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Getting a Mobile Plan in Korea (Foreigners Guide)

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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 over phone plans — prepaid or postpaid, there’s always an option that fits your stay in Korea.

Getting a Mobile Plan in Korea (Foreigners Guide)

In short

Foreigners in Korea can get a mobile plan through major carriers (SKT, KT, LG U+) or low-cost MVNOs. You’ll need your Alien Registration Card (ARC), passport, and a Korean payment method. Options include postpaid, prepaid, and eSIM plans with full data and voice support.

Major Carriers in Korea

There are three main telecom companies in Korea offering full nationwide coverage:

  • SK Telecom (SKT) – Largest network, strong coverage in rural and urban areas.
  • KT (Korea Telecom) – Reliable speed, good balance of data plans and pricing.
  • LG U+ – Affordable options and strong 5G service in cities.

All three carriers provide English-speaking support centers and allow foreigners to apply for both prepaid and postpaid plans once they have an ARC.

💡 Tip KT’s “Global Store” and LG U+ branches in Seoul and Busan often have English-speaking staff who can help set up a plan the same day.

Types of Mobile Plans

1) Postpaid Plans (Contract)

  • Requires ARC and Korean bank account or credit card.
  • Billed monthly (usually between ₩30,000–₩70,000 depending on data usage).
  • Can include voice, SMS, and 4G/5G data with optional family discounts.

2) Prepaid Plans

  • Available with passport or ARC at airports or telecom stores.
  • Rechargeable at convenience stores or via apps.
  • Perfect for short-term visitors or before ARC issuance.

3) MVNO (알뜰폰) Plans

  • Lower-cost alternatives using SKT, KT, or LG U+ networks.
  • Available at 알뜰폰 매장 or online (e.g., LG Hello, U+알뜰, KT M Mobile).
  • Require ARC or passport, depending on provider.

4) eSIM Plans

  • Convenient for iPhone and newer Android models.
  • Setup takes minutes; no physical SIM required.
  • Offered by KT, LG U+, SKT, and several MVNOs (e.g., TracMo, SK7 Mobile).
⚠️ Note Some MVNOs only support Korean-language signup. Use translation tools or visit in person with your ARC for smoother setup.

Requirements for Foreigners

  • Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport (for prepaid).
  • Korean address (residence contract or proof of stay).
  • Bank account or debit/credit card for auto-payment (postpaid).
  • Phone IMEI unlocked (if using your own device).

Your name on the contract must exactly match your ARC for real-name verification. Once activated, the number can be used for PASS app, online banking, and government logins.

💡 Tip When your ARC is pending, use a temporary prepaid SIM. Once the ARC is issued, you can transfer the number to a postpaid or MVNO plan easily.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Visit a carrier store (SKT, KT, LG U+), global branch, or MVNO shop.
  2. Bring your ARC/passport, bank card, and proof of address.
  3. Choose your plan type (prepaid, postpaid, or MVNO) and data package.
  4. Complete real-name registration using your ARC or passport.
  5. Insert SIM or activate eSIM and test your data/voice connection.
  6. Register your number in PASS app for future identity verification.

Activation Time

Activation takes 5–30 minutes for prepaid and eSIM plans. For postpaid contracts, the line is usually active within a few hours.

Example: A new resident can buy a prepaid SIM at Incheon Airport, then switch to a KT or LG U+ postpaid plan once their ARC is issued and address confirmed.

Low-Cost MVNO Options

  • KT M Mobile – Stable plans with English-friendly support.
  • LG Hello Mobile – Budget 5G options; easy online signup.
  • SK7 Mobile – eSIM plans for unlocked phones; simple activation.
  • U+ 알뜰모바일 – Affordable monthly rates for light users.
  • TracMo or Chingu Mobile – Foreign-friendly MVNOs catering to expats and students.

MVNO plans typically cost ₩10,000–₩30,000 per month and support LTE or 5G. They require the same verification steps but have flexible contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. Can I get a mobile plan before my ARC is issued?
    A. You can only get prepaid service with a passport before ARC issuance. Postpaid or MVNO plans require an ARC for real-name verification.
  2. Q. Can I keep my number if I change carriers?
    A. Yes. Number portability (번호이동) lets you keep your number when switching between carriers or MVNOs. You’ll need ARC and ID verification again.
  3. Q. What’s the best plan for students?
    A. MVNO plans or KT’s “Y Student” plans are ideal for students, offering low monthly fees with sufficient data for messaging and study apps.
  4. Q. Is eSIM widely supported in Korea?
    A. Yes. All major carriers and many MVNOs now support eSIM for iPhone and newer Samsung models. Setup can be done online with a QR code.
  5. Q. Can I register my foreign phone in Korea?
    A. Yes, if it’s unlocked. The shop may record your IMEI, but foreign phones work fine with Korean SIM or eSIM networks (LTE/5G).

Notes

Note. In Korea, mobile numbers are linked to your real-name verification for banking, Government24, and digital certificates. Always register the number under your own ARC and avoid using numbers under a friend’s name.

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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