Settling in Korea — your checklist

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1. 1.Arrival & getting started

   Right after arriving, E-9 workers complete employment training and a health check, then move on to registration. Keep your passport and work contract safe from the first day.

   • •Attend the EPS employment training
   • •Complete the required health check
   • •Keep copies of your passport and work contract

   Help line: 1577-0071 — EPS foreign worker counseling (16 languages)

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2. 2.Alien Registration Card (ARC)

   You must register at your local immigration office within 90 days of entry. Book your visit on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr). The card takes about 4 weeks to arrive.

   • •Book a visit at hikorea.go.kr
   • •Bring your passport, a photo, your contract, and the fee
   • •Receive the card by mail or in person (about 4 weeks)

   Help line: 1345 — Immigration Contact Center (multilingual)

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3. 3.Opening a bank account

   A full bank account — for salary, transfers, and remittance — needs your ARC. IBK is the designated bank for the Employment Permit System, with foreign-worker counters and multilingual service.

   • •Bring your ARC and passport
   • •Open the account in person at the branch
   • •Set up mobile banking for daily use

   Help line: 1332 — Financial Supervisory Service (fraud & consumer help, press 3)

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4. 4.Health insurance & seeing a doctor

   E-9 workers join workplace health insurance right after entry, and your employer must report it within 14 days. In 2026 the rate is 7.19% of pay, split evenly with your employer. With coverage you pay only part of your medical bills.

   • •Check your insurance status with your employer
   • •Bring your ARC when you visit a clinic or hospital
   • •Ask for interpretation if you need it

   Help line: 1577-1366 — Danuri Call Center (13 languages, 24/7, interpretation)

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5. 5.Pay, contract & work injury

   A written work contract is your employer's duty. The 2026 minimum wage is 10,320 won per hour. If your pay is late or unpaid, you can report it to the Labor Ministry — for free, in your language. A work injury needing 4+ days of care is covered by industrial accident insurance, fully paid by the employer.

   • •Keep your written contract in a safe place
   • •Record your working hours and pay each month
   • •Report unpaid wages or a work injury early

   Help line: 1350 — Labor Ministry (free interpretation for foreign workers)

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6. 6.Changing your workplace

   E-9 workers may change workplace up to 3 times in the first employment period, plus 2 more if re-employed. Unfair treatment — violence, harassment, or contract violations — has no limit. Apply within 1 month of your contract ending, or you may have to leave the country.

   • •Talk to the EPS counseling center first
   • •Apply within 1 month of the contract ending
   • •Keep evidence of any unfair treatment

   Help line: 1577-0071 — EPS foreign worker counseling

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7. 7.Sending money home & daily life

   As a foreign resident, your no-proof overseas remittance limit is 50,000 USD per year (with income proof you can send more within that scope). Use only licensed remittance services. A transit card makes buses and subways simple.

   • •Use only licensed, registered remittance services
   • •Watch out for high fees and money scams
   • •Get a transit card for daily travel

   Help line: 1332 — report illegal lending or fraud (press 3)

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This is general information, not legal advice. For your own case, call the help line in your language.