This section covers practical guides on Korean public services, government benefits, applications, eligibility rules, documents, and administrative systems. It helps foreigners understand how public systems in Korea work in real life.
A Korean public health center, called a bogeonso (보건소), provides vaccinations, health certificates, preventive tests, maternal care, and community health programs. This guide explains which services foreigners may use, what documents to bring, and why checking with your district office before visiting is essential.
Many foreign employees in Korea must contribute to the National Pension Scheme, but not everyone can receive a refund when leaving the country. This guide explains enrollment, 2026 contribution rates, social security agreements, lump-sum refund eligibility, and the application process.
Large furniture and household items cannot usually be left with ordinary trash in Korea. You must normally register the item with the local government, pay the correct disposal fee, attach proof of registration, and place it at an approved pickup point. This guide explains the entire process, including online reports, waste stickers, apartment rules, and free appliance collection.
Foreigners may drive temporarily in Korea with a recognized international driving permit or exchange an eligible foreign license for a Korean driver’s license. This guide explains the difference, required documents, written-test rules, fees, application locations, and common mistakes.
Call 112 for police emergencies in Korea and 119 for fires, ambulances, and rescue. This practical guide explains what to say during a call, how to give your Korean address, how disaster text messages work, and which safety tools can help foreign residents and travelers.
HiKorea is Korea’s official online portal for immigration services. This guide explains how to reserve an immigration office visit, apply for an extension of stay, submit an online civil petition, and avoid mistakes that could affect your legal stay in Korea.
A Korean community service center is the neighborhood government office for official certificates, address reports, welfare consultations, housing-related administration, and other local services. This guide explains what foreign residents can do there, what documents to bring, and when they must contact immigration instead.
Foreigners planning to stay in South Korea for 90 days or longer generally need a Korean Residence Card. This guide explains how to apply for your first card, extend your period of stay, replace a lost or damaged card, and report important changes to immigration.
Government24 is Korea’s main online portal for public documents and administrative services. This guide explains how foreign residents can search for certificates, complete identity verification, choose a delivery method, and avoid confusing documents such as 주민등록등본 and 가족관계증명서.