Blog 2: Settling into Life in Seoul

I’ve officially been in Seoul for a couple of weeks now, and it’s been such an exciting and eye-opening experience. From navigating important tasks to enjoying the little moments, here’s what I’ve been up to so far!

Alien Registration Card Appointment

Before arriving in Korea, I scheduled an appointment to apply for my Alien Registration Card (ARC), which is a mandatory requirement for all D-2 visa holders staying in the country long-term. My appointment was scheduled at the Seoul Southern Immigration Office. Thankfully, everything went smoothly—mostly because I made sure to bring all the necessary documents. The process was fairly straightforward, and the staff were helpful. After submitting my application, I was informed that it would take about a month to receive my physical residence card, which is essential for everything from opening a bank account to accessing certain student services. IMPORTANT: If you plan on leaving the country to visit other areas like Japan or Hong Kong, you are required to have the ARC. So be sure to plan ahead if you’re thinking about traveling during your time abroad!

Moving into SK Global 

One of the first big steps in settling into my life in Seoul was moving into SK Global House, my dormitory at Yonsei University. The check-in process was organized and efficient, and the staff made everything clear. The room itself was clean, with all the basic necessities provided—bed, desk, storage, and a private bathroom, which was a huge plus! Living on campus has made it super convenient to explore Yonsei and get involved in student life, and I’m really looking forward to making more memories in this space throughout the semester.

First Snow 

During my first week of March in Seoul, I got to witness snow for the very first time! It was such a magical moment—the snow was so fresh and fluffy. Growing up in Hawaii, I never experienced winter weather like this, so seeing actual snowfall felt surreal. 

Lots and lots of shopping

Of course, no trip to Seoul would be complete without a little (or a lot of) shopping. My friends and I headed to Gangnam, one of Seoul’s most famous and bustling districts, known for its trendy fashion, beauty stores, and endless shopping options. We stopped by some iconic stores like Gentle Monster, Tamburins, and the Stussy store—all of which had such unique interiors and product displays.