Are you planning to stay in South Korea as a student, worker, or long-term traveler?
One of the first things you’ll need is a mobile phone number and a home internet connection.
While Korea is known for its super-fast internet and advanced mobile networks, setting things up can be tricky for foreigners at first.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to get connected in Korea, step by step.
📱 Can Foreigners Get a Phone in Korea?
▶️ Yes, but you'll need some key documents:
-
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
-
A valid Korean address
-
In some cases, a Korean bank account
💡 If you’re in Korea short-term and don’t have an ARC, a prepaid SIM card or eSIM is your best option.
✅ How to Get a Phone Plan in Korea
1. Choose a Mobile Carrier
Here are the top mobile providers in Korea:
-
SK Telecom (SKT) – Best nationwide coverage
-
KT (Olleh) – Strong Wi-Fi network and roaming support
-
LG U+ – Budget-friendly, great IPTV bundles
-
MVNOs (Affordable carriers) – Great for students and budget users (e.g., U+ 알뜰모바일, SK 세븐 모바일)
2. Prepaid vs Postpaid Plans
-
Prepaid plans: Ideal for tourists and short-term stays. Easy to get with just a passport.
-
Postpaid plans: Best for long-term residents with ARC and sometimes a bank account.
Plans vary based on:
-
Unlimited data
-
Voice call focus
-
Social media usage
3. Where to Sign Up
-
Official carrier stores (some offer English/Chinese support)
-
Foreigner-friendly shops in areas like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Yongsan
-
Online applications available, but in-person is easier for first-timers
🌐 How to Set Up Home Internet in Korea
▶️ You’ll need:
-
A confirmed residential address
-
Your ARC (Alien Registration Card)
-
A contract under your name (or with the landlord’s help)
✅ Top Internet Providers in Korea
-
KT (Korea Telecom) – Most stable and widely available
-
SK Broadband – Popular with bundled mobile plans
-
LG U+ – Excellent for IPTV users
💡 Most people choose a bundle of internet + IPTV to get more value.
▶️ Installation Process:
-
Apply via the provider’s website or customer service line (some offer English support)
-
Wait 1–3 business days for a technician to visit
-
Choose between 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year contracts (short-term options may be available)
✈️ Just Visiting Korea? Use a SIM Card or eSIM
If you're in Korea for less than 90 days:
-
Get a SIM card at the airport (Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae)
-
Try eSIM activation online (for compatible phones)
-
Use a SIM delivery service to your hotel or Airbnb
📌 Useful Websites for Foreigners in Korea
-
Reddit: r/Korea – Real experiences from expats
📝 Quick Checklist
-
Got your ARC (Alien Registration Card)
-
Researched mobile plans and carriers
-
Found a store or website to apply
-
Scheduled internet installation if needed
-
Picked a short-term SIM or eSIM if just visiting
😊 Wrapping Up: Get Connected, Stay Connected
Setting up your mobile phone and internet in Korea may feel overwhelming at first — new language, new system, unfamiliar terms. But once you understand the steps and know where to go, it becomes a smooth process.
Whether you're staying for a semester, a new job, or starting a whole new chapter in Korea, having stable access to data, calls, and Wi-Fi makes a huge difference in your daily life.
Thanks to Korea’s top-tier telecom infrastructure, you’ll enjoy:
-
blazing-fast internet,
-
reliable mobile coverage,
-
and convenient service options — all across the country.
Start by getting your ARC, choose a plan that suits your lifestyle, and explore the options confidently.
📱🌐 Once you're connected, everything else gets easier — from ordering food to navigating the subway and staying in touch with family back home.
