Buong Road: Everyday Korea

A Step-by-Step Guide for International Students Who Want to Work Legally in Korea 1. Can You Work Part-Time on a Student Visa in Korea? Yes! If you're in Korea on a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language training) visa, you can legally work part-time — but only with permission . The immigration office requires that you: Hold a valid D-2 or D-4 visa Get approval for part-time work (아르바이트 허가) Meet language or academic performance requirements 💡 Working without permission can lead to visa cancellation or fines . 2. Eligibility Requirements for Part-Time Work To apply for a work permit, you must: Have stayed in Korea for at least 6 months Hold a TOPIK Level 2+ , OR Maintain an academic GPA of C (2.0/4.3) or higher Get a recommendation letter from your school 📌 Exceptions exist for students in intensive Korean programs or those on scholarships. 3. How to Apply for Work Permission (출입국 아르바이트 허가) Steps: Prepare the following documents: Application f...

A Foreigner-Friendly Guide to Getting a Korean SIM Card and Mobile Plan 1. Can Foreigners Sign a Phone Contract in Korea? Yes! Foreigners can sign up for either prepaid or postpaid (contract) mobile plans in Korea — depending on their visa type and stay duration. You’ll need: Alien Registration Card (ARC) Korean address and phone number Korean bank account (for postpaid) 💡 Without an ARC, you're limited to prepaid SIMs (short-term use only). 2. Prepaid vs. Postpaid: What’s the Difference? Plan Type Best For Requirements Payment Prepaid Tourists, short-term students Passport only Recharge before use Postpaid (후불) Long-term residents ARC, bank account Monthly billing 📱 Prepaid is flexible but more expensive per GB. Postpaid offers better rates and perks. 3. How to Get a Prepaid SIM Card Perfect for visitors or short stays: Available at: Incheon Airport booths Convenience stores Online retailers (EG SIM, KT M Mobile, Chi...

A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Studying in Korea as a Foreigner 1. Why Study in Korea? Is It Worth It? Korea is home to top-ranked universities, vibrant city life, and a growing international student community. Benefits include: Globally respected degrees (especially from SKY universities) Affordable tuition compared to the U.S./U.K. Scholarships for foreigners Easy access to Korean culture and job opportunities 📚 Popular schools include Seoul National University (SNU) , Yonsei , Korea University , KAIST , and more. 2. General Requirements for International Applicants Every university may have its own process, but these are common requirements: Completed high school diploma or equivalent Valid passport TOPIK score (Korean language proficiency) or English test (TOEFL/IELTS) Academic transcripts (translated into Korean/English) Letters of recommendation (usually 1–2) Personal statement or study plan Application fee (varies by school) 📝...

Step-by-Step Guide for Expats, Students, and Workers in Korea 1. Do Foreigners Need to Enroll in Korean National Health Insurance? Yes— if you’re staying in Korea for more than 6 months , you are legally required to enroll in the National Health Insurance (건강보험) . This applies to: Language students (D-4 visa) University students (D-2 visa) Foreign workers (E-2, E-7, etc.) Permanent residents and spouses of Koreans 🩺 Once enrolled, you’ll get access to discounted hospital visits, prescriptions, and insurance-covered treatments . 2. Who Manages National Health Insurance? The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) is responsible for registration, payments, and services. Website: https://www.nhis.or.kr English Help Line: 1577-1000 → Press 7 3. When and How to Enroll in NHI Enrollment is automatic once: You’ve lived in Korea for 6 months , OR You are issued an Alien Registration Card (ARC) with a qualifying visa 📬 NHIS will mail you a registration...

A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Korean Income Tax as an Expat or Worker 1. Do Foreigners Need to File Taxes in Korea? Yes. If you earn income in Korea, you’re generally required to file and pay Korean income tax , regardless of your nationality. You may fall into one of the following categories: Resident foreigner (living in Korea for 183+ days ) – taxed on worldwide income Non-resident foreigner – taxed only on Korean-source income 💡 If you're employed full-time, your employer usually handles tax filing , but you may still need to review or claim deductions. 2. Tax Filing Period in Korea Annual tax filing (종합소득세 신고) : Filing period: May 1st – May 31st Covers income from the previous calendar year Year-End Tax Settlement (연말정산) : For salaried workers only Usually handled by the employer in January–February 📅 If you're a freelancer, self-employed, or earning multiple income types, you'll need to file manually in May . 3. How t...

Step-by-Step Guide for Expats, Students, and Long-Term Residents in Korea 1. Can Foreigners Get a Driver’s License in Korea? Yes! Foreigners living in Korea can apply for or convert a driver’s license , depending on their situation: License conversion – For those with a valid license from their home country New license application – If you don’t have a license or your country isn’t eligible for conversion 📌 You’ll need a valid visa and ARC (Alien Registration Card) to apply. 2. Option 1: Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License If your country has a reciprocal agreement with Korea, you can convert your license. Steps to convert: Visit the Driver’s License Examination Office (운전면허시험장) Submit the following: Valid foreign driver’s license Notarized translation (Korean) Passport & ARC 1 color photo (3.5x4.5 cm) Certificate from your embassy (in some cases) Pay the fee (KRW 10,000–15,000) Take a vision test ✅ If your country is on the ...

Step-by-Step Instructions to Legally Stay in Korea Long-Term 1. What Is the ARC and Why Do You Need It? The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is your official ID in Korea as a foreigner. You need an ARC if you’re staying in Korea for more than 90 days , whether you're: A student A language program attendee A foreign worker A spouse of a Korean citizen 🪪 With an ARC, you can: Open a bank account Sign a mobile phone contract Get national health insurance Travel domestically and re-enter Korea 2. When and Where to Apply for the ARC You must apply within 90 days of arriving in Korea. Visit the local immigration office responsible for your residential district. 💻 First, you must make a reservation through the HiKorea website : 👉 https://www.hikorea.go.kr ⏰ Appointments fill up quickly, so book as early as possible after arriving. 3. Required Documents for ARC Application Here’s what you’ll need (depending on visa type): Passport ...