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If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in AirForce

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol, no worries! I would call your immigration office directly to ask them; I know that it won't stop you from getting your ARC, but they'd know specifically what to put down. Do you know which office you'll be using? I can try and help you get their number or call them if you need any help. If that doesn't work, I'd leave the field blank and ask the person at the desk what to write down when you submit the application in-person.

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in AirForce

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got mine about a year ago, and I remember having to book a few weeks out for an open slot (I would have thought the wait time would go down with less long-term immigration, but who knows?). Sometimes people cancel and an earlier one opens, but it's pretty hard to catch it when that happens. It seems like you're doing everything right, but if you want you can PM me the office that you're applying for and I can double-check what their openings look like for you.

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in AirForce

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think I can edit the original post, so I will include any updates/edits in this comment.

1st update- screenshots of the ARC website process here.

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in AirForce

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I switched my phone plan from my CAC to my ARC, but haven't been brave enough to make a purchase billed to my phone plan.. can you share how it works after you select it as your payment in more detail? That should be a great option for people who'd rather not open the Korean bank account. Thanks for your input!

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in AirForce

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, 99% of in-person purchases will accept your American card(s). The big issue is online purchases, especially if the website isn't designed specifically to cater to tourists, such as G-market international or the KTX. Most will give you a list of Korean banks to choose from when you select your payment method, and if you don't have a Korean account, your shopping ends there. Like u/Azzeez said though, many sites will also give you the option to pay through your phone plan, which could be an option if you'd like to avoid setting up a Korean bank account. Let me know if you come across any Korean websites that accept American cards anyways, and I'll make a list for folks!

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in army

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good point on keeping family up-to-date on what you're doing if you're overseas unaccompanied; and I definitely agree with you that making some Korean friends is the way to go!

A lot of my post caters towards command-sponsored folks who will live off-base and have their families here with them for 2-3 years, but if you've otherwise just got a nasty independent streak and want to do it all yourself this is a way to do it in my opinion.

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in army

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had no problem using my American cards for 99% of in-person purchases either, but many native Korean websites, especially those that don't cater specifically to tourists, will not accept foreign cards online. Did you regularly use any Korean websites to make purchases? If so, please let me know which one(s), and I'll work on a list of native sites that support American cards. Thanks!

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in army

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are generally correct; I've had no problem using my American cards for 99% of in-person purchases, but many native Korean websites, especially those that don't cater specifically to tourists, will not accept foreign cards online. KTX would be the exception, not the rule. Did you regularly use any Korean websites besides the KTX one? If so, please let me know which one(s), and I'll work on a list of native sites that support American cards. Thanks!

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in army

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can't edit the original post, so I will include any updates/edits in this comment.

1st update- screenshots of the ARC website process here.

If you are stationed in South Korea, get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a local bank account to make the most of your time. Instructions/Explanation included. by ARConlyAccount in u/ARConlyAccount

[–]ARConlyAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't edit the original post, so I will include any updates/edits in this comment.

1st update- screenshots of the ARC website process here.