to housing contracts, bank account setup, and daily life assistance services.
[Book a Free Consultation →](/en/consultation)