What should I do first when arriving in Korea?

Get connected with a SIM or eSIM at the airport, then pick up a rechargeable T-money transit card at a convenience store or station for buses and subways.

Do I need a Korean bank account as a visitor?

Short-term tourists generally don't. Most banks require an Alien Registration Card (ARC), so a bank account mainly matters for longer stays.

What is a T-money card?

T-money is a rechargeable transit card used on subways, buses, and even in convenience stores across Korea. You can buy and top it up at convenience stores and stations.

Your first week in Korea: the exact order to do things

A practical checklist for new arrivals — updated 2026

The first few days in Korea can feel like everything depends on everything else: you need a phone number to open a bank account, a bank account for most apps, and an address for a lot of paperwork. Here's the order that actually works, with the tourist-vs-resident differences called out.

Before you land: arrival card and K-ETA (2026)

Since 1 January 2026 every foreign visitor has to file an arrival declaration. The easiest way is the free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr, submitted within 72 hours (three days) before you arrive. It asks for your passport number, contact details, purpose of visit and where you are staying, and gives you a QR code to show at immigration. Two groups skip it: travellers holding a valid K-ETA, and foreign residents with a Residence Card. The paper arrival card handed out on the plane is still accepted for now, so nothing is lost if you forget — the online form is simply faster at the desk.

Citizens of Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK and 17 other countries and territories are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. If you are on that list you only need the arrival card (or you can apply for K-ETA voluntarily and skip the card). The list is reviewed yearly — check it before you fly.

Sources, checked August 2026: KPMG (K-ETA exemption extended to 31 Dec 2026) · EY (e-Arrival Card from 1 Jan 2026) · paper cards still accepted.

Day 1 — Get connected (SIM / eSIM)

Almost nothing works smoothly without a Korean phone number. Two paths:

Short trip (under ~90 days): a prepaid tourist SIM or eSIM is fastest. You can buy one at the airport or online in advance and activate on arrival.
Staying longer: a prepaid SIM now, then switch to a regular plan once you have your Alien Registration Card (ARC). A local number is what banks and apps verify against.

💡 Tip: Many Korean apps require phone verification tied to a Korean carrier. A number from a "data-only" foreign eSIM often can't receive these codes — get a number that supports SMS verification.

Day 1–2 — Transit card (T-money)

Buy a T-money card at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, emart24) and top it up with cash. Tap it on subways, buses, and even in taxis and many convenience stores. It's the single most useful thing you can carry.

Ask for "T-money card" — about ₩3,000–4,000 for the card, then load cash on top.
Transfers between bus and subway are discounted automatically when you tap out and in within ~30 minutes.

Not sure how far your budget goes? Check today's rate with our live exchange-rate tool before you load up.

Day 2–4 — Bank account (needs your ARC for most banks)

This is the step with the most friction. Realistically:

Most major banks want your ARC (or at least a passport + local address + Korean number) to open a full account.
Some banks and fintech apps offer limited "foreigner-friendly" accounts earlier — ask at a branch with an English-speaking desk (larger branches in areas like Itaewon, Gangnam, or near universities).
Bring: passport, ARC (if you have it), proof of address, and your Korean phone.

Week 1 — Register your address / ARC (if you're staying)

If you're on a visa that requires it, you generally must register for your Alien Registration Card at the local immigration office within the required window after arrival. Book an appointment early through the official immigration booking system — walk-ins can mean long waits.

⚠️ Important: Rules and timelines depend on your specific visa. Always confirm with the official Hi Korea immigration service and your visa documents. This guide is general information, not immigration advice.

Convenience stores: your first-week lifeline

CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and emart24 are on every corner and open 24/7 — and they do far more than snacks:

Buy and top up T-money, and refund small balances when you leave.
Global ATMs in many branches accept foreign cards (decline the "conversion" offer — see the money guide).
Decent cheap meals: dosirak (lunch boxes), triangle kimbap, instant ramyeon with a hot-water station and seating.
Basic meds aren't sold here (pharmacies only), but 13 approved OTC items — fever reducers, cold tabs, bandages — are.
Package pickup/sending, phone chargers, umbrellas on rainy days — the answer to "where do I get X right now" is usually "the nearest convenience store."

The apps to install right away

Naver Map or KakaoMap — Google Maps is limited for walking/driving directions in Korea; these two are the standard.
KakaoTalk — the messaging app everyone uses; also how many services contact you.
Papago — translation that handles Korean far better than most.
A taxi app (Kakao T) once you have a payment method set up.

Quick checklist

☐ Korean number (SIM/eSIM that receives SMS codes)
☐ T-money card, topped up
☐ Naver Map / KakaoMap + KakaoTalk + Papago installed
☐ Bank account (after ARC for most)
☐ ARC / address registration booked (if staying)

Next: Getting around Korea → · SIM & internet in depth → · Numbers to save →

📥 Want this as a one-page checklist? Download the free Korea Trip Checklist (PDF).

Written and maintained by OPDADA (Korea) · Last reviewed August 2026 · Spotted an error? Let us know.