South Korea WHV: How to apply for your residence card (fka ARC)

Immigration bureau of:

• Seoul: 151 Mokdongdong-ro, Sinjeong-dong, Yangcheon-gu
• South Seoul: 48, Magokseo 1-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
• Seoul, Sejongno location: 38 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

At your appointment, you will be asked to pay 30,000 KRW for a government stamp. Bring your bank card but also enough cash, as not all offices necessarily accept both forms of payment.

You have an appointment number marked on your appointment confirmation. Wait for your number to be called on the screen and then go to the service window. Don’t miss your number.

Present your documents to the agent. They will take your fingerprints and then give you a “certificate of application for permit of stay”, which proves that you have submitted your application for a residence card. The certificate will also tell you when to come back to pick up your card, usually between 3-4 weeks.

If you want your residence card to be mailed to you instead, then you need to express it when you’re paying for your government stamp. Additional fees apply.

Once you receive your card, you can leave and re-enter Korea freely. Carry your card with you everywhere you go, both inside Korea and at its borders.

If your address changes from what is indicated on your residence card, you must declare it to authorities within 15 days. We explain how to do this in Declaring changes in address while on a WHV in South Korea.