{"id":50286,"date":"2023-06-07T15:00:36","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/?p=50286"},"modified":"2025-03-21T12:45:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T03:45:08","slug":"how-to-get-a-sim-card-in-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-get-a-sim-card-in-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get a SIM card in Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re planning a short-term or long-term stay<\/a>, you\u2019ll want to get your hands on a SIM card in Korea as soon as possible after arriving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We will discuss your options for SIM card in Korea as well as the plans and where you can buy it!<\/span><\/p>\n

Recommended types of SIM card in Korea for students<\/b><\/h2>\n

Depending on the length of your stay, there are 3 major carriers in Korea<\/strong>: SK Telecom (T World), KT (Olleh), and LG U+. In addition, there are MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since postpaid mobile phone contracts require a <\/span>residence card<\/span><\/a>, it is much easier to get a prepaid SIM card in Korea when you first arrive. There are many providers that offer a variety of plans that can cater to your data or phone usage. Many prepaid SIM cards are <\/span>offered by MVNOs<\/b>. The major carriers may also offer prepaid SIM cards however, their terms of use may be stricter than the MVNOs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be careful with prepaid SIM cards as many have a <\/span>fixed usage length<\/b> which cannot be changed. If you wish to use a prepaid SIM continually, be sure to pick a provider that offers a monthly rechargeable SIM plan. <\/span>Visa holders<\/span><\/a> are welcome to sign up for a postpaid mobile phone contract once you have a residence card.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\"SIM<\/p>\n

Plan types<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are many different types of plans offered for service. Let\u2019s dive into prepaid and postpaid plans for Korean SIM cards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prepaid plans in Korea<\/b><\/h3>\n

Most prepaid plans offer a fixed amount of data, with calling and SMS messaging as an extra charge or included. Many recent plans may have a fixed amount of high speed data (5G or LTE) and after this allowance is used, data access is still allowed at a slower speed (Throttled). Some MVNOs also allow access to the major carrier\u2019s Wi-Fi access points in public areas like the subway.<\/span><\/p>\n

A typical prepaid plan may include the following: <\/span>5 GB of high speed data + 100 minutes (Calling and SMS use minutes). 30 day usage period. KRW 60,000 (Retail).<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that with a prepaid SIM card in Korea, if you wish to continue to use it, you will need to recharge it usually monthly<\/strong>. The payment is not automatic. You can recharge it using the provider\u2019s app or website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are done with using the SIM card, you can simply throw it away. The line will be deactivated or reassigned within 3 days of your usage expiring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Postpaid plans in Korea<\/b><\/h3>\n

For postpaid plans, calling and SMS messaging is normally unlimited and included while the amount of data varies. Similarly, you may receive a fixed amount of data at high speed with data afterwards throttled to a slower speed. Most postpaid plans also allow you to tether other devices to share your data connection with your laptop or tablet for example. The postpaid plans will also include a membership<\/strong> that gives discounts to various retailers as well as access to the carrier\u2019s Wi-Fi access points. You may qualify for discounts if you stay with the same carrier long-term.<\/span><\/p>\n

A typical postpaid contract<\/strong> may include the following: u<\/span>nlimited 5G data + unlimited Calling and SMS + 15 GB tethering data. Usually a 1-year or\u00a0 2-year contract is the minimum period. KRW 85,000 per month (Retail).<\/span><\/p>\n

Payment is usually automatic each month and tied to your bank account<\/a> or debit\/credit card. If you wish to cancel or end your contract, you need to contact your carrier directly. Please note that early termination may result in fees<\/strong> or penalties. Your contract will automatically renew unless you cancel it manually.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please note that, once you cancel the contract, you can simply throw away the SIM.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Korean<\/p>\n

Where to buy a SIM card in Korea?<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are various plans to buy a SIM card in Korea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n