Your Move-In Day Checklist: What to Bring & What to Expect

After booking your room through RoomRoom, prepare these documents for move-in day:

• Passport
• ARC (if you have one)
• Contract copy
• Deposit transfer receipt

• Daiso (다이소): Hangers, toiletries, cleaning supplies, storage boxes — everything ₩1,000–5,000
• Convenience store: Basic groceries, instant food
• Coupang (쿠팡): Korea's Amazon — order bedding, towels, anything. Next-day delivery.

1. Take photos of room condition (walls, floor, furniture)
2. Test all facilities (water, AC, heating, WiFi)
3. Change the door lock code
4. Find the nearest convenience store, subway, and laundry
5. Save emergency contacts: 112 (police), 119 (fire), 1345 (foreigner help)
6. Set up your phone and internet

If anything doesn't match what was agreed, message the host right away through RoomRoom.

The first week in a new Korean room can be overwhelming. Here is a day-by-day guide to get you settled comfortably:

Day 1-2: Essential Setup

• Internet/WiFi: Get the WiFi password from the host. Test speed. If it is your own internet, installation takes 3-7 days — use mobile data meanwhile.
• Grocery run: Visit the nearest convenience store or supermarket. Buy basics: water, instant food, toiletries.
• Navigation: Download Naver Map and find your nearest subway station, bus stops, convenience stores, and Daiso.
• Laundry: Locate the shared laundry or nearest laundromat. Buy detergent from Daiso (₩2,000).

Day 3-4: Administrative Tasks

• Address registration: If you have an ARC, report your new address within 14 days at the local district office (구청) or online via HiKorea.
• Bank account update: If you have a Korean bank account, update your registered address.
• Explore the neighborhood: Walk around during daytime and evening to learn the area.
• Find a hospital/clinic: Locate the nearest clinic (의원) for minor health issues.

Day 5-7: Quality of Life

• Routine establishment: Figure out your commute timing to school/work.
• Meal planning: Identify cheap eating spots, convenience stores with good lunch boxes, and the nearest baekban restaurant.
• Social connections: Join foreigner communities on Facebook, MeetUp, or your university groups.
• Package delivery: Set up Coupang account for online shopping. Your room address is your delivery address — confirm with the host how packages are handled.

Online shopping is essential in Korea. Here is how to set up the key accounts:

Coupang (쿠팡) — Korea's Amazon

The most important shopping app for daily life. Rocket Delivery means next-day (sometimes same-day) delivery.

• Sign up: App or website, email registration works. Korean phone number needed for verification.
• Address: Enter your full Korean address. Include building name and room number.
• Payment: International credit cards work. Korean bank cards also accepted.
• Rocket WOW membership: ₩7,890/month for free delivery on all items + Coupang Play (streaming). Worth it if you order frequently.

Other Useful Delivery Services

Package Reception Tips

• Goshiwon: Packages are usually left at the front desk or your door. Ask the manager about the policy.
• One-room: Delivery drivers will leave packages at your door. Install a small shelf or box outside if worried about theft.
• Delivery lockers: Some buildings have 무인택배함 (automated lockers). You get a code via text when a package arrives.
• Convenience store pickup: Some services allow pickup at GS25 or CU. Good if you are not home during the day.

Korea is safe and convenient, but keep these emergency supplies in your room for unexpected situations:

Must-Have Emergency Kit

Important Documents to Keep Safe

• Passport photocopy (store original in a safe place)
• ARC photocopy
• Contract copy
• Insurance documents
• Embassy contact information
• Emergency contacts list (written on paper, not just in your phone)

Digital Emergency Preparedness

• Save emergency numbers as favorites: 112, 119, 1345
• Download Papago translation app (works offline with downloaded language packs)
• Save your address in Korean on your phone (screenshot) — useful for taxis and deliveries
• Keep your embassy number saved
• Take photos of all important documents and save in cloud storage

Seasonal Emergency Prep

• Summer (June-September): Keep windows closed during heavy rain. Have towels ready if your room is at ground level. Download the 안전디딤돌 app for storm alerts.
• Winter (December-February): Keep spare blankets. Test your heating before it gets truly cold. Have pipe insulation or know how to prevent frozen pipes.