Comparing Prepaid SIM Plans for New Arrivals

Airport prepaid SIM, budget carrier prepaid plan, data-only eSIM or postpaid after ARC: a neutral look at plan types, plus questions to ask before you buy.

Updated Oct 21, 2026As of Oct 20264 min read

When you land in Korea, you need data right away, and soon a Korean phone number. There are four common types of plans, and each one fits a different stage of your stay. Prices change often, so check current prices before you buy.

Plan types at a glance

Plan type	Price range	Data	Calls/SMS	Korean number	Documents	Best for
Airport prepaid SIM	Medium	Fixed amount or period	Depends on the product	Depends on the product	Passport	Your first days, when you need to be online right away
Budget carrier (MVNO) prepaid plan	Low to medium	Choose a monthly amount	Yes	Yes	Passport (some carriers ask for more)	Students on a budget before ARC
Data-only eSIM	Low to medium	Data only	No (use internet calls)	No	Depends on the seller (often passport details)	Short stays, or backup data on an eSIM phone
Postpaid plan after ARC	Medium to high	Wide choice of plans	Yes	Yes	ARC + bank account or card (usually)	Long stays and regular identity verification

Swipe to see the whole table

How to choose

Arriving with nothing set up? An airport prepaid SIM or an eSIM gets you online on day one.
Staying for a semester or longer? A budget carrier prepaid plan with a Korean number often costs less over time.
Only need data for a short time? A data-only eSIM can be enough, but you won’t have a Korean number.
Have your ARC and a bank account? A postpaid plan in your own name makes identity verification easier.

Many services in Korea send verification codes by SMS to a number in your name. If you will need banking or government sites soon, choose a plan with a Korean number.

Questions to ask before you buy

How long is the plan valid, and what happens when it ends?
How and where can I top up?
Can I use a hotspot (tethering)?
Can I use this number for identity verification (본인인증)?
Can I get support (customer service) in my language?
What are the refund rules if I cancel or don’t use it?

Don’t hand your passport or ARC to a stranger who offers to “open a SIM for you”. Buy only from places you can check, such as airport counters, stores or official websites.

Whatever you choose, keep your receipt and the plan details. Once you get your ARC, review your plan again.

Official sources

We link to the original source so you can check it yourself.

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