How to Set Up a Mobile Phone Plan in Korea: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

Everything You Need to Know to Get a SIM Card or Phone Plan in Korea

1. Can Foreigners Get a Phone Plan in Korea?

Yes! Foreigners can easily get a SIM card or mobile plan in Korea.
There are two main options:

  • Prepaid SIM card – Ideal for short stays (tourists, exchange students)

  • Postpaid plan (contract) – Best for long-term residents with ARC

Most major carriers welcome foreigners, though having an Alien Registration Card (ARC) is usually required for full plans.

2. Major Korean Mobile Carriers

Here are the three biggest telecom providers:

  • SK Telecom (T world)

    • Largest network coverage

    • Good for travel and rural areas

  • KT (Olleh)

    • Strong urban coverage, airport SIM availability

    • Offers tourist-friendly plans and prepaid SIMs

  • LG U+

    • Popular for affordable data plans

    • Growing English customer service support

All three carriers offer both SIM-only and phone+plan bundles.

3. Types of Plans Available

  • Prepaid SIM (유심 선불)

    • Data-only or Data + Voice

    • Valid from 5 to 90 days

    • Great for tourists or short-term visitors

  • Postpaid (후불 요금제)

    • Requires ARC + Korean bank account

    • Monthly billing

    • Best option for students, workers, or residents

  • Unlimited Data Plans

    • Offered by all major carriers

    • Typically start at KRW 33,000/month

📦 Tip: You can bring your own phone (unlocked), or buy a new one with monthly installments.

4. Where to Get a SIM Card or Set Up a Plan

You can get your mobile service through:

  • Incheon or Gimpo Airport booths (prepaid only)

  • Carrier stores (SK, KT, LG U+) – for contract plans

  • Authorized retailers in big cities

  • Online services (EG SIM, Chingu Mobile, The Arrival Store)

💡 For prepaid SIMs, you can often order online and pick up at the airport.

5. What Documents You Need

Depending on the plan:

  • Passport – Always required

  • ARC (Alien Registration Card) – Needed for postpaid/contract plans

  • Korean phone number (if porting from another SIM)

  • Korean bank account info – Required for automatic billing

📝 Some prepaid SIMs can be activated without an ARC, perfect for tourists.

6. Best SIM Providers for Foreigners (Short-Term Use)

  • EG SIM

    • Affordable plans, English website

    • Convenient airport pickup

  • Chingu Mobile

    • Designed for foreigners

    • Easy monthly renewal and English support

  • Korea SIM Blue

    • Tourist SIM with 4G LTE

    • Delivery or airport pickup

🚨 These services are great for travelers or exchange students needing 1–3 months of usage.

7. Tips for Smooth Setup and Use

  • ✅ Make sure your phone is unlocked before arriving in Korea

  • ✅ Check that your phone supports Korean LTE bands (Band 3, 8, 1)

  • ✅ Have cash or a Korean card ready if paying in person

  • ✅ Ask staff for help setting APN (network settings) if internet doesn’t work

  • ✅ Consider using eSIM if your phone supports it (some carriers now offer this)

With the right setup, you’ll have high-speed data and full mobile access throughout Korea.


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