New Teachers in South Korea Guide v1.0

1

Health Check

Medical examination required before ARC

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👤 Your Responsibility

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What to Tell the Hospital

Request: "E-2 회화지도 자격자용 신체검사결과서"

Typically requires an 8-hour fast before the test.

Find MOJ-designated hospitals near you ↗

Two passport photos

Standard passport size photos

Valid passport

Original passport required

Testing fee

60,000 ~ 150,000 KRW (additional copies: 1,000 ~ 5,000 KRW)

💰 60K-150K KRW

Fast for 8 hours

No food before the test (water usually OK)

2

Prepare ARC Documents

Documents needed for immigration

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👤 Your Responsibility

Application Form

통합신청서

Attached form - fill out completely

Passport photo (35mm × 45mm)

One photo, taken within last 6 months

Original passport + photocopy

여권 원본 / 사본

Sealed Medical Test Result

From Step 1 - must be sealed envelope

School's Business Certificate (copy)

사업자등록증 / 고유번호증

Request from your school

Housing Contract (copy)

숙소계약서 사본

Accommodation Confirmation Letter

거주/숙소제공 확인서

Attached form - landlord or employer fills out

Accommodation Provider's ID (copy)

거주숙소제공자의 신분증 사본

Employment Contract

고용계약서

3

Visit Immigration Office

Submit documents and pay fees

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👤 Your Responsibility

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Pro Tips

No reservation needed for ARC applications (as of 2023)
For Seoul, Suwon, Incheon: Many walk-in visitors arrive before 9am and queue. The earlier you arrive, the shorter your wait time
Coordinate with your school for timing
Bring cash only - cards not accepted

Submit all documents

All documents from Step 2

Pay Application Fee

35,000 KRW (Cash Only)

💰 35,000 KRW

Pay Shipping Fee

4,000 KRW to have ARC mailed to you

💰 4,000 KRW

Request document copies (Important!)

정보공개청구

Request stamped copies of your DIRCO-Apostilled SAQA verification and police clearance. Ask officer for "Information Disclosure" room.

ARC Delivered

Wait 3-5 weeks for delivery

4

Education Office & Criminal Record

Final registration requirements

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🏫 School Usually Handles This

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Registration Deadline

Education Office registration required within 10-15 days of starting work (varies by region)
Your ARC is needed, so apply for ARC promptly after arrival
If delayed, your employer can explain the situation to the Education Office

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Requirements Vary

Different Education Offices have different requirements. Your employer should confirm with their local Education Office representative.

Documents for Employment Notification:

Employment Notification Form

채용통보서

Form provided by Education Office (employer handles)

Criminal Record Check (Sex Crimes & Child Abuse)

성범죄경력 및 아동학대범죄전력 조회회신서

From police station, valid for 15 days only

Passport Copy & ARC Copy (Front & Back)

여권 사본 및 외국인등록증 사본 (앞, 뒤)

Can substitute ARC with Proof of Alien Registration from Immigration

Health Certificate

건강진단서

MOJ-designated hospital, issued within 1 month, includes TBPE (drug) test

Academy Registration Certificate (Copy)

학원설립운영등록증 사본

For verification of academy information (employer provides)

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Criminal Record Check (Sex Crimes & Child Abuse)

Visit the public service center at your nearest police station. The certificate is only valid for 15 days.

If you go personally:

Application form (성범죄경력 및 아동학대범죄전력 조회 요청서)
Academy Registration Certificate (학원설립운영등록증)
Your ARC

If school staff goes for you:

Application form (성범죄경력 및 아동학대범죄전력 조회 요청서)
Delegation form (위임장 및 동의서) - you must handwrite and sign
Your ARC or Proof of Alien Registration
Staff's employment certificate (재직증명서) - valid 10 days
Staff's ID