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Seemile · 한국어

Explore Korea: places to visit and Korean to use

Before your first immigration appointment

A reservation is only one part of the visit. The right office, the right service and a complete folder matter just as much.

By Seemile · Sources checked

Book the correct service

  • Use the official HiKorea site rather than a link sent by an unknown agent.
  • Check the office’s jurisdiction against your residence address.
  • Save the appointment confirmation, including the service, date and time.

Ask before the visit

  • Call 1345, the immigration contact centre, with your status code and the name of the application ready.
  • Ask whether originals, copies, translations or recently issued certificates are needed.
  • Confirm the current fee and accepted payment method rather than relying on an old blog post.

Make the visit easier

  • Arrange the folder in checklist order and bring a pen.
  • Plan the route to the actual office building, not just the nearest subway station.
  • If you cannot attend, use the official cancellation or change process so the slot can be released.

A little Korean goes a long way

  • 방문 예약을 했어요. — I have an appointment.
  • 원본과 사본이 모두 필요한가요? — Do I need both the original and a copy?
Look up a Korean word

Official information

More in Arrival & visas

Keep going

  • Before you fly: check your entry purpose

    A holiday, a degree course and a paid job need different checks. Start with what you will actually do in Korea, rather than the name of a visa you have heard about.

  • Getting your residence card organised

    For many long-term arrivals, foreigner registration is the next administrative task after finding an address. Book early enough to leave room for missing documents.

  • Extending your stay or changing its purpose

    An extension gives you more time under a status; a change of status concerns a different purpose. Explain your next activity clearly before choosing an application.

  • Moved home? Update your registered address

    Changing the address on a delivery app does not update your immigration record. Make official address reporting an early part of your moving checklist.

Seoul is the starting point. National rules and local services are labelled separately; eligibility, fees and opening arrangements can differ elsewhere.

Written and organised by Seemile from official public information, with practical checklists and Korean expressions. We are independent of the institutions linked here. Confirm current requirements with the responsible office before an application, payment or medical decision.