What is an ARC and why do you need it?

‘ARC’ stands for Alien Registration Card and you’ll need an ARC for a whole slew of situations from setting up your bank account to purchasing a cellphone. So if you’re staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you better get yourself to the local immigration office and apply for your ARC.

How to apply for your ARC:

First, you’ll need to prepare the necessary documents and head over to your local immigration office.

What You’ll Need to Bring:

• Passport
• A passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• Health check results (Haven’t had your health check? Read here!)
• Proof of address
• ₩30,000 fee (in cash)

If you live in Sokcho, you should head over to the Sokcho Immigration Office which is located inside the Sokcho Port Authority building. You’ll find the information for the Sokcho Immigration Office below. However, if you don’t live in Sokcho, you can find a directory list of immigration offices here. If you live in a bigger city, your local immigration office might be busy. If you don’t feel like waiting around, you can make an appointment in advance on the immigration website here.

Sokcho Immigration Office Address:
# 53-3 Dongmyoung-dong Sokcho-si Gangwon-do

Sokcho Immigration Office Telephone Number:
033-636-8613

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri     9:00am – 6:00pm

*Closed from 12:00pm – 1:00pm for lunch*
*Closed on weekends and holidays*

If you are going to the immigration office by taxi and are unsure of what to say, you can show the taxi driver this Korean:

출입국 관리소

(Immigration Office)

Once you reach the Sokcho Immigration Office, enter the building through the front doors and follow the hallway. There will be English signs to help you find the immigration office. You’ll continue to follow the hallway and once you pass the restrooms on the left-hand side, the immigration office doors should be right in front of you. They’re rather large metal doors, and they’re not labeled very well.

Whether you’re going to the Sokcho Immigration Office (for Sokcho residents) or your local one, when you’ve found the immigration office, fill out an ARC form. It should look something like the photo below. If you need help, the staff should be able to help you fill it out correctly. However, you can always download the form beforehand and arrive with a completed form to speed up the process. You can find a copy of the form here. Just be sure to check ‘Alien Registration’ in the top box to make sure they file the correct paperwork.

Again, if you are unsure of what to do, you can ask the staff for help and show them this Korean:

외국인 등록증

(Alien Registration Card)

Information You’ll Need to Know to Fill Out the ARC Form:

• Your address in Korea (in Korean)
• Work Place Name (in Korean)
• Work Place Address (in Korean)
• Work Place Phone Number

After you’ve filled everything out, go to the counter and hand over your completed form. The clerk will ask you for the documents they need as they type everything into the computer and make copies. Once everything is submitted, you’ll be asked to place your hand on a small reader in front of you. This is so they can record your fingerprints.

Last, you’ll pay the processing fee. It costs ₩30,000 and you should try to have the exact amount. It’s just easier for everyone that way. Then you’re finished! The clerk will give you a ‘Proof of Submission’ paper to show that you have applied for an ARC and that the paperwork is being processed. You’ll need to keep that paper in order to claim your ARC when it’s ready to be picked up. It will take about 2-3 weeks for your card to be issued.

In about 2-3 weeks, the immigration office will call the contact number you provided (probably your workplace number, since you won’t be able to get a cellphone without your ARC first) and notify you that your card is ready. You can just go to the immigration office, walk up to the counter and pick it up. Simple!

Obtaining your ARC allows you to really set up your life in Korea. Now you can open a bank account, get a cellphone, and even get an E-mart point card. You need it for pretty much everything, so you should start the process of getting your ARC as soon as you can.

**It’s important to note that your ARC is only valid for 1 year.**

**After 1 year, you’ll need to renew your card if you plan on staying longer.**

You can read about renewing your ARC here.