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Mobile Phone & SIM Cards in Korea

Mobile Phone & SIM Cards in Korea

Complete guide to getting a Korean phone number, SIM cards, and mobile plans for tourists and residents.

Mobile Phone & SIM Cards in Korea

💡 Quick Tip: Tourists can get SIM cards at the airport immediately. Residents need an ARC for monthly plans.

📱 Options for Getting Connected

📶 Tourist SIM

  • Available at airport
  • No ARC needed
  • 30-90 days
  • Data-only or with number
  • 30,000-50,000 won

📞 Monthly Plan

  • Requires ARC
  • SK, KT, LG U+
  • From 30,000 won/month
  • Unlimited calls
  • Keep number permanently

💰 MVNO (Budget)

  • Cheaper alternative
  • Same network quality
  • 20,000-35,000 won
  • No contract options
  • Requires ARC

🏢 Major Carriers

SK Telecom (SK텔레콤)

  • Best coverage nationwide
  • Most expensive
  • Excellent customer service

KT (케이티)

  • Good coverage
  • Competitive pricing
  • Good for urban areas

LG U+ (LG 유플러스)

  • Cheapest of the three
  • Good urban coverage
  • Data-focused plans

📋 How to Get a Mobile Plan

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1
    Get Your ARC

    Apply within 90 days of arrival. Takes 1-2 weeks.

  2. 2
    Visit Carrier Store

    Find SK, KT, or LG U+ store. Bring ARC and passport.

  3. 3
    Choose Plan

    Data amount, call minutes, contract length (12 or 24 months)

  4. 4
    Activation

    Instant activation (10-30 minutes). Receive Korean number (010-XXXX-XXXX)

💰 Typical Costs

Plan TypeDataMonthly Cost
Tourist SIM (30 days)10GB33,000 won
MVNO Budget Plan10GB + Unlimited calls35,000 won
SK/KT/LG Basic10-12GB + Unlimited calls49,000-55,000 won
Unlimited DataUnlimited + Unlimited calls75,000-90,000 won

📱 Korean Phone Numbers

All mobile numbers in Korea start with 010-XXXX-XXXX

✅ Number Portability

  • Can keep your number when switching carriers
  • Process takes 1 day
  • Early termination fee may apply

📞 International Calling

  • From Korea: 001 or 002 + country code
  • To Korea: +82-10-XXXX-XXXX
  • Use KakaoTalk for free calls

💡 Tips & Recommendations

✅ DO

  • Compare plans before committing
  • Ask about foreigner discounts
  • Get tourist SIM at airport for first 90 days
  • Use WiFi when possible to save data

❌ DON'T

  • Sign 24-month contract if unsure about stay
  • Forget to cancel before leaving Korea
  • Buy phone with installments if leaving soon
  • Ignore roaming charges when traveling

📲 Essential Apps

Must-have apps in Korea:

  • KakaoTalk: Everyone uses this for messaging and calls
  • Naver Map: Better than Google Maps in Korea
  • T world / olleh / U+: Carrier apps to manage your plan
  • Papago: Translation app

Need Help Choosing?

Visit any carrier store and staff will help you select the best plan for your needs.

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Views: 0 • Last updated: 11/11/2025