1️⃣ Why You Need This Guide
You just landed in South Korea — the signs are in Hangul, everyone’s glued to KakaoTalk, and your phone shows “No Service.”
You’re not alone. For foreigners, figuring out how to get a SIM card or mobile plan can be confusing:
What’s “prepaid”? What’s “postpaid”? Why do some stores ask for an ARC, and others don’t?
This 2025 guide is designed to make it simple — whether you’re staying three days or three years.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between prepaid, postpaid, and eSIM
- What documents you’ll actually need
- The best SIM card providers for foreigners
- Real-world prices, traps to avoid, and insider tips
2️⃣ Can Foreigners Get a SIM Card in Korea?
✅ Yes! Absolutely.
But how you get one depends on your visa status and length of stay.
| Type | Eligibility | What You’ll Need | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid SIM (선불 유심) | Tourists, short-stay visitors (≤90 days) | Passport, Korean address (hotel OK) | 7–90 days |
| Postpaid Plan (후불 요금제) | ARC holders (D/F/E visas) | Passport, ARC, Korean bank account/card | 1–24 months |
| eSIM | Tourists or residents with compatible phones | Same as above | Instant activation |
💡 Tip: If you don’t yet have a Korean bank account or ARC, start with prepaid, then switch later.
3️⃣ Understanding Korea’s Mobile Network
South Korea has one of the fastest and most stable mobile networks in the world, thanks to 5G infrastructure and dense coverage.
There are three major carriers and several MVNOs (low-cost sub-brands).
🏢 Major Carriers (Full-service)
| Carrier | Korean Name | Strengths | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| SK Telecom (SKT) | 에스케이텔레콤 | Widest coverage, best reliability | skt.co.kr |
| KT (Korea Telecom) | 케이티 | Best for tourists (airport counters, English support) | kt.com |
| LG U+ | 엘지유플러스 | Cheapest data-heavy plans | lguplus.com |
💡 MVNO Providers (Cheaper Alternatives)
- EG SIM – prepaid & refillable; sold at airports and CU convenience stores
- Chingu Mobile – popular among international students
- Hello Mobile / U+ 알뜰모바일 – reliable low-cost LTE plans
- Airalo eSIM – instant activation for digital nomads
4️⃣ Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Which One Fits You?
📱 Prepaid SIM (for Tourists & Short-Term Visitors)
How it works:
Pay upfront for a set period (7, 30, 60, or 90 days). No contract, no Korean bank account.
Pros:
- Immediate activation (airport or convenience store)
- No ID or ARC required
- English-speaking staff at major locations
- Refillable via credit card or top-up kiosks
Cons:
- Slightly higher data cost per GB
- Phone number expires if inactive too long
Typical Plans (2025):
| Provider | Duration | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT Travel SIM | 30 days | Unlimited LTE (5GB/day) | ₩39,000 |
| SKT Prepaid | 30 days | 10GB | ₩33,000 |
| EG SIM Tourist | 30 days | 10GB + voice | ₩32,000 |
💡 Rechargeable via EG SIM app or PayPal (foreign cards accepted).
📞 Postpaid Plan (for Long-Term Residents)
How it works:
You sign a contract (usually 12–24 months). Requires ARC (Alien Registration Card) and Korean bank account.
Pros:
- Cheaper data per GB
- Unlimited calling options
- Bundle discounts (home internet + mobile)
- Family plans available
Cons:
- Requires residency proof
- Contract cancellation fees if you leave early
Common Plans (2025):
| Carrier | Plan | Data | Price (KRW/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT Data On 5G | Unlimited | ₩59,000 | |
| SKT T Plan Prime | Unlimited | ₩62,000 | |
| LG U+ 5G Everyday | 50GB | ₩52,000 |
5️⃣ eSIM in Korea (2025 Update)
eSIM is finally mainstream in Korea — especially for iPhone 13+, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip, and Pixel devices.
Best eSIM Providers:
- KT eSIM Travel (official)
- Airalo Korea Data Pack
- Nomad Korea eSIM
💡 Perfect for dual-SIM setups — keep your home number active and add Korean data.
6️⃣ Where to Buy a SIM Card
✈️ At the Airport (Best for Tourists)
- Incheon International Airport (T1/T2): KT Roaming Center, SKT, LG U+ kiosks
- Busan (Gimhae), Jeju, Daegu: KT Desks near arrivals
- Open 24 hours
- English service guaranteed
🏙️ In the City
- Carrier stores: Olleh (KT), SKT, LG U+
- Bring passport, ARC (if applicable)
- Setup time: 30–60 minutes
- English varies — Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hongdae areas are more foreigner-friendly
💻 Online Purchase
- Klook, Trazy, EG SIM
- Pre-order, airport pickup or hotel delivery
- Best for planning ahead
7️⃣ Hidden Fees & Fine Print
Many foreigners get surprised by these small (but real) charges:
- Activation fee: ₩5,000–₩10,000
- SIM card cost: ₩5,000–₩8,000
- Contract early termination: ₩100,000+ possible
- Number porting (번호이동): Free, but can take 1–2 days
- Deposit (for postpaid): Some carriers require ₩100,000 refundable security
💡 Always ask for a printed contract (영수증 or 이용약관 사본).
8️⃣ How to Pay & Recharge
Prepaid:
- Online top-up (credit card)
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU)
- EG SIM app or QR top-up
Postpaid:
- Auto bank transfer or card billing
- Can link to KakaoPay or Toss once ARC is verified
9️⃣ Phone Compatibility
Before buying a SIM, check that your phone is:
- Unlocked
- Supports LTE Band 3, 5, 8 (for Korea)
- 5G compatible (optional)
Popular compatible models:
- iPhone 12–15 series
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
- Google Pixel 6+
💡 Tip: Check settings → About → Network → “Carrier Lock: None” (for unlocked phones)
🔟 What If You Lose Your SIM or Phone?
1️⃣ Visit nearest carrier branch
2️⃣ Bring passport or ARC
3️⃣ Request “SIM replacement (유심 재발급)”
4️⃣ Pay ₩5,000–₩10,000
If your phone is stolen:
- Call 112 (Police)
- Ask carrier to block IMEI
- Use “Find My iPhone” or “SmartThings Find”
11️⃣ Data Usage & Speed Expectations
Korea’s average 5G speed: 350 Mbps (top 3 globally)
LTE fallback areas still offer 80–120 Mbps, so even small providers feel fast.
Streaming YouTube, Zoom calls, or Google Maps?
No problem. But hotspotting or constant TikTok upload? Choose an unlimited plan.
12️⃣ Real Expat Tips (from Foreign Residents in Seoul)
🗣️ “I got my first EG SIM at CU and upgraded later to LG U+ once I had my ARC.”
💡 “Always keep your ARC and passport photos on your phone — stores ask often.”
🚫 “Don’t sign a 2-year contract unless you’re sure you’ll stay that long.”
📱 “If you live in Itaewon or Hongdae, stores usually have English-speaking staff.”
13️⃣ Common FAQs
Q1: Can I use my foreign credit card to pay?
A1: For prepaid, yes. For postpaid, you’ll need a Korean bank card.
Q2: Can I keep my number if I switch carriers?
A2: Yes, it’s called 번호이동 (number porting).
Q3: What if I don’t speak Korean?
A3: Go to KT Global Center (Myeongdong) or SKT Global Desk (Itaewon). They speak English, Chinese, Japanese.
Q4: How long does setup take?
A4: 10–15 minutes for prepaid; up to 1 hour for postpaid.
Q5: Can I get a SIM before I land?
A5: Yes — order online from Klook or Trazy for airport pickup.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Getting a Korean SIM card might seem intimidating at first, but once you know where to go and what to bring, it’s a smooth and quick process.
Start with a prepaid plan if you’re visiting or just settling in.
Once you get your ARC and Korean bank account, switch to postpaid for better rates and more data.
In a hyper-connected country like Korea, staying online isn’t just about convenience — it’s part of daily life.
From KakaoTalk chats to QR payments and navigation, your SIM card is your digital passport to life here.
Stay connected, explore confidently, and make Korea feel like home 🇰🇷✨
