Once you have a Korean visa, getting a Resident Card is fairly straightforward. The Resident Card (RC) was previously known as the Alien Registration Card (ARC). Amusingly the Korean text hasn’t changed, it still says 외국인, meaning “foreigner”. Why: The Benefits The reason I applied for the F-1-D visa in the first place was the ability to get a resident card. Without one, staying longterm in South Korea is an exercise in frustration. ...
In December of 2023, the South Korean government a new F-1-D visa, called the Digital Nomad / Workcation visa (hereafter referred to as the Workcation visa). I’ve lived in Korea before and I love Seoul, so I jumped at the chance to get a more long-term visa. This is my perspective of the application process as a non-Korean U.S. citizen. Please consult your consulate’s requirements for your particular situation, especially if you’re Korean, as the requirements will be different. ...
In January of this year, I set out for semi-permanent traveling with only two* backpacks: A Goruck GR1 26L, and a Goruck GR2 40L. Prior to setting out I had done a -lot- of research, and made a detailed spreadsheet (down to the gram) of what I’d be taking. It’s not too bad I think, although the gorucks are more weighty than I’d like. * Including a daily bag. See EDC below. ...