Get a Korean phone number
You need this for literally everything. Banking, housing, delivery apps.
Need the full details? Read our comprehensive Daily Life Guide.
Visit a carrier store with your ARC
Go to SKT, KT, or LG U+ (the three major carriers). Bring your passport and ARC. You need both for a postpaid plan. Stores in Myeongdong, Gangnam, and near universities often have English-speaking staff.
Tip: SKT has the best coverage, KT has good international roaming, LG U+ is usually cheapest. All three are reliable.
Choose your plan (30-70K KRW/month)
Basic plans start around 30,000 KRW/month with enough data for most people. Premium plans with unlimited data run 55-70K KRW. You can also ask about MVNOs (budget carriers) that use the same networks for 15-25K KRW/month.
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No ARC yet? Get a prepaid SIM
If your ARC has not arrived yet, you can get a prepaid SIM at the airport or convenience stores with just your passport. These work for calls and data but will NOT work for bank verification or most Korean app signups. Treat it as temporary until your ARC arrives.
Tip: eSIMs from Airalo or Ubigi are another option for the first few weeks. They give you data immediately but no Korean phone number.
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