You can usually apply to extend your stay from four months before it expires, and you must apply before the expiry date. To stay longer than 90 days, register as a foreign resident within 90 days of entry. Submitting an application does not mean it is approved — always confirm the final result.

Before signing, use the property register to check the real owner and any mortgages or seizures. Pay the deposit to the landlord's own account after signing the contract, and keep the records. If you move, report your change of residence within 15 days of moving in (14 days for overseas Koreans, F-4).

Depending on your employment and family situation, you enroll in health insurance as a workplace subscriber, a regional subscriber, or a dependent. International students are enrolled automatically based on their records and may receive a 50% premium reduction if eligible. Emergency rooms treat by severity, not arrival order — in an emergency, call 119 first.

Always keep your own copy of the employment contract and check the working hours, wages, pay date, and the four major insurances. If you are not paid, prepare the documents and consult the Ministry of Employment and Labor Customer Center (1350); consultation and reporting are free. If you are injured at work, you can file for industrial-accident compensation yourself, even if the employer does not.

To open an account you generally need your passport, alien registration card, and a Korean phone number; some banks also ask for proof of employment or enrollment. Prepaid SIMs suit short-term stays and postpaid plans suit long-term stays. On buses, tag your transit card both when boarding and when getting off to receive the transfer discount.

For residence, labor, lease, and civil matters you can get free legal counseling from the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132). For adjustment or emotional difficulties, you can use the Danuri Call Center (1577-1366), the Pohang Family Center (054-244-9702), or the Mental Health Crisis Line (109); consultations are kept confidential in principle.