Overseas

Korea Study Life Weekly Update: April 3, 2026 (Week 14)

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2026年4月2日 19 分で読める

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1.**Get a Korean Phone Number Immediately:** This is your gateway to everything—signing up for apps, verifying your identity online, and delivery. Prepaid "Visitor SIMs" at the airport are fine for a week, but for long-term, you need a postpaid plan. Major providers (SKT, KT, LG U+) require your **ARC**. However, you can now sign up at some provider booths in Hongdae or Sinchon with just your passport and a local friend's number for verification, converting to your ARC later.
2.**Bank Account Realities:** You cannot open a standard bank account until you have your **ARC**. The moment you get that card, visit a bank branch (Shinhan, Hana, and Woori are most foreigner-friendly) with your ARC, passport, and proof of enrollment. **Insist on online banking and a debit card with overseas transaction capabilities** (like a "check card") for online shopping and occasional international purchases.
3.**Master Delivery Culture:** Your phone number is your delivery address. A typical address format is: "[Your Name] (010-XXXX-XXXX), [Building Name/Villa Number], [Street Name]". Apps like **요기요 (Yogiyo)** for food and **쿠팡 (Coupang)** for goods are essential. Remember, delivery drivers often call, not text.

Hello, future scholars! Welcome to your essential weekly briefing on everything you need to know as an American student preparing for or currently living in South Korea. Spring is in full swing with cherry blossoms at their peak, and there's a lot of movement in policies and campus life. Let's dive into the updates for Week 14.

1. This Week's Policy, Visa & Lifestyle Changes

Visa Processing & Immigration Updates

Streamlined D-2 Visa Document Verification: The Korean Ministry of Justice, in coordination with the Korean Embassy and Consulates in the U.S., has officially implemented a fully digital verification pipeline for Certificate of Admission documents from most major universities. This means your school sends the certificate directly to the immigration system, and you simply quote the reference number during your visa application. Action Required: Confirm with your Korean university's international office if they are part of this new system. If they are, it will shave 1-2 weeks off your prep time. If not, the traditional notarized and apostilled hard copy is still required.
Alien Registration Card (ARC) Appointments: Reports from students in Seoul indicate that booking an ARC appointment at the Seoul Immigration Office (Omokgyo) or the Global Center remains challenging, with wait times of 3-4 weeks. New Tip: The Siheung Immigration Office (on Seoul's southwest subway line) consistently shows earlier availability and is less crowded. The journey is worth it for a faster processing time.
Part-Time Work (D-2 Visa Holders): A reminder as the new semester begins: You must apply for "Permission to Engage in Activities beyond the Scope of Authorized Stay" before starting any part-time job. Your employer will need to provide a contract. The maximum allowed hours during the semester remain . Working without permission is a serious violation that can lead to fines, visa cancellation, and future entry bans.