How to Update Your ARC Address in Korea: HiKorea Online & In-Person Guide (2026)
July 24, 2026
- You must report your new address within 14 days of moving — calendar days, not business days
- HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) lets you report online for free, 24/7
- In person: local gu office, dong community center, or Korea Immigration Office
- Required: ARC + valid passport + proof of new address (lease contract)
- Fines apply for late reports — up to 1,000,000 KRW under the Immigration Act
- Contact Immigration Contact Center: 1345 (within Korea) or +82-2-1345 (international)
Moved to a new apartment, dormitory, or goshiwon in Korea? If you hold an Alien Registration Card (ARC), updating your address is not optional — it is a legal obligation under Korean immigration law. Miss the 14-day deadline and you could face an administrative fine. This guide walks you through every step of the process, whether you prefer the HiKorea online method or an in-person visit to your local office.
Korea’s dense residential areas mean millions of foreigners move addresses each year — all must report within 14 days.
Why ARC Address Update Is a Legal Requirement
Under Article 36 of the Immigration Act (출입국관리법), all registered foreigners who hold an ARC and are staying in Korea for more than 90 days must report any change in their place of residence. This applies regardless of visa type — whether you hold an F-2, F-4, F-6, E-2, D-2, or any other ARC-eligible status.
The Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부) under the Ministry of Justice enforces this requirement. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (행정안전부, MOIS) oversees the broader national address registration system, and since 2015, local community centers (주민센터) have been integrated with the immigration system — meaning you can often report your address change at either type of office.
Who Must Report (and Who Is Exempt)
Must report:
- Any foreigner aged 17 or older who holds a valid ARC
- Anyone who moves to a different address within Korea — this includes moving between apartments, dormitories, goshiwon, or across cities and provinces
Exempt from this specific requirement:
- Short-term visitors (staying fewer than 90 days total) who have not registered for an ARC
- Foreigners under 17 — a parent or guardian handles their registration
The 14-Day Deadline — Don’t Miss It
The 14-day clock starts on the day you move into your new address. This means calendar days — weekends and public holidays count. You have 14 days from the actual move-in date, not from when your lease agreement starts.
⚠ Important: After the 14-day window expires, you can no longer report at a local gu office or dong community center. You must go directly to the Korea Immigration Office. Fines may also apply at that point. (Source: Seoul Junggu Office)
Local government offices in Korea process ARC address change reports on the spot, with instant processing.
Method 1: Online via HiKorea (Recommended)
HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) is the official e-service portal of the Korea Immigration Service. The online address change report is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is the most convenient option, especially if you live far from an immigration office.
Step-by-Step: HiKorea Online Address Change
- Go to www.hikorea.go.kr and log in (create an account if you don’t have one)
- Navigate to e-Application in the main menu
- Find “Change of Place of Sojourn” (체류지변경신고)
- Fill in your new address in Korean, and enter your move-in date
- Upload a photo or scan of your housing contract (lease agreement, dormitory confirmation letter, or accommodation certificate)
- Review all details carefully and submit
- Track your application status under “Request Application Status”
- You will receive an email notification when processing is complete
After your online report is approved: Write your new address and move-in date on the back of your ARC card in black ink. No new card is issued for an address-only change — you update the card yourself. (Source: Ziptoss Help Center)
Method 2: In-Person Report
If you prefer to handle this in person, or if you don’t have access to the HiKorea online system, you can visit the following locations:
| Location | When Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Gu office (구청) | Within 14 days of moving | Civil Application Office counter |
| Local Dong community center (동주민센터) | Within 14 days of moving | Nearest neighborhood office |
| Korea Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청) | Any time after moving | Required if past 14-day window |
Processing time: Instant — your report is confirmed on the spot.
For Seoul inquiries:
- Seoul Immigration Office: 02-2650-6212
- Seoul Sejong-ro Immigration Office: 02-731-1799
Required Documents Checklist
Always bring your original passport and ARC — copies are not accepted for official immigration procedures.
Standard Documents (Applying Yourself)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| ARC (Alien Registration Card) | Must be valid; bring original |
| Valid Passport | Original required, not a photocopy |
| Proof of New Address | Lease contract (전세/월세계약서), dormitory confirmation letter, or accommodation certificate |
| Application Form | Available at the counter or downloadable from hikorea.go.kr |
(Source: Seoul Junggu Office – Change of Address, Incheon Metropolitan City – Foreigner Registration)
If Using a Proxy (대리인)
If you cannot visit in person, you may send a representative. Additional documents required:
- Power of attorney (위임장)
- Proxy’s valid ID
- Relationship verification document (family registration certificate or employment certificate)
- All standard documents listed above
Proof of Address by Housing Type
The acceptable documents for proof of residence vary by your housing situation:
| Housing Type | Accepted Proof of Address |
|---|---|
| Apartment / Villa (월세/전세) | Signed lease contract (임대차계약서) |
| University Dormitory | Dormitory confirmation letter from the international affairs office |
| Goshiwon / Sharehouse | Signed room contract or letter from owner |
| Home-stay / Host Family | Letter from host with registered address + copy of host’s ID |
| Employer-provided housing | Employment certificate or company accommodation letter |
What Happens After You Submit?
Millions of foreigners live and work across Seoul and Korea — keeping your ARC address current is a key legal obligation.
In-Person
Processing is instant. The officer confirms your new address in the immigration system immediately. You write your new address and move-in date on the back of your ARC with black ink before leaving the counter.
Online (HiKorea)
Processing typically takes 1–3 business days. Once approved, you will receive an email notification. Then write your new address on the back of your ARC card in black ink. The front of the card does not change — no reissuance is needed.
Note on ARC Reissuance: An address change notification (체류지변경신고) is separate from getting a new ARC card. If you want your new address printed on the card itself, you need to apply for ARC reissuance (재발급), which costs 30,000 KRW and requires a separate application. Most foreigners simply write the new address on the back of the existing card.Penalties for Late or Missing Reports
Under Article 98 of the Immigration Act, failure to report your address change within the 14-day deadline results in an administrative fine. The citation below reflects the legal ceiling — actual fine amounts applied by immigration officers may vary:
| Delay Period | Fine (commonly cited) |
|---|---|
| Within 3 months | 100,000 KRW |
| 3–6 months | 200,000 KRW |
| 6 months – 1 year | 400,000 KRW |
| 1–2 years | 700,000 KRW |
| Over 2 years | Up to 1,000,000 KRW |
The legal maximum fine for this violation is 1,000,000 KRW under Article 98 of the Immigration Control Act. For the exact fine schedule in your situation, contact the Korea Immigration Contact Center at 1345. (Source: Korvia Support, Ziptoss Help Center)
Key Contact Information
| Office / Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Korea Immigration Contact Center (전국) | 1345 (within Korea) / +82-2-1345 (international) — 24/7 |
| Seoul Immigration Office | 02-2650-6212 |
| Seoul Sejong-ro Immigration Office | 02-731-1799 |
| Incheon Immigration Office | 032-890-6407 (393 Seohae-daero, Jung-gu, Incheon) |
| HiKorea Online Portal | www.hikorea.go.kr |
| Korea Immigration Service | www.immigration.go.kr |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new ARC after changing my address?
No. After your address change notification is processed, you simply write the new address on the back of your existing ARC with black ink. A new card is only needed if you apply for reissuance (재발급), which costs 30,000 KRW and is optional.
Can I report my address change before I move in?
The report is based on your actual move-in date. You can submit the report from the day you move in. Filing significantly in advance (before you have a valid lease or proof of residence) may cause your application to be rejected.
What if I move multiple times in a short period?
Each time you change your registered address, you must file a new report within 14 days. There is no minimum stay requirement that exempts you from this obligation — even a move to temporary housing triggers the reporting duty.
Can I use the HiKorea app on my phone?
HiKorea’s e-services are available through your phone’s web browser at www.hikorea.go.kr. Log in with your account credentials and complete the process via the mobile browser.
Can someone else report my address change on my behalf?
Yes, in-person proxy reporting is allowed. The proxy must bring a power of attorney (위임장), their own valid ID, a relationship verification document, and all of your required documents (ARC, passport, proof of address). Online reports through HiKorea require your own login credentials.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
- ☑ You have moved into your new address (the 14-day clock has started)
- ☑ Your ARC is valid and in your possession
- ☑ You have a signed lease contract, dormitory letter, or other proof of residence
- ☑ Your passport is valid
- ☑ You have chosen your method: HiKorea online or in-person visit
- ☑ You know the deadline: [move-in date] + 14 calendar days
For any questions, call 1345 — the Korea Immigration Contact Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers service in multiple languages including English and Chinese.
Sources / 참고 자료
- HiKorea — Reporting on Place of Residence (Official Korea Immigration Service portal) — 14-day deadline, required documents, reporting procedure
- Seoul Junggu District Office — Change of Address for Foreigners — in-person procedure, proxy documents, hotline 1345, instant processing confirmation
- Incheon Metropolitan City — Foreigner Registration and Residence — address change documents, Incheon Immigration Office contact (032-890-6407)
- Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice) — Immigration Contact Center 1345, office locations nationwide
- Ziptoss Help Center — How To Change ARC Address in Korea — step-by-step HiKorea online process, fine schedule, ARC back-of-card notation
- Korvia Support — Address Change and Immigration Reporting — legal basis (Immigration Act Article 36, Article 98 fines)
This article cites only the official sources listed above. Information may change — always verify the latest requirements at the official HiKorea website or by calling 1345.
What to do next
Guides for actually using your Korean address abroad.