![[Korean Language School] Summary of Korean SIM Cards](https://cf.creatrip.com/original/blog/13380/yabmqadmhe5o21ig1mmi99fi8xxemd16.jpeg?d=1920&q=75&f=webp)
What's the first thing you should do when you arrive in Korea? Get a SIM card, of course! A SIM card is a very important communication tool that allows you to use data to check reservation information on your phone, contact various organizations, search for maps, and more without WiFi. However, the types, prices, and methods of obtaining SIM cards are all different and complicated. For those who feel confused about the various and complex types of SIM cards, check out this convenient summary of Korean SIM cards and carriers. After finding the SIM card that's right for you, get it easily!
Types of SIM Cards
SIM cards are divided into USIM and eSIM. USIM is a chip that is directly inserted and used, while eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows users to access a mobile data network via QR code, rather than replacing the card.
If you're here for a short period of time, you can get a SIM card without identity verification, which includes long-term foreign residents who don't have an alien registration card that can be used like an ID card in Korea. Creatrip also sells various SIM cards from different carriers, so if you're curious about the details, click here!
If you're staying in Korea for a long time, such as for studying abroad, you'll need a phone number to confirm your identity for various things, but most prepaid SIM cards sold on websites cannot be used for identity authentication. Most SIM cards available here on Creatrip also do not allow authentication, except for the Chingu Prepaid Mobile Service.
In summary:
Short-term Residents | Get a prepaid SIM card from a convenience store or a website |
Long-term Residents | Depending on the type of visa, sign up for a mobile phone plan or transfer your SIM card using a contract (installment payment plan) |
Other | Borrow a Korean friend's name to sign up for a prepaid SIM, prepaid phone, or installment payment plan |
Most people use the second method, especially those that are staying long-term. So how can you get a SIM card in your name?
Registration and Use of Mobile Phone
Alien Registration Card Issuance
To get a SIM card in your name, you must first obtain an alien registration card (ARC). Please refer to the alien registration card application blog and obtain your ARC first.
How To Make An Alien Registration Card
Make a New Account or Transfer Mobile Phone Ownership to Your Alien Registration Card
1. Make a New Account
Foreign exchange students who wish to subscribe to a mobile phone service must submit a copy of their alien registration card or passport to the mobile carrier's branch or agency. If someone else applies on your behalf as a representative, their identification card must also be presented. Please refer to the table below for the required documents for each mobile carrier.
KT
Applicant | Alien Registration Card (ARC) |
Representative | Applicant's ARC and representative's ID card |
SKT
Applicant | Alien Registration Card (ARC) |
Representative | Applicant's ARC and representative's ID card |
LG U+
Applicant | Alien Registration Card (ARC) |
Representative | Applicant's ARC, power of attorney, and representative's ID card |
*If you have subscribed to a mobile phone product of KT, SKT, or LG U+, you must pay a monthly fee on a predetermined day through postpaid billing.
*A mobile phone registered in the name of a foreign exchange student will be immediately suspended once the legal period of stay of the foreign exchange student expires.
2. Transfer Mobile Phone Ownership to Your Alien Registration Card
If you've purchased a product from Chingu Prepaid Mobile Service on Creatrip, you can transfer the plan to the name on your Alien Registration Card without having to make any additional visits. Please refer to the Chingu Prepaid Mobile Service blog in the link below for details!
3. Other
You can check the detailed rates on the websites of the three major mobile carriers in Korea (KT, SKT, and LG U+). If you need consultation, you can call the mobile carrier's customer center (English/Chinese available).
KT - Foreigner Exclusive Number: Free: 080-448-0100 / Paid: 02-2190-1180
SKT - Find a Store with Foreign Language Support: Link
LG U+ Foreign Customer Center: 080-851-1004
Those are some ways you can open a personal SIM card account in Korea, including getting a phone plan after obtaining an alien registration card (if you're curious about how to obtain an alien registration card, click here). If you have an alien registration card, the process of opening an account is not difficult at all! Since you'll need to use it until you return home, we recommend that you inquire with the customer service center of your preferred mobile carrier company about the appropriate plan for your data usage, call volume, and text message volume before opening an account.
We hope you can enjoy your time! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
Sources: KT Website / SKT Website / LG U+ Website / 생활법령정보
