Foreigners planning to stay in South Korea for over 90 days must obtain a foreigner registration card, which allows health insurance access and school enrollment for children. Registration must occur within 90 days of entry. Exemptions apply to certain diplomats and minors. Changes in residency or employment must be declared promptly.
HiKorea is an online service for foreigners to manage documents and schedule immigration appointments, with bookings allowed up to four months before visa expiration. It offers various programs to help newcomers adapt, including a short-term adaptation program and the Korea Immigration & Integration Program for language and cultural understanding.
Visitors to the Republic of Korea require a visa based on their purpose, such as work or tourism. Various visa types include diplomatic, educational, and work-related categories. The application process involves submitting documents at Korean embassies or immigration offices, with fees ranging from 40 to 90 dollars. Entry may still be refused despite holding a visa.
The Immigration Office in Korea manages visa and residency matters for foreigners. To process requests, visit the designated district office and arrange an appointment via the HiKorea website. Seoul has multiple offices covering different districts: the main office, Sejong-ro Branch, and South Seoul office, each with specific addresses.
