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