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How to Get Internet in Korea

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🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series

Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.

Don’t stress about setting up internet in Korea — it’s quick, reliable, and easier than you think.

In short

In Korea, you can get online via home internet (fiber/HFC/LAN) from KT, SK Broadband, or LG U+, or use mobile data via SIM/eSIM from major carriers or MVNOs. Bring your ARC, Korean phone number, and address for contracts; short-term visitors can rent pocket Wi-Fi or buy prepaid data SIMs.

Internet Types & Providers in Korea

Korea offers fast, reliable connectivity nationwide. As a foreign resident, you’ll usually choose between:

  • Home Internet (FTTH fiber, HFC cable, or building LAN) from KT, SK Broadband (SKB), or LG U+. Typical speeds: 100 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps (some areas higher).
  • Mobile Data through SKT/KT/LG U+ or MVNO (알뜰폰) providers with SIM or eSIM. Good for immediate access and hotspots.
  • Short-term solutions: pocket Wi-Fi rental, prepaid data SIMs, and public Wi-Fi in cities.
💡 Tip Ask your landlord or agent which ISP is already wired in your building—activation is fastest if the line exists.

Home Internet (Fixed-Line): Plans & Installation

Plans & Speeds

  • 100 Mbps: Basic browsing/streaming.
  • 500 Mbps: Families, 4K streaming, gaming.
  • 1 Gbps+: Heavy downloads, multi-person WFH.
  • Router/Wi-Fi: ISP can rent a Wi-Fi 5/6 router or you can use your own.

What You Need to Sign Up in Korea

  • ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a Korean mobile number under your name.
  • Residential address and (if renting) permission for installation if required by building rules.
  • Payment method: Korean bank account (auto-debit) or local card; deposits may apply.

Sign-Up & Installation Steps

  1. Check availability (KT/SKB/LG U+) for your address via shop or hotline.
  2. Choose plan & term (month-to-month or 2–3 year contract with discounts).
  3. Submit documents (ARC, phone number, account/card for billing).
  4. Schedule technician visit (usually 1–3 working days).
  5. Install & test modem/router; set Wi-Fi name, password, and app controls.

Costs, Contracts & Fees

  • Installation fee may be billed on first invoice.
  • Router rental is optional; returning it is required when canceling.
  • Early termination fee applies if canceling a discounted 2–3 year plan early.
  • Move service (이전설치): you can transfer the line when moving; book ahead.
⚠️ Note Some older buildings only support lower speeds or a single ISP. Confirm before signing a lease if fast internet is essential.

Mobile Internet: SIM/eSIM & Hotspots

Postpaid vs Prepaid in Korea

  • Postpaid (contract): Best value; requires ARC and bank auto-debit or card.
  • Prepaid: Flexible for short stays; top-up data as needed.
  • MVNO (알뜰폰): Cheaper plans on the big carriers’ networks; many support eSIM.

Data Plans & Using Your Phone as Hotspot

  • Pick monthly data (e.g., 10–30 GB) or unlimited with speed caps after a threshold.
  • Enable Personal Hotspot to share data with laptops/TVs—handy before home internet is installed.
  • For gamers/remote work, prefer plans with generous high-speed data and 5G coverage in your area.

Get SIM or eSIM: Quick Steps

  1. Bring passport/ARC to a carrier/MVNO shop or order online.
  2. Choose voice+data or data-only and pick SIM or eSIM activation.
  3. Complete real-name registration (required in Korea) and test data/voice.
💡 Tip If you plan to use PASS or banking apps, register the number under your name (not a friend’s). This avoids verification failures later.

Short-Term & Public Wi-Fi Options

  • Pocket Wi-Fi rental: Airport/city counters and delivery services offer daily/weekly rentals—ideal for visitors or gap periods.
  • Prepaid data SIM/eSIM: Activate in minutes; no long-term commitment.
  • Public Wi-Fi: Many subways, buses, libraries, and city areas provide free hotspots; speeds vary and may require a phone number login.
  • Residence Wi-Fi included: Some officetels/dorms include building Wi-Fi—ask for the ID/password and expected speeds.
Example: New arrivals often start with a prepaid eSIM for data and hotspot, then book a KT/SKB/LG U+ installation for 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps at their apartment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. Can I get home internet in Korea without an ARC?
    A. It’s difficult. Most ISPs require ARC and a Korean payment method. Consider pocket Wi-Fi or prepaid data until your ARC is issued.
  2. Q. How long does installation take?
    A. Usually 1–3 business days after signup, longer during peak seasons or if new cabling is needed.
  3. Q. Is MVNO service reliable?
    A. Yes. MVNOs use the same networks as SKT/KT/LG U+. Speed caps or lower priority may apply on busy cells, but coverage is broad and prices are lower.
  4. Q. What Wi-Fi router should I use?
    A. A Wi-Fi 6 router (AX) covers most apartments well. If you have many devices or thick walls, consider a mesh kit. You can rent from the ISP or use your own.
  5. Q. Can I cancel early if I leave Korea?
    A. Yes, but early termination fees apply on discounted contracts. Month-to-month plans cost more but are flexible for short stays.

Notes

Note. Requirements, fees, and discounts vary by ISP and region in Korea. Keep copies of your ARC, address contract, and bank details. For smooth verification across services, register your mobile number under your own name and enable PASS.


Explore the Series

More step-by-step guides for foreigners in Korea. Browse them on the hub, or jump directly below.

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