How to prepare for a study abroad semester in Seoul, South Korea? Where do I find a good accommodation in the destination? How to apply for ARC? What is ARC? Good questions! Our student, Victoria Pietraszek, has shared practical tips and experiences about her study abroad adventure in South Korea. This will help you to study like a pro and get ready for yours. Read her blog to learn:
- How to find accommodation outside the university grounds
- The process of applying for an Alien Residence Card
- How to be exempted from paying for health insurance in South Korea
Hi guys! My name is Victoria, and I did my exchange at Hanyang University ERICA with Asia Exchange in the fall of 2023. In this blog, I will share some handy information to know when you choose to study in Seoul, South Korea, especially if you decide not to live in the dorms.
Arranging Accommodation Outside University
I opted to study in Seoul and stay there instead of the university dorms because I preferred the vibrant atmosphere of a larger city. The ERICA campus is located in Ansan, approximately 1.5 hours from Seoul. I arranged accommodation through Hstay based on a friend’s positive recommendation from her previous exchange experience. Hstay offers shared housing where tenants rent individual rooms and share a kitchen with others on their floors. Each room has a bathroom, except for Standard B rooms, which share a toilet facility. The amenities include a fridge, bed, pillow, blanket, desk, and storage space. Hstay offers six types of rooms varying in size and comfort.
During my stay, I resided in a Standard A room, reminiscent of a small dormitory known as a Goshiwon in Korea. Despite its compact size, it sufficed for my needs as I primarily used it for sleeping. However, the lack of air conditioning proved a challenge during the hot and humid Korean summers – deluxe and superior rooms have access to air conditioning in the summer. If you have some loud neighbors who like having video calls at 3 AM, contacting the landlord enables them to issue warnings to disruptive tenants. There is no curfew but a “be quiet after 11 PM” rule.
With Hstay, you receive a lease, which you will need for your ARC application. The housing is located right across from the Sangwangsimni subway station, which is really convenient. That station has metro line 2, which goes around Seoul. You can take line 2 to Gangnam (30 min), Hongdae (25 min), Dongdaemun (3 min), Hanyang Seoul Campus (3 min), Seongsu (10 min), Jamsil (20 min), Sinchon (20 min) and more. The neighborhood is conveniently situated near all essential stores and restaurants.
If you study in Seoul at the ERICA campus. One can reach it by taking Line 2 to Gangnam, exit through Exit 5, and catch bus 302 directly to the campus. Alternatively, you can opt for Line 2 to DDP, transfer to Line 4, get out at Sangnoksu station, and board several buses heading to the campus, or take the same lines but exit at the Jungang Station. Here you can access free Hanyang school buses that will drive you directly to the campus.[Ga2] Although the Gangnam route takes around 15-30 minutes longer, it offers a more comfortable journey. However, it’s essential to remember that Seoul has notorious traffic in the morning, so plan accordingly by catching an earlier bus.
Applying for an Alien Registration Card (ARC)
If your stay in Korea extends beyond 90 days, you must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). While residing in the dormitories, you can benefit from group application procedures facilitated by the school. However, if you choose to live off-campus, you’ll need to navigate the entire application process independently, which can understandably induce stress.
Before arriving in Korea, I saw numerous TikTok videos portraying the Seoul immigration office as intimidating and anxiety-inducing. However, with adequate preparation, there’s nothing to fear. Allow me to walk you through the straightforward process.
Requirements for your study in Seoul
- Proof of housing/copy of lease – Make sure that if you’re booking your housing through Airbnb or another housing company, ask if you can receive a copy of the lease and confirmation of residence/accommodation provision.
- Proof of enrollment/certificate of enrollment – You can print this out on campus on a machine or ask at the student office.
- A copy of your Visa
- Colored photo – You can take free headshots at school with the photographer. You can book an appointment with them, and they will instruct you during the shooting day. Then, they will edit your photo, and you can pick it up the next day. You can ask for a flyer with a QR code for the appointment at the library. You can also use self-service photobooths at the stations.
- Application form – Received from school
- A copy of your passport
- Make a reservation before visiting the immigration office – It’s compulsory to schedule an appointment. I recall finding this process needing clarification, but fortunately, the student office was able to assist me. You can book your appointment via this link. Be sure to select the correct office when making your reservation! To see which part you should go to, depending on the city you will stay in, click HERE.
Hstay is situated in the Gwangjin-gu district of Seoul, providing easy access to the Seoul Immigration Office for ARC applications. You can take Line 2 to Yangcheon-gu Office or Line 7 to Omokgyo to reach the office. It’s approximately a 15-minute walk from either station to the immigration office.
Alternatively, you can opt for Bus 6211 from Sangwangsimni station and get out at Mok-dong Daehak Academy. Although the bus journey takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, it offers a pretty route through the city, providing a unique glimpse of Seoul.
Upon entering the Seoul Immigration Office, you’ll get a number from a machine and settle into the waiting room until your turn arrives. When called, approach the designated window and submit all required documents. The staff will review your paperwork for completeness before processing your application. Additionally, you’ll need to provide 30,000 won in cash for your ARC fee, which you can pay at an ATM-looking machine within the immigration office premises (I recommend doing that first, before you go to the waiting room). While paying for your ARC fee may initially seem overwhelming, adhering to the instructions provided should simplify the process.
Health Insurance while you study in seoul (and applying for exemption)
When arriving in South Korea, it’s essential to have health insurance from your home country. Once you obtain your ARC and become a legal resident in Korea, you’ll be required to enroll in health insurance locally. However, if your home country’s insurance provides sufficient coverage, you may qualify for an exemption from the Korean insurance requirement. Specific criteria must be met, including crucial details such as your global insurance’s start and end dates and terms like “full” or “100% coverage.” Failure to meet these criteria could result in the denial of an exemption. Additionally, providing a copy of your insurance policy in English and Korean is crucial. I personally used Papago for translation purposes.
If you study in Seoul and want to apply for the exemption, head to Sindorim and use exit 3. No appointment is necessary, so you can visit whenever it’s convenient for you. The building, located directly across from the station, is quite sizable. To avoid getting lost, opt for the escalators instead of the lift. The office is somewhat tucked away in the back, but you should eventually locate it by following the signs. I took roughly 30 minutes to find the office on my first visit.
To secure the exemption, you’ll require both English and Korean copies of your insurance and a completed form indicating your intention to apply. Remember to bring your ARC, as they won’t accept your passport. To access and print the form, click HERE.
Like Victoria, you can enjoy productive and life-changing study abroad through Asia Exchange, a Keystone Education Group company. In addition to South Korea, we offer other exciting destinations in Asia, Europe, and Latin America!
Apply now to start upgrading your education while enjoying the thrilling benefits of studying abroad! You may also book a free counseling session for inquiries.
