If you are planning to move to St. Louis for the first time, there are quite a few things you need to check in advance.

Whether you are moving from another city in the U.S. or coming from Korea, I have organized a checklist of administrative and practical matters that you should take care of. Being well-prepared can help reduce unnecessary time and costs during the initial settling-in process.

The first thing to check is the location of your residence. As mentioned earlier, St. Louis is administratively divided into the 'City of St. Louis' and 'St. Louis County.' This is a unique structure that is rare even in the U.S., affecting taxes, school districts, and police jurisdictions differently.

Generally, Korean families prefer areas within St. Louis County such as Chesterfield, Ladue, Clayton, Creve Coeur, and Baldwin. Before deciding on a residence, be sure to check the school district information (using resources like GreatSchools.org), safety ratings, and commuting distances. For apartment rentals, credit history plays a significant role, and new immigrants without a credit history may be required to pay additional deposits.

The second issue is related to cars and driver's licenses. Public transportation in St. Louis is limited, making a car essential. If you move to Missouri, you must exchange your driver's license for a Missouri Driver's License within 90 days. The licensing process involves both a written and a practical test, handled at the Missouri DMV (Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle) office. The process for exchanging a Korean driver's license for a Missouri license is not simplified, so you will need to take the tests directly. Car insurance tends to be priced higher for immigrants, so it's wise to compare quotes from multiple companies.

The third point is obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) and opening a bank account. If you hold a work visa or permanent residency, the first step is to obtain an SSN and then open a bank account. Major banks (such as Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) have branches throughout St. Louis, and you can open an account by visiting a branch in person. Some bank accounts can be opened with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), but an SSN is required for loans or credit cards. Using a secured credit card can also be a way to start building credit.

The fourth consideration is understanding health insurance and the healthcare system. Since medical costs in the U.S. are very high, you should enroll in health insurance as soon as you move to St. Louis. If your job does not provide insurance, you can sign up for individual insurance through Healthcare.gov, or apply for Missouri Medicaid if your income is low. It is advisable to establish a primary care physician early on, and identifying hospitals or clinics that offer Korean translation services can be helpful. Major hospital systems in St. Louis include BJC HealthCare, Mercy Health, and SSM Health.

The fifth point is connecting with the Korean community. By connecting early with organizations such as the St. Louis Korean Association, Korean churches, and Korean schools, you can receive significant help during the settling process. Many resources, including immigration legal services, English education programs, and job information, can often be accessed through the Korean community network. Joining local Korean community social media groups (on platforms like Facebook or KakaoTalk) can provide you with real-time useful information. It is wise not to try to solve everything alone in an unfamiliar environment when you first move; actively utilizing the community's help is a smart approach.