Normally, applying for a D-4 visa requires a permission of enrollment document, an ID, and proof of payment of tuition, in addition to registering with the Korean embassy in the applicant’s place of residence. However, KFOP students need only to obtain a permission of enrollment document from KLCC and submit it to the U.S. Embassy or consulate. To obtain a permission of enrollment document the student needs to submit a copy of his/her passport, a school enrollment application form, transcript or diploma from the last school attended (or attending), and 2 photos.

In general, a D-4 visa is effective for 6 moths and can be extended up to 1 year and 6 months by the Immigration Office of Korea. However, for KFOP students, the enrollment period was extended from 6 months to 1 year, according to an agreement made between KFOP and KLCC. However, it must be noted that, while the permission of enrollment states that the study period is 1 year, this does not mean that the student will receive a 1-year visa. The length of the visa is determined by the student’s local Korean embassy or consulate, so the student should be sure to check with his/her embassy or consulate.

The process of obtaining a permission of enrollment from KLCC, applying for the visa at the local embassy or consulate, and actually obtaining the visa can take about 1-2 months. Therefore, students who plan to get a D-4 visa should start the application process at least two months before the summer semester begins, or around the beginning of May.

<Foreign Student Enrollment>
Foreign students must make a visit to the Immigration Office in Mokdong, Seoul, within 90 days of arriving in Korea. The necessary documents are: proof of enrollment in a school, a passport, and 3 photos. KFOP students can also register with the U.S. Embassy in Korea. Students who arrive with a C-3 visa are advised to both apply for a visa change (to the D-4 visa) and register as a foreigner. If there is a change in the information on the one’s foreigner ID card, that is, a change in address or school of attendance, the student must make the changes at the Immigration Office know within 14 days of the change. But in the case of a change in address, the student can simply go to his/her district office (gu-cheong) and make the change there. In the case of a change in the school of attendance, the required documents are the passport, foreigner ID card, and permission of enrollment.

Foreigners must always carry with them their foreigner ID card they received from the Immigration Office.

If you lose your foreigner ID card, you can obtain a replacement card at the Immigration Office. You will need to bring your passport, 1 photo, and a related form for the lost card which you obtain from a local police station.

<Extension of Stay>
If you want to extend your stay, you must bring a registration form, passport, foreigner ID card, proof of enrollment (1 copy), and 3 photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm) to the Immigration Office or a local branch/agency, before your current visa expires. If you do not apply for the extension prior to the expiration date, you will be penalized for violating the immigration law.

<Reentry>
If you wish to leave the country and return within the time of your stay, you must receive permission for reentry at the office of departure at the airport you are departing from (Incheon) by submitting a registration form, passport, foreigner ID card, and proof of enrollment. The longest period of stay that a reentry permit allows is one year for a one-time reentry, and two years for reentering on two occasions.

To find out more about lodgings near campus, go to KLCC’s website at http://kola.korea.ac.kr/klcc/ and click on the link in the lower right called ‘Housing Information’. Among the places listed is the Crimson House, a temporary lodging in front of the university’s main entrance that charges 125,000 won for a required minimum of 5 days.

Here are some of the places current KFOP students are staying:

<Young-bin Goshiwon (exam study dorm)>
Address: Seongbuk-gu Jongam 1dong 33-28
Size: approx. 7-8 pyong (1 pyong = 3.3058 m2)
Facilities: bed, desk, bookshelf, refrigerator, closet, sink, shoe cabinet, bathroom (w/ shower)
Monthly rent: 500,000 won
Security deposit: none
Phone: 82-2-016-336-4630

<A row house>
Size: 10 pyong
Facilities: bed (w/ bedding), bathroom (w/ shower), kitchen, minifridge, washer/dryer combo, desk, cabinet, bookshelf, air conditioner, VCR, TV
Monthly rent: 900,000 won
Security deposit: 500,000 won

<A one-room unit>
Size: 10x13 ft. room, 5x5 ft. bathroom w/ shower
Facilities: bed, bathroom+shower, kitchen (5x13ft.), balcony(4x8ft.)
Monthly rent: 600,000 won
Security deposit: none

<Coming from Incheon Airport to Seoul>
You can take either an airport bus or a taxi to get from the airport to Seoul. Among the different bus routes, there is one that takes you up to the front of Korea University. The cost is about 7,000 won. For detailed information, go to http://www.newairhelp.co.kr/.

<Shopping>
There are many small shops and convenience stores surrounding the campus. Big shopping centers include Costco and E-Mart located within a 30-minute distance by bus or subway.

<Transport>
Modes of transportation you can use around town include bus, subway, and taxi. There are many bus lines in the school area and in particular, the subway is particularly convenient to use because subway line number 6 has two stations, Anam Station and Korea University Station which lead you directly to the university.

If interested in learning more about Seoul, the Seoul city’s website provides various facts on Seoul’s history and culture, plus info on tourism in Seoul.