Getting a Bank Account & SIM Card using Passport ONLY
Don't wait 4 weeks for your ARC (Alien Registration Card)! Learn how to open a Limited Bank Account and get a data SIM on Day 1 using just your Passport and University Admission Letter.
Step 0: What You Have Right Now (Day 1 Arrival)
Passport-Ready1-Minute Eligibility & Checklist Wizard
GOV.UK StandardSelect your status below to get your personalized Day 0 requirement checklist immediately:
Chain-Breaker Workflow (Breaking the ARC Dilemma)
Day 1: Airport Passport Data SIM & T-Money Card
Pick up an unlimited data Passport SIM/eSIM at airport arrival. Buy a T-Money Card at CU or GS25 convenience stores and recharge with 10,000 KRW cash.
Day 2: Open a Passport Bank Account at Campus Branch
Visit university campus bank branches (Hana Bank or Shinhan Bank). Present your Passport and Admission Letter to open a Limited Bank Account.
Day 3: HiKorea Appointment & ARC Application
Book a non-member appointment on HiKorea Portal without needing mobile authentication. Submit your housing confirmation and application fee.
Day 30+: ARC Pickup & Full Mobile PASS Authentication
Once you receive your physical ARC card, link it to your mobile plan for full PASS App Authentication and lift daily bank limits.
Airport-to-Campus Access Card (Incheon β Sinchon)
Japan-Guide StandardBoard at Terminal 1 Gate 5. Drops off directly at Yonsei University & Ewha Womans Univ main gates.
Take AREX All-Stop train to Hongik Univ Station, then transfer to Line 2 or take a short taxi.
Day 1 Prepaid SIM vs Day 30+ Postpaid MVNO Comparison
Telecom Master Data| Option Type | Requirement | PASS App Auth | Est. Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 Airport eSIM / Prepaid SIM | Passport ONLY | Impossible | β©35,000 ~ β©60,000 / month | First 30 days before ARC is issued |
| ARC-Linked Postpaid MVNO (μλ°ν°) | ARC + Bank Account | 100% Supported | β©10,000 ~ β©25,000 / month | Long-term stay (Savings up to 70%!) |
| Major Telecom (SKT/KT/LGU+) Contract | ARC + 2-Year Lease Contract | 100% Supported | β©50,000 ~ β©80,000 / month | Device subsidy purchase |
Lifting Bank Transfer Limits (νλμ νκ³μ’ ν΄μ )
FSS Official RuleUnder Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) regulations to prevent voice phishing, all initial bank accounts opened by foreigners are designated as Limited Accounts (νλμ νκ³μ’). To lift this limit to normal levels (β©50M+/day), you MUST present one of the following official proof documents at your bank branch: