📑 Renewing Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea: Step-by-Step

Living in Korea for more than 90 days? Your ARC is your lifeline for banking, housing, and healthcare. Teacher Hoon explains how to renew it without the stress.

Official documents and pen representing administrative tasks

Navigate Korean Administration with Ease (EEAT Tip)

Renewing your 외국인등록증 (oegugin deungnokjeung) can feel daunting due to the paperwork and language barrier. As a local teacher, I've helped hundreds of students through this process. The key is preparation and timing. Let's break down the essential steps to keep your stay in Korea legal and smooth.

📋 Renewal Checklist: What You Need

✅ Application Form: Available at the office or Hi Korea website.
✅ Passport & Current ARC: Bring the originals.
✅ Passport Photo: 3.5cm x 4.5cm, taken within 6 months.
✅ Fee: Approx. 30,000 KRW (Cash or ATM transfer).
✅ Proof of Residence: Rental contract or utility bill.

⚠️ Don't Miss the Deadline!

You must report an address change within 14 days and renew your visa before the expiry date. Fines can reach up to 1,000,000 KRW if you are late. Always check your dates on the back of your card!

🗣 Essential Phrases for Immigration Office

Korean (한글)	Romanization	English Meaning
외국인등록증을 갱신하고 싶어요.	gaengsin-hago sipeoyo	I want to renew my ARC.
주소 변경을 신고하러 왔어요.	juso byeongyeong singo	I'm here to report an address change.
인터넷으로 예약했어요.	inteonet yeyak	I made an appointment online.
여기 서류 있습니다.	yeogi seoryu itseumnida	Here are my documents.

💡 Teacher Hoon's expert "Hi Korea" Tip

Never walk into the Immigration Office without an appointment! You must book via Hi Korea at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak seasons (start of semesters). If you don't have an appointment, you likely won't be seen.

🗨️ Practice Dialogue: At the Counter

Officer: 무슨 일로 오셨나요?
(What brings you here today?)

You: 외국인등록증을 갱신하려고 합니다. 여기 예약 확인증이에요.
(I'm here to renew my ARC. Here is my reservation confirmation.)

Officer: 네, 여권과 신청서 주세요.
(Okay, please give me your passport and application form.)

Need Help Preparing for Official Visits?

Don't let administrative Korean intimidate you. Book a 1:1 "Survival Korean" session with Hoon on italki. We'll practice the exact questions officers ask and make sure your paperwork is perfect!

🚀 Master Survival Korean with Hoon

Official Resources:
Hi Korea Portal | Immigration Service