Korea Admin Cheat Sheet for Foreigners: 1345, Address Changes, Lost ARC, Re-entry, Leaving

Most fines foreigners get in Korea aren't about anything serious. They come from missed reporting deadlines: an unreported move, a lost card reported late, a job change not filed. Keep this cheat sheet on your phone.

Hotlines (save these)

Deadlines that cause fines (as of Oct 2026)

Key fees (Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act, Art. 72)

• ARC issuance or reissuance: 35,000 KRW
• Extension of stay: 60,000 KRW (online 50,000 KRW; F-6: 30,000 KRW)
• Change of status: 100,000 KRW; workplace change/addition: 120,000 KRW
• Single re-entry permit: 30,000 KRW; multiple: 50,000 KRW
• Certificate of entry/exit facts: 2,000 KRW per copy

The full guide covers step-by-step procedures for the address change, lost ARC, passport change, re-entry rules and a full departure checklist, with counter phrases and the most common mistakes.

1) Address change (체류지 변경신고) — within 15 days

Online (fastest): HiKorea → e-Application → Change of residence (체류지 변경신고). Upload your new lease or dorm certificate, or a 숙소제공 확인서 + host ID. Free. In person: your new community center (주민센터) or immigration office. Bring your ARC and residence proof. They print the new address on the back of your card.

Phrase: "체류지 변경신고 하러 왔어요. 새 계약서랑 외국인등록증 가져왔어요." *(I'm here to report my change of address. I brought my new lease and ARC.)*

Why it matters beyond the fine:

• Your rental deposit protection depends on it (the address report counts as a move-in report).
• NHIS bills and tax mail go to the registered address.

2) Lost or damaged ARC — within 14 days

1. (Recommended) Report the loss to the police (lost112.go.kr or a police box) and keep the report.
2. Book "등록증재발급 (ARC reissuance)" on HiKorea; it's also listed for e-application in some cases.
3. Bring:

• [ ] Integrated application form
• [ ] Passport
• [ ] 1 photo 3.5 × 4.5 cm
• [ ] Statement of reason for loss (분실사유서) or the damaged card
• [ ] 35,000 KRW (cash-type payment per Art. 73)

1. Tell your bank right away so nobody can misuse the card. Ask whether you need to re-verify when the new card arrives.

Phrase: "외국인등록증을 잃어버렸어요. 재발급 신청할게요." *(I lost my ARC. I'd like to apply for reissuance.)*

3) New passport

When you renew your passport, file a change of registration details (등록사항 변경신고, 여권변경) on HiKorea or at the office. Banks, carriers and airlines may also need the new passport number.

4) Leaving and coming back

• Re-entry permit exemption: registered foreigners with a valid ARC are generally exempt from a re-entry permit if they come back within 1 year of departure (and within their period of stay). Permanent residents (F-5) generally have 2 years. *Check exceptions for your status with 1345 before long trips.*
• Longer absences need a re-entry permit (재입국허가): single 30,000 KRW, multiple 50,000 KRW.
• Trips over 1 month can end your regional NHIS coverage from the day after departure. It restarts when you return under NHIS rules.
• Automated immigration (SES / smart entry): registered foreigners aged 17+ can usually use the e-gates. Registration rules are on the immigration site.

5) Leaving Korea for good: full checklist

Immigration

• [ ] Return your ARC at the departure immigration counter (they'll ask)
• [ ] If your activities ended early, consider the free departure extension (up to 30 days, with a flight ticket) instead of overstaying

Housing

• [ ] Deposit returned, or a lease registration order (임차권등기명령) filed before you leave
• [ ] Utility final readings and payments (electricity, gas, water, management fee 관리비)

Money & tax

• [ ] Final pay + settlement at departure (중도퇴사 연말정산) with your employer
• [ ] Severance pay (퇴직금) if you worked 1+ year (generally 1 month's average pay per year of service; payable within 14 days of leaving under the Labor Standards Act; check with 1350)
• [ ] National Pension lump-sum refund (반환일시금) if your country qualifies. Claim at NPS or at the airport NPS counter (1355)
• [ ] Departure-guarantee insurance (출국만기보험) for E-9/H-2 workers: claim through the insurer
• [ ] Bank: transfer the balance abroad; ask what happens to the account after your ARC is returned

Insurance & phone

• [ ] NHIS: pay the final premium; confirm coverage loss date
• [ ] Phone: pay off handsets; cancel the line or switch to prepaid
• [ ] Change the phone number linked to accounts you keep

Documents to keep

• [ ] Withholding tax receipt (원천징수영수증), proof of employment, final pay slips
• [ ] Certificate of entry/exit facts (출입국사실증명, 2,000 KRW) if you'll need it for visas elsewhere

6) Emergencies

• Police (112) and ambulance (119) have interpretation. Say "English, please" or your language.
• 1330 can interpret by phone for you with a taxi driver, hospital or shop.
• Embassy contacts: save your embassy's emergency number.
• Labor exploitation or unpaid wages: 1350; for migrant workers, also the regional foreign worker support centers.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the landlord, school or employer reports your move. You must do it.
• Waiting weeks to replace a lost ARC, then being late for both reissue and banking.
• Long trips without checking re-entry rules and NHIS effects.
• Leaving without settling final tax, deposit or phone bills. These show up when you try to return.
• Throwing away pay slips and withholding receipts. You need them for refunds and future visas.