(Image: Stripes Korea)
Alien Registration Card (ARC) is an official ID for foreign residents in Korea. It functions like a social security number and serves as proof of immigration status. While foreigners staying in Korea longer than 90 days are required to get an ARC, SOFA members are exempt from the requirement. Still, obtaining an ARC can unlock full access to many everyday services.
Just like other foreigners in Korea, SOFA members can also easily obtain one and it does not affect their visa or legal status. Servicemembers and their family members may each get an ARC, which is useful for obtaining a Korean bank account and using other local services off base and online.
You may have already heard guidance here and there, but the process can still feel overwhelming. So, here’s everything you need to know including a step-by-step guide to help you get started!
Why you need an ARC?
Many essential platforms in Korea such as delivery apps, ticketing services and mobile verification systems either require ARC verification or work much more smoothly with it. In Korea, most mobile services are tied to a personal identification number linked to your phone, so without an ARC, accessing these features can be frustrating. I’ve run into this issue when writing guides on services like Baemin and Coupang since many features are not available for users without an ARC. Most short-term service members in Korea skip getting an ARC. But trust me, if you have family, live off-base or simply want to enjoy life in Korea like locals do, having an ARC makes a world of difference.
Having an ARC provides access to many essential services such as:
Opening Korean bank accounts.
Signing mobile phone contracts. Although you can use mobile service without ARC, having one allows for full access to mobile ID based services.
Using mobile identity verification including PASS and Kakao
Easier access to essential Korean-lifestyle apps such as Baemin, Yogiyo and Danggeun (Karrot).
Creating a Naver account and receiving discounts through Naver Pay when making restaurant reservations, booking event tickets and more.
Full access to Coupang, Korea’s top delivery app, which features services including fast shipping, food delivery without delivery fees and Coupang Play (OTT streaming service).
Easier set up for internet, utilities and any services that require identity verification.
What to prepare
Here are seven documents to prepare before heading to the immigration office. The first five documents on the list are relatively easy to gather, while the others might require a little more work to obtain. Please note that each applicant must prepare a full set of documents individually even when applying as a family.
1. Completed ARC application form – Available on-site
2 .One passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm) – Most immigration offices have a photo booth.
3 .Physical passport
4 .Copy of passport data page
5. Copy of military ID and dependent ID card – Front and back together on the same page and clear photo required.
* Sponsor’s CAC card, Dependent ID for family members
6. Copy of lease agreement
Off-base: Copy of housing contract with applicant’s name.
On-base: Housing Assignment Memo or memo from barracks manager.
7. Copy of PCS orders or equivalent official documents showing DEROS
Bring original and extension orders if extended (must be less than 30 days old at the time of appointment).
For dependents, orders must show family member names and DEROS. If not, provide additional official documents verifying the information.
DoD civilians and their dependents: Letter of employment
Contractors and their dependents: USFK Form 700-19A-E
How and where to apply
ARC cards are issued by Korean Immigration Offices. In the Pyeongtaek area, on-base immigration services are available for the U.S. military community. These services do not require a reservation, but arriving early is strongly recommended due to long waiting times.
For off-base immigration offices, reservations are usually required via www.hikorea.go.kr. Business hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (Closed Korean holidays). The office is closed for lunch from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Pyeongtaek Area
1. Osan Air Base
Location: AMC Terminal, Bldg. 648, 1st Floor
Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Mon., Wed., Fri.) / Closed on U.S. and Korean holidays
Contact: 031-666-2672
2. Camp Humphreys
Location: One-Stop, 2nd Floor, Room I-201
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wed, Thu) / Lunch break: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. / Closed on U.S. and Korean holidays
3. Pyeongtaek Branch Immigration Office (Off-base)
Location: 3rd floor CK Tower, 1375 Gyeonggi-daero, Pyeongtaek-si (near Songtan Station), Naver Map
Reservation: Required
Seoul Immigration Office (for those in Yongsan and Seongnam)
Location: 319-2 Sinjeong-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (near Omokgyo Station), Naver Map
Reservation: Not required
Yangju Immigration Office (for those in Dongducheon)
Location: 23 Pyeonghwa-ro 1475 beon-gil, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Naver Map
Reservation: Required except the third Tuesday of each month
Daegu Immigration Office (for those in Daegu)
Location: 1152-1 Shinseo-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu (near Ansim Station), Naver Map
Reservation: Required
Gumi Immigration Office (for those in Waegwan)
Location: 188 Sinpyeong-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk, Naver Map
Reservation: Not required
Changwon Immigration Office (for those in Jinhae)
Location: 86-1 Sinpo-dong 1-ga, Masan Happo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam, Naver Map
Reservation: Required
How to make a reservation at Hi Korea
1. Visit www.hikorea.go.kr.
2. Click “Apply” in Reserve Visit
3. Choose “Visit Reservation Application (Non-member)”
4. Under “Identity verification using passport number,” enter DoD ID number instead of the passport number.
5. Select your region and choose the ARC option when booking.
2. Click “Apply” in Reserve Visit (Image: HI KOREA website)
3. Choose “Visit Reservation Application (Non-member)” (Image: HI KOREA website)
4. Under “Identity verification using passport number,” enter DoD ID number instead of the passport number. (Image: HI KOREA website)
NOTE: Call 1345 for assistance!
If you have any questions before applying, you can contact the Immigration Contact Center by dialing 1345. The service is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and agents will kindly assist you with any inquiries regarding ARC.
Things to know
ARC validity usually matches the duration stated in your orders (DEROS).
Those married to Korean nationals or Korean Americans born in Korea may follow a different process. For more details, contact the immigration contact center at 1345.
Always inform staff at the immigration office of your SOFA status as most offices have a designated window for SOFA applicants.
Cards are usually ready within 2-3 weeks and must be picked up in person at the designated immigration office.
