The first week in Korea is a blur of new names, jet lag and a classroom that suddenly feels very real. The good news: almost everything that matters can be sorted in a few days if you do it in the right order. Here is the order that works for most new teachers.

Day 1: get from the airport to your new home

Before you leave the arrivals hall, grab two things: a T-money card and a way to get online. T-money cards are sold at every convenience store in the airport (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven), and you will use one for every subway, bus and even some taxis for the rest of your contract. Load ₩20,000–30,000 to start.

For data, either pick up a short-term SIM at one of the carrier booths in arrivals or use an eSIM you bought before the flight. You do not need the perfect phone plan yet — you need maps and messaging tonight.

Most schools arrange a pickup or tell you exactly how to reach your apartment. If they do not, the airport limousine bus or AREX train plus a taxi from the nearest station is the least stressful option with luggage.

Day 2: learn your neighborhood

Download Naver Map (or Kakao Map) and walk the route from your apartment to your school at the time you would normally go. Google Maps works for looking at places, but walking and transit directions are far more reliable in the Korean apps.

While you are out, find:

• The nearest convenience store, supermarket and pharmacy
• A bus stop or subway station you will use every day
• A place to eat alone comfortably — gimbap shops and noodle places are perfect for this

Day 3: the paperwork your school will start

Your school will usually take you for the medical check that E-2 teachers need, and will start your Alien Registration Card (ARC) application. You must apply for the ARC within 90 days of arriving, at the immigration office for your area, and many schools book the appointment for you through HiKorea.

Have these ready so nothing gets delayed:

• Your passport and a couple of passport-size photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Your signed employment contract
• Your address in Korea (your school can help with the exact Korean format)
• The application fee (it is small — around ₩30,000, but check the current amount)

The card itself usually arrives a few weeks later. Until then, keep your passport with you; you will need it for almost everything.

Day 4: money

Opening a full bank account is much easier once you have your ARC, and most schools pay salary into a Korean account, so ask your school which bank they use and whether a coworker can come with you. Some banks will open a basic account with your passport and proof of employment before the ARC arrives, with limits that are lifted later.

Once you have an account, install the bank's app and Toss — paying, transferring money and splitting bills all happen on your phone here.

Day 5: the little rules nobody tells you about

• Rubbish is sorted. General waste goes in the official volume-based bags (jongnyangje bongtu) sold at convenience stores, food waste goes in its own bag or bin, and recycling is separated by type. Ask your landlord or neighbor which day and where.
• Shoes come off at the door — at home, and in some schools and restaurants.
• Tipping is not expected anywhere.
• Emergency numbers: 119 for fire and ambulance, 112 for police, and 1345 for the immigration help line, which has English-speaking staff.

Day 6–7: rest, then build your routine

Do not spend the whole first weekend in your apartment. Go to a big market, take the subway somewhere you have heard of, and try one meal you cannot pronounce. Meeting other teachers early makes a huge difference — the people who settle in fastest are the ones who say yes to the first coffee invitation.

Your first-week checklist

• T-money card and a working phone
• Naver Map, Kakao T and Papago installed
• Route to school practiced
• Medical check done and ARC application submitted
• Bank account opened (or booked for when your ARC arrives)
• Rubbish rules understood
• One meal out and one new place visited

Everything else — the cheaper phone plan, the furniture, the gym — can wait until week two.