🛂 How to Renew Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea – [Living in Korea Series]
Are you living in Korea for more than 90 days? Then you must have an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). This card is required for banking, housing, and everyday life. In this post, we’ll explain how to renew your ARC step-by-step, what documents you need, official websites, useful Korean phrases, and penalties for not renewing on time.
---Table of Contents
- What is an ARC?
- When and Where to Renew
- Required Documents and Fees
- Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Penalties for Not Renewing
- Korean Phrases for Immigration Office Visits
- Example Sentences
- Practice Dialogue
- Useful Links
- Related Posts
- Did You Know?
- Final Thoughts
What is an ARC?
The ARC (외국인등록증, oegugin deungnokjeung) is the ID card for foreigners staying in Korea over 90 days. It includes visa type, address, and personal details. You need it to:
- Open a bank account
- Sign rental contracts
- Access health insurance and medical services
- Register for phone and internet plans
When and Where to Renew
You must renew your ARC when:
- Your visa type changes (e.g., student → work)
- Your address changes (report within 14 days)
- Your ARC is about to expire (renew 1 month before)
Go to the Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청 / churipguk oegugincheong). Make an appointment online at Hi Korea.
Required Documents and Fees
- Application form (Download here)
- Passport
- Current ARC
- Passport photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
- Fee: about 30,000 KRW
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Check renewal deadline (30 days before expiry or 14 days after address change).
- Prepare documents (passport, ARC, photo, form, fee).
- Book appointment via Hi Korea.
- Visit Immigration Office on reserved date.
- Submit documents and pay the fee (be ready to answer basic Korean questions).
- Pick up new ARC in 2–3 weeks (notification via text or email).
Penalties for Not Renewing
If you do not renew your ARC on time, you may face:
- Fines up to 1,000,000 KRW depending on delay
- Problems renewing or changing visas
- Possible visa cancellation for repeated violations
More details: Korean Immigration Service
Korean Phrases for Immigration Office Visits
- 외국인등록증을 갱신하고 싶어요.
(Oegugin deungnokjeungeul gaengsinhago sipeoyo.)
I want to renew my Alien Registration Card. - 주소 변경을 신고하러 왔어요.
(Juso byeongyeongeul singohareo wasseoyo.)
I came to report my address change. - 인터넷으로 예약했어요.
(Inteonet-euro yeyakhaesseoyo.)
I made an appointment online.
Example Sentences
- 제 비자가 곧 만료돼서 갱신해야 해요.
(Je bija-ga got manryo-dwaeseo gaengsinhaeya haeyo.)
My visa will expire soon, so I need to renew it. - 서류를 여기서 제출하면 되나요?
(Seoryu-reul yeogiseo jechulhamyeon doenayo?)
Do I submit the documents here? - 새로운 주소로 업데이트해 주세요.
(Saeroun juso-ro eopdeitehae juseyo.)
Please update to my new address.
Quick Check
Fill in the blanks:
- 외국인등록증을 ________ 하고 싶어요. (renew)
- ________ 변경을 신고하러 왔어요. (address)
Practice Dialogue
A: 안녕하세요. 예약하고 왔습니다.
(Annyeonghaseyo. Yeyakhago watseumnida.)
Hello, I made a reservation.
B: 네, 무슨 일로 오셨나요?
(Ne, museun illo osyeonnayo?)
Yes, what brings you here?
A: 외국인등록증을 갱신하려고 합니다.
(Oegugin deungnokjeungeul gaengsinharyeogo hamnida.)
I’m here to renew my Alien Registration Card.
B: 서류는 다 준비하셨나요?
(Seoryuneun da junbi-hasyeonnayo?)
Do you have all the documents ready?
A: 네, 여권과 신청서가 있습니다.
(Ne, yeokkwon-gwa sincheongseo-ga itseumnida.)
Yes, I have my passport and application form.
Useful Links
Did You Know?
Over 2 million foreigners live in Korea, and ARC renewals are one of the most frequent services at immigration offices. Since 2021, most applications can be done online, but you still need to visit to collect your new card.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your ARC might seem complicated, but with proper preparation and online booking, it’s much easier. Remember to use the Korean phrases above to communicate clearly and avoid penalties.
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