A Korean residence card is considered an indispensable item for any foreigner residing in South Korea. The value of a Korean student's residence card is equivalent to that of his/her ID card in their home country.

 

Today, future Korean students, let's explore with Chingu Mobile the steps to apply for a Korean residence card (ARC) to prepare for your upcoming study abroad trip to Korea!

 

Don't forget that Chingu Mobile is a mobile service provider exclusively for foreigners in Korea. Prepaid and postpaid phone packages, or even home internet are all our key services to serve those of you who are working, working or studying in Korea.

 

What is a Korean residence card (ARC, 외국인 등록증)?

A Korean residence card or Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea, with the Korean name 외국인 등록증. This is a card equivalent to an ID card issued to foreigners who have stayed in Korea for more than 90 days.

 

Issued by the Korean Immigration Service, this card will be an indispensable item for you in your upcoming study abroad trip to Korea.

 

What is the alien registration number?

The alien registration number in Korea will have 13 numbers. Similar to the national ID card in most countries, the alien registration number in Korea will have different meanings for each number.

 

The first 6 numbers before the dash are your date of birth. The following 7 numbers represent your gender, Immigration registration agency, related code, classification code, and verification code. Therefore, with only your alien registration card, the authorities can check and access the above information.

 

Who needs to register for an alien registration card (ARC, 외국인 등록증)?

 

The following subjects are regulated by the Korean Immigration Service regarding the registration of alien registration cards (ARC):

• - Foreigners with a visa to stay in Korea for more than 90 days from the date of entry
• - People who used to have Korean nationality but are currently holding foreign nationality
• - Foreigners born in Korea

 

Procedure for registering for an alien registration card for international students in Korea

 

1. Make an appointment at the Immigration Office based on your area of residence on the website HiKorea

• - 민원신청 → 방문예약 → Agree to the terms and conditions → 방문얘약 신청 → select the office corresponding to your area → select the service you need → select the date and time and register
• - After successfully registering for an appointment, the HiKorea website will send a confirmation message to your phone number

2. Prepare all the documents and submit them to the Immigration Office

3. The staff will ask you to deposit money at the ATM at the office, after depositing money, don't forget to get the receipt and bring it to the desk processing the application

4. After the procedures are completed, you will receive a paper with an appointment date to pick up the card. This paper can replace your personal documents while waiting for the foreigner card to be issued.

⚠️ Note that you should make an appointment at the correct immigration office 1 month before the application date on HiKorea to get the best schedule and ideal time.

 

What are the documents required for an alien registration card (ARC)?

• - Passport
• - ID photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm) taken within the last 6 months, white background, clearly showing both ears and forehead
• - Application for alien registration card (download here)
• - Proof of residence (rental contract, accommodation provision certificate, notice of imminent expiration of stay, public service payment receipt, etc.)
• - Proof of school enrollment (for D visa)
• - Card issuance fee of 30,000 won (additional 3,000 won if you want the card delivered to your home)

 

Things to note when using a residence card (ARC)

 

• - Avoid lending or letting others use it because this is your inseparable card, strangers can use this card to open a bank account, register a phone number and if any problems occur, the person whose name is you will be responsible.
• - Avoid revealing your ARC number because people with bad intentions will take advantage of your card number to do things like bank loan or personal loan, ...
• - Always carry it with you while living and studying in Korea.
• - After having the card, you can own an extremely affordable postpaid Korean SIM package from Chingu Mobile, contact us now for advice!

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We hope this article has equipped you with the knowledge you need to navigate the Korean Residence Card process. And don't forget, Chingu Mobile is here to make your study abroad experience even smoother.

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