Living in Korea | How to Report your Change of Address in Korea, Avoid Getting Fined
Updated: Dec 12
Within 14 days of moving in Korea, all local and foreign residents are required to report their change of address. Failure to do so could result in getting fined. The fine accumulates on a daily basis so the sooner you get it done, the better. Many foreigners are unaware of this policy and often times run into trouble when renewing their visas later on.
With that said, it’s an easy process to change your address and you can simply go to your local district office (Dong, 동사무소) and get it done quickly. There is usually no need for an appointment and the process is free of charge, but you do have to go in person and with the following documents:
Your Signed Lease
Your Passport
Your Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Once at the Dong office, go to any free counter. When you get to the counter, present your documents and ask to change your address. If the clerk can’t speak English, you can show them this “안녕하세요. 이사해서 주소 변경 해주세요” or if you’re feeling ambitious, say this “annyeonghaseyo, isa haeseo juso byeon-gyeong-haejuseyo”.
The clerk will then take your documents, update your information in the system, and write your new address on the back of your ARC card.
As an alternative, the Korean Immigration Office can also change your address, but you need to make an appointment and there is still a wait after you get there. If you are late in reporting your address change, immigration officials are also less lenient than Gu office clerks when it comes to fines. So don’t wait it out until your next visit to immigration!
For help locating the Dong office nearest to you, Wonderful can assist. Along with finding realtors, movers, boxes, cleaners, and anything else you need in Korea. As your bilingual personal assistant, we can help get things done quickly and explain processes to make your transition easy. Wonderful is dedicated to helping expats and travelers in Korea. Wonderful is the best on-demand English-speaking virtual assistant service in South Korea. Serving the expat community for nearly 10 years we've maintained the highest customer ratings on both Google and Facebook.
Don't let language barriers or unfamiliar surroundings hold you back from getting the most out of your time in South Korea. Let Wonderful help you save time and make things easier.
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