If you’re here, then you probably already know what an ‘ARC’ is. Just to refresh your memory though, an ‘ARC’ is an Alien Registration Card for foreigners living in South Korea. You’ll need to renew this card every year if you wish to continue living and working in South Korea. If you’re planning on sticking with the same school or company, here’s how you renew your ARC. However, if this is your first time applying for an ARC, you can read about the initial application process here.
Notification Letter
About one month before your ARC is set to expire, you should receive a notification letter in the mail. This paper will remind you exactly when your ARC expires (although that information is also on the back of your ARC), and it will give you instructions on how to make an online appointment with your local immigration office to renew your ARC.
If you live in a smaller city like I do, you don’t really need to make an appointment. You could just walk right in. However, if you’re going to be renewing your ARC at a busy immigration office, it’s to your benefit to make an appointment beforehand so that you don’t have to wait. If you’d like to make an online reservation, you can do that here. If you make an appointment online, be sure to print out your reservation confirmation and bring it with you on the day.
What You Need to Prepare
- Reservation Confirmation (Only necessary if you made an appointment online.)
- Visa Application Form (You can find a copy of the application form here. )
- Current Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Passport
- 1 Original and 1 Copy of Your Signed Contract (as proof of employment)
- Proof of Address
- Renewal Fee of ₩60,000 (in cash)
Where To Go
If you live in Sokcho, you can go to the immigration office located in the Sokcho Port Authority. If you live elsewhere, you can look up your local immigration office on the list here. Below is the Sokcho Immigration Office location:
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 use this Korean:
출입국 관리소에 가 주세요.
(Please go to the Immigration Office.)
After you’ve reached 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 will be right in front of you.
Filling Out the ARC Application Form
Once you’ve arrived at the immigration office, you’ll need to fill out an ARC form. You can also download the form ahead of your visit and bring a completed form with you to speed up the process. If you’re at the Sokcho branch, the forms are located on the left-hand side. It should look something like the document below.
Since you already have an ARC, you can find your Registration Number in the same place as the card below. You’ll use the last 7 digits from your registration number on the renewal form.
After you’ve finished filling out the form, you can go to the counter and hand all of your paperwork over to the clerk. The clerk will make necessary copies and check that all of the information provided is correct. If everything is in order, you’ll pay the processing fee of ₩60,000 (it will be easiest if you have the exact amount in cash for the processing fee). The clerk will add the new ARC expiration date onto the back of your current ARC, and then you’re finished. Your card is up-to-date and you don’t have to wait for any more paperwork. You’re set for one more year in Korea. Enjoy!
