Applying for a Foreigner Registration Card (Alien Registration Card or ARC) is a crucial step for anyone staying long-term in South Korea. This guide provides the essential Korean vocabulary and phrases needed to navigate the application process at the immigration office smoothly. Understanding these expressions will help you communicate effectively and complete your registration with confidence.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental phrase for expressing the action of applying for the Foreigner Registration Card.
- Expression: 외국인등록증 신청하기 (oegugin deungnokjeung sincheonghagi)
Pronunciation: weh-goo-geen deung-nok-jjeung shin-chung-ha-gee
Meaning: To apply for a Foreigner Registration Card (ARC)
Essential Vocabulary
Knowing these key terms will help you understand documents and instructions during the application process.
- Expression: 외국인등록증 (oegugin deungnokjeung)
Pronunciation: weh-goo-geen deung-nok-jjeung
Meaning: Foreigner Registration Card (ARC) - Expression: 신청서 (sincheongseo)
Pronunciation: shin-chung-suh
Meaning: Application form - Expression: 여권 (yeogwon)
Pronunciation: yuh-gwahn
Meaning: Passport - Expression: 사진 (sajin)
Pronunciation: sa-jeen
Meaning: Photo - Expression: 수수료 (susuryo)
Pronunciation: soo-soo-ryoh
Meaning: Fee - Expression: 서류 (seoryu)
Pronunciation: suh-ryoo
Meaning: Documents - Expression: 비자 (bija)
Pronunciation: bee-ja
Meaning: Visa - Expression: 체류자격 (cheryu jagyeok)
Pronunciation: cheh-ryoo ja-gyuk
Meaning: Status of sojourn / Visa type - Expression: 출입국·외국인청 (churipguk·oegugincheong)
Pronunciation: choo-reep-gook weh-goo-geen-chung
Meaning: Immigration Office - Expression: 예약 (yeyak)
Pronunciation: yeh-yak
Meaning: Reservation / Appointment - Expression: 접수 (jeopsu)
Pronunciation: jup-soo
Meaning: Reception / Submission - Expression: 발급 (balgeup)
Pronunciation: bal-geup
Meaning: Issuance
Key Application Phrases
Use these phrases when interacting with staff at the immigration office during the application process.
- Expression: 외국인등록증 신청하러 왔어요. (Oegugin deungnokjeung sincheonghareo wasseoyo.)
Pronunciation: weh-goo-geen deung-nok-jjeung shin-chung-ha-ruh wah-ssuh-yoh
Meaning: I came here to apply for a Foreigner Registration Card. - Expression: 신청서 어디에서 받아요? (Sincheongseo eodieseo badayo?)
Pronunciation: shin-chung-suh uh-dee-eh-suh ba-da-yoh?
Meaning: Where can I get an application form? - Expression: 신청서 작성 좀 도와주세요. (Sincheongseo jakseong jom dowajuseyo.)
Pronunciation: shin-chung-suh jak-sung johm doh-wa-joo-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please help me fill out the application form. - Expression: 필요한 서류 다 가져왔어요. (Piryohan seoryu da gajyeowasseoyo.)
Pronunciation: peel-yo-han suh-ryoo da ga-jyuh-wah-ssuh-yoh
Meaning: I brought all the necessary documents. - Expression: 수수료는 얼마예요? (Susuryoneun eolmayeyo?)
Pronunciation: soo-soo-ryoh-neun uhl-ma-yeh-yoh?
Meaning: How much is the fee? - Expression: 카드로 계산해도 돼요? (Kadeuro gyesanhaedo dwaeyo?)
Pronunciation: ka-deu-roh gyeh-san-heh-doh dweh-yoh?
Meaning: Can I pay by card? - Expression: 예약하고 왔어요. (Yeyakago wasseoyo.)
Pronunciation: yeh-ya-ka-goh wah-ssuh-yoh
Meaning: I came with an appointment. - Expression: 여기서 접수하면 되나요? (Yeogiseo jeopsuhamyeon doenayo?)
Pronunciation: yuh-gee-suh jup-soo-ha-myun dweh-na-yoh?
Meaning: Should I submit it here? - Expression: 지문 등록은 어디서 해요? (Jimun deungnogeun eodiseo haeyo?)
Pronunciation: jee-moon deung-no-geun uh-dee-suh heh-yoh?
Meaning: Where do I register my fingerprints? - Expression: 서류 제출하겠습니다. (Seoryu jechulhagesseumnida.)
Pronunciation: suh-ryoo jeh-chool-ha-geh-sseum-nee-da
Meaning: I will submit the documents. - Expression: 사진은 여기에 붙이면 되나요? (Sajineun yeogie buchimyeon doenayo?)
Pronunciation: sa-jee-neun yuh-gee-eh boo-chee-myun dweh-na-yoh?
Meaning: Should I attach the photo here? - Expression: 제 번호는 언제 불러요? (Je beonhoneun eonje bulleoyo?)
Pronunciation: jeh buhn-ho-neun uhn-jeh bool-luh-yoh?
Meaning: When will my number be called?
Asking Questions
It’s common to have questions during the process. Here are some useful ways to ask.
- Expression: 어떤 서류가 필요해요? (Eotteon seoryuga piryohaeyo?)
Pronunciation: uh-ttuhn suh-ryoo-ga peel-yo-heh-yoh?
Meaning: What documents are needed? - Expression: 이 서류도 필요한가요? (I seoryudo piryohangayo?)
Pronunciation: ee suh-ryoo-doh peel-yo-han-ga-yoh?
Meaning: Is this document also necessary? - Expression: 처리 기간은 얼마나 걸려요? (Cheori giganeun eolmana geollyeoyo?)
Pronunciation: chuh-ree gee-ga-neun uhl-ma-na guhl-lyuh-yoh?
Meaning: How long does the processing take? - Expression: 언제쯤 발급돼요? (Eonjejjeum balgeupdwaeyo?)
Pronunciation: uhn-jeh-jjeum bal-geup-dweh-yoh?
Meaning: Around when will it be issued? - Expression: 등록증은 어떻게 받아요? (Deungnokjeungeun eotteoke badayo?)
Pronunciation: deung-nok-jjeung-eun uh-ttuh-keh ba-da-yoh?
Meaning: How do I receive the registration card? - Expression: 직접 와서 받아야 하나요? (Jikjeop waseo badaya hanayo?)
Pronunciation: jeek-jup wah-suh ba-da-ya ha-na-yoh?
Meaning: Do I have to come in person to pick it up? - Expression: 우편으로 받을 수 있어요? (Upyeoneuro badeul su isseoyo?)
Pronunciation: oo-pyun-eu-roh ba-deul soo ee-ssuh-yoh?
Meaning: Can I receive it by mail? - Expression: 신청서 작성법 좀 알려주세요. (Sincheongseo jakseongbeop jom allyeojuseyo.)
Pronunciation: shin-chung-suh jak-sung-bup johm al-lyuh-joo-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please tell me how to fill out the application form. - Expression: 제 비자 종류로는 어떤 서류가 필요한가요? (Je bija jongnyuroneun eotteon seoryuga piryohangayo?)
Pronunciation: jeh bee-ja jong-nyoo-roh-neun uh-ttuhn suh-ryoo-ga peel-yo-han-ga-yoh?
Meaning: What documents are needed for my visa type? - Expression: 예약 변경하고 싶어요. (Yeyak byeongyeonghago sipeoyo.)
Pronunciation: yeh-yak byun-gyung-ha-goh shee-puh-yoh
Meaning: I want to change my appointment. - Expression: 추가 서류가 필요하면 연락 주시나요? (Chuga seoryuga piryohamyeon yeollak jusinayo?)
Pronunciation: choo-ga suh-ryoo-ga peel-yo-ha-myun yuhl-lak joo-shee-na-yoh?
Meaning: Will you contact me if additional documents are needed?
Understanding Instructions and Responses
You might hear these phrases from the immigration officers.
- Expression: 신청서를 작성해 주세요. (Sincheongseoreul jakseonghae juseyo.)
Pronunciation: shin-chung-suh-reul jak-sung-heh joo-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please fill out the application form. - Expression: 여권이랑 사진 주세요. (Yeogwonirang sajin juseyo.)
Pronunciation: yuh-gwahn-ee-rang sa-jeen joo-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please give me your passport and photo. - Expression: 필요한 서류는 이쪽을 참고하세요. (Piryohan seoryuneun ijjogeul chamgohaseyo.)
Pronunciation: peel-yo-han suh-ryoo-neun ee-jjoh-geul cham-go-ha-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please refer here for the necessary documents. - Expression: 수수료는 저쪽 창구에서 납부하세요. (Susuryoneun jeojjok changgueseo napbuhaseyo.)
Pronunciation: soo-soo-ryoh-neun juh-jjok chang-goo-eh-suh nap-boo-ha-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please pay the fee at that counter over there. - Expression: 번호표 뽑고 기다리세요. (Beonhopyo ppopgo gidariseyo.)
Pronunciation: buhn-ho-pyo ppop-go gee-da-ree-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please take a number ticket and wait. - Expression: 지문 등록하러 가세요. (Jimun deungnokareo gaseyo.)
Pronunciation: jee-moon deung-no-ka-ruh ga-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please go register your fingerprints. - Expression: 약 3주 정도 걸립니다. (Yak sam ju jeongdo geollimnida.)
Pronunciation: yak sam joo jung-doh guhl-leem-nee-da
Meaning: It takes about 3 weeks. - Expression: 발급되면 문자로 알려드릴게요. (Balgeupdoemyeon munjaro allyeodeurilgeyo.)
Pronunciation: bal-geup-dweh-myun moon-ja-roh al-lyuh-deu-reel-geh-yoh
Meaning: We will notify you by text message when it’s issued. - Expression: 이 서류가 부족합니다. (I seoryuga bujokamnida.)
Pronunciation: ee suh-ryoo-ga boo-jo-kam-nee-da
Meaning: This document is missing. - Expression: 다음에 다시 방문해 주세요. (Daeume dasi bangmunhae juseyo.)
Pronunciation: da-eum-eh da-shee bang-moon-heh joo-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please visit again next time. - Expression: 접수증을 잘 보관하세요. (Jeopsujeungeul jal bogwanhaseyo.)
Pronunciation: jup-soo-jjeung-eul jal boh-gwan-ha-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please keep the receipt/confirmation slip safe. - Expression: 모든 서류는 원본으로 준비해 주세요. (Modeun seoryuneun wonboneuro junbihae juseyo.)
Pronunciation: moh-deun suh-ryoo-neun wuhn-bohn-eu-roh joon-bee-heh joo-seh-yoh
Meaning: Please prepare all documents as originals.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these points can make your visit to the immigration office smoother.
- Appointments are Crucial: Most immigration offices in Korea operate strictly by appointment, especially in major cities. Always book your visit online through the HiKorea website (www.hikorea.go.kr) well in advance. Showing up without an appointment might result in being turned away or facing very long waits.
- Document Preparation: Korean bureaucracy often requires very specific documents. Double-check the required list for your visa type on the HiKorea website. Bring originals and copies, even if copies aren’t explicitly listed, just in case. Ensure photos meet the exact size and background requirements.
- Efficiency and Speed: While sometimes perceived as rigid, the Korean administrative system aims for efficiency. Have all your documents organized and ready when your number is called. Fill out forms completely and accurately beforehand if possible.
- Formal Atmosphere: Government offices like the immigration center maintain a formal atmosphere. Dress neatly (business casual is safe) and speak politely using formal language (like the phrases provided here using -요/-ㅂ니다 endings).
- Patience is Key: Despite the aim for efficiency, processing times can vary, and queues can be long even with an appointment. Bring something to occupy your time and be prepared to wait patiently.
Real Conversation Example
This dialogue illustrates a typical interaction when submitting the ARC application.
Situation: A foreign student (A) is submitting their application documents to an immigration officer (B).
Roles:
* A: Foreign Student
* B: Immigration Officer
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 외국인등록증 신청하러 왔습니다. 예약했습니다. (Annyeonghaseyo, oegugin deungnokjeung sincheonghareo watsseumnida. Yeyakaetsseumnida.)
Pronunciation: an-nyung-ha-seh-yoh, weh-goo-geen deung-nok-jjeung shin-chung-ha-ruh wat-sseum-nee-da. yeh-ya-ket-sseum-nee-da.
Meaning: Hello, I’m here to apply for the Foreigner Registration Card. I have an appointment. - Expression: B: 네, 성함이 어떻게 되세요? 예약 확인하겠습니다. (Ne, seonghami eotteoke doeseyo? Yeyak hwaginhagesseumnida.)
Pronunciation: neh, sung-ha-mee uh-ttuh-keh dweh-seh-yoh? yeh-yak hwa-geen-ha-geh-sseum-nee-da.
Meaning: Yes, what is your name? I will check your appointment. - Expression: A: [Your Name]입니다. ( [Your Name]imnida.)
Pronunciation: [Your Name]eem-nee-da.
Meaning: It’s [Your Name]. - Expression: B: 네, 확인됐습니다. 신청서랑 필요한 서류 주세요. 여권, 사진, 재학증명서 필요합니다. (Ne, hwagindwaetsseumnida. Sincheongseorang piryohan seoryu juseyo. Yeogwon, sajin, jaehakjeungmyeongseo piryohamnida.)
Pronunciation: neh, hwa-geen-dwet-sseum-nee-da. shin-chung-suh-rang peel-yo-han suh-ryoo joo-seh-yoh. yuh-gwahn, sa-jeen, jeh-hak-jeung-myung-suh peel-yo-ham-nee-da.
Meaning: Yes, it’s confirmed. Please give me the application form and necessary documents. Passport, photo, and proof of enrollment certificate are required. - Expression: A: 네, 여기 있습니다. 신청서, 여권, 사진, 재학증명서 다 준비했습니다. (Ne, yeogi itsseumnida. Sincheongseo, yeogwon, sajin, jaehakjeungmyeongseo da junbihaetsseumnida.)
Pronunciation: neh, yuh-gee eet-sseum-nee-da. shin-chung-suh, yuh-gwahn, sa-jeen, jeh-hak-jeung-myung-suh da joon-bee-het-sseum-nee-da.
Meaning: Yes, here they are. I have prepared the application form, passport, photo, and proof of enrollment certificate. - Expression: B: 감사합니다. 서류 확인해 보겠습니다… 네, 다 맞네요. 수수료 3만원은 납부하셨어요? (Gamsahamnida. Seoryu hwaginhae bogetsseumnida… Ne, da matneyo. Susuryo sam man woneun napbuhasyeosseoyo?)
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-nee-da. suh-ryoo hwa-geen-heh boh-geh-sseum-nee-da… neh, da mat-neh-yoh. soo-soo-ryoh sam man wuh-neun nap-boo-ha-shyuh-ssuh-yoh?
Meaning: Thank you. I will check the documents… Yes, they are all correct. Have you paid the 30,000 won fee? - Expression: A: 네, 아까 저쪽 창구에서 납부하고 영수증 받아왔습니다. 여기요. (Ne, akka jeojjok changgueseo napbuhago yeongsujeung badawatseumnida. Yeogiyo.)
Pronunciation: neh, ah-kka juh-jjok chang-goo-eh-suh nap-boo-ha-goh yung-soo-jeung ba-da-wat-sseum-nee-da. yuh-gee-yoh.
Meaning: Yes, I paid earlier at that counter and got the receipt. Here it is. - Expression: B: 네, 확인했습니다. 이제 지문 등록하러 가시면 됩니다. 저쪽으로 가세요. (Ne, hwaginhaetsseumnida. Ije jimun deungnokareo gasimyeon doemnida. Jeojjogeuro gaseyo.)
Pronunciation: neh, hwa-geen-het-sseum-nee-da. ee-jeh jee-moon deung-no-ka-ruh ga-shee-myun dwem-nee-da. juh-jjoh-geu-roh ga-seh-yoh.
Meaning: Yes, confirmed. Now you can go register your fingerprints. Please go that way. - Expression: A: 감사합니다. 등록증은 언제쯤 받을 수 있나요? (Gamsahamnida. Deungnokjeungeun eonjejjeum badeul su innayo?)
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-nee-da. deung-nok-jjeung-eun uhn-jeh-jjeum ba-deul soo een-na-yoh?
Meaning: Thank you. Around when can I receive the registration card? - Expression: B: 보통 3주 정도 걸리고, 발급되면 문자로 알려드릴 겁니다. (Botong sam ju jeongdo geolligo, balgeupdoemyeon munjaro allyeodeuril geomnida.)
Pronunciation: boh-tong sam joo jung-doh guhl-lee-goh, bal-geup-dweh-myun moon-ja-roh al-lyuh-deu-reel guhm-nee-da.
Meaning: It usually takes about 3 weeks, and we will notify you by text message when it’s issued.
Practice Tips
Applying for your ARC is a big step! Don’t worry too much about perfection~ Practice saying the key phrases aloud. Imagine yourself at the immigration office and rehearse the conversation example. Review the vocabulary list, especially the names of documents! You can also practice by explaining the process to a friend in Korean. The more you familiarize yourself with these terms, the more confident you’ll feel on the actual day! 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)
