๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท Seoul ยท First days

First 48 hours in Seoul

The first two days in Seoul, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.

For Seoul
How long you are staying

Must do

  • From any convenience store, topped up with cash. It pays for subways, buses and taxis across the country, and for small purchases.
  • A prepaid SIM or eSIM registered to your passport gives you a Korean number, which most identity checks need. Move to a contract once you have your ARC.
  • On HiKorea, as soon as you land: slots in the big cities fill weeks ahead and registration is due within 90 days. Bring your passport, a photo, the fee, your lease and employer or school documents.
  • At your local community service centre on the day you move in, with your passport or ARC and the lease. It gives your deposit legal priority; leaving it a week leaves your money exposed.

Should do

  • 119 for an ambulance or fire, 112 for the police; both can connect an interpreter. The 1345 immigration contact centre answers visa questions in English.
  • General rubbish goes in paid volume-based bags sold at convenience stores and supermarkets; food waste and recycling are separate. Fines for getting it wrong are real.
  • Unlimited Seoul subway and bus travel for โ‚ฉ62,000 a month, or โ‚ฉ65,000 with the Ttareungyi bikes. It covers trips within Seoul, not most Gyeonggi lines, so check your commute.
  • The 120 Dasan call centre answers questions about Seoul's services in English. The Seoul Global Center helps foreign residents with housing, legal and daily-life problems.
  • Once you have the ARC: bring it with your passport, Korean phone number and employment certificate. New accounts often start with low daily transfer limits.

Nice to do

  • Gimbap Cheonguk and similar chains serve rolls, soups and stews from early till late for a few thousand won. Point at the wall menu.
  • In spring and winter, air quality can turn bad for days at a time. Weather apps show the PM2.5 level; wear a KF94 mask when it is high.
  • Most embassies in Seoul run an alert or registration service for nationals living in Korea.
Your first 48 hours in Seoul0/120% done. Ticks are saved on this device.
  • Must do0/4
  • Should do0/5
  • Nice to do0/3
Emergency119 ยท Police 112
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