Visa & Admin
My ARC (Alien Registration Card) appointment is 3 weeks out — can I open a bank account before I have the physical card?
Most banks want the physical ARC. Some branches will open a limited "한도계좌" (restricted account) with just a passport — daily transfer caps apply, but it works for receiving salary and paying rent. Bring passport, proof of address and a Korean phone number, and ask the branch directly; policies vary bank to bank.