Home/Korea Setup Checklist

🗒 Korea Setup Checklist

Your complete step-by-step guide to settling in Korea — from booking flights to getting permanent residency. Check off each item as you go.

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Step 1: Renew your passportEssential

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Korea.

⏱ 4–8 weeks before departure

Step 2: Apply for the correct visaEssential

Identify and apply for the right visa (D-2, D-4, E-7, Working Holiday, etc.) at the Korean embassy in your country.

⏱ 4–8 weeks before departureGuide →

Step 3: Book flights and accommodationEssential

Book your initial accommodation (Airbnb, hostel, or goshiwon) for the first 1–2 weeks while you find permanent housing.

⏱ 2–4 weeks before departure

Step 4: Buy a Korea eSIMEssential

Purchase a Korea eSIM before you leave so you have data connectivity the moment you land.

⏱ 1–2 weeks before departureGuide →

Step 5: Get travel or health insuranceEssential

Ensure you have valid health coverage until you enroll in Korean National Health Insurance.

⏱ 1 week before departure

Step 6: Prepare sufficient fundsEssential

Have enough funds accessible: initial deposit (보증금), first month rent, living expenses for 2–3 months.

⏱ Before departure

Step 7: Prepare essential documentsEssential

Gather and make copies of: passport, degree certificates (apostilled), employment contracts, bank statements, photos.

⏱ 1–2 weeks before departure

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Recommended Setup Services

Affiliate-ready recommendations for common first-week tasks in Korea.

Bedding, towels, adapters, kitchen basics, toiletries, and first-week household items after arrival.

Universal adapters, travel organizers, document folders, luggage tags, and items to buy before flying.

Get mobile data before landing so maps, translation, messaging, and ride apps work from the airport.

Compare short-term coverage for the arrival period before long-term local insurance is settled.