Getting a Mobile Phone
Korea has three major telecom carriers. All offer multilingual customer support.
- KT (olleh) — olleh.com — Customer service: 100 — English/Chinese/Japanese: 1588-8448
- SK Telecom — tworld.co.kr — English service: 82-2525-011
- LG U+ — uplus.co.kr — English service: 1544-0010
Two Payment Options
1. Postpaid (Monthly billing)
Same plans as Korean citizens. Requires an alien registration card and a Korean bank account or credit card under your name. Contracts are usually 1-3 years. Early cancellation incurs a penalty.
2. Prepaid (PPS)
Higher per-minute rates but no long-term contract. Suitable for short-term visitors. You only need a passport to activate.
Required for postpaid sign-up: alien registration card or domestic residence report. Payment must be through a bank account or credit card in the subscriber's name.
SIM Cards for Visitors
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased online or at the airport:
- SIMCARDKOREA — simcardkorea.com — Tel: 82-505-648-7000
- EG SIM CARD — egsimcard.co.kr — Tel: 82-1899-6120 (Korean, English, Chinese)
Internet Service (Home)
Korea has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world. The same three carriers provide home internet:
- KT olleh — olleh.com — Inquiries: 100
- SK Broadband — skbroadband.com — Inquiries: 106
- LG U+ — uplus.co.kr — Inquiries: 101
Contracts are typically 1-3 years. Consider bundled packages (internet + phone + TV) for discounts. Cancelling early incurs a fee.
Compare plans at wiseuser.go.kr — the government's telecom comparison portal.
Useful Phone Numbers
Police: 112
Fire / Ambulance: 119
Foreigner helpline: 1345
Government call center: 110
Directory assistance: 114
Source: KOTRA 2019 Guide to Living in Korea. Plans and rates may have changed — check carrier websites for current info.