Getting a SIM Card and Phone Number in Korea

Prepaid, postpaid, budget carriers and eSIM: what each one needs, why a number in your own name matters, and a simple plan for your first week.

Updated Oct 21, 2026As of Oct 20264 min read

A Korean phone number is one of the first things you need. Schools, employers, banks and delivery drivers all use it. You can start with a prepaid SIM on day one and switch to a better plan later.

Your options

Prepaid SIM: your passport is enough. You can buy one at airport counters, some convenience stores, or online with delivery or airport pickup.
Postpaid plan: usually needs your ARC and a bank account or card for the monthly bill. Plans often come with a contract, and early cancellation fees may apply.
Budget carriers (MVNO, 알뜰폰): they use the big networks but offer cheaper plans. Check which documents they accept from foreigners.
eSIM: if your phone supports it, you can get a plan without a physical SIM card.

Option	Documents	Korean number	Good for	Watch out for
Prepaid SIM	Passport	Usually yes (some are data only)	Your first days and weeks	Validity period, top-up method
Postpaid plan	ARC + bank account or card (usually)	Yes	Long stays	Contract length, early cancellation fees
Budget carrier (MVNO)	Depends on the carrier	Yes	Saving money	Check foreign-language support
eSIM	Depends on the plan	Some plans only	Phones that support eSIM	Data-only plans have no Korean number

Swipe to see the whole table

Before you come to Korea, check that your phone is unlocked. A phone locked to a carrier in your home country may not work with a Korean SIM.

Why a number in your own name matters

Many Korean services check who you are by sending a code to a phone number in your name (본인인증, identity verification). Banks, delivery and shopping sites, and some government websites use it. A number in someone else’s name usually won’t work for this.

After you get your ARC, consider switching to a plan in your own name using your ARC. It makes identity verification for banking and government sites much easier.

Your first week

1
Day 1: get connected
Buy a prepaid SIM or an eSIM at the airport, or pick up the SIM you ordered online. Write down your new number.
2
Share your number
Give your new number to your school or employer and to your housing contact.
3
Apply for your ARC
If you stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you must apply for alien registration within 90 days of entry. Book a visit on HiKorea.
4
Open a bank account
Open an account with your passport (or with your ARC once you have it). You will need it for a postpaid plan.
5
Choose a long-term plan
Compare postpaid and budget carrier plans. Check the contract length and fees before you sign.

Never give your passport or ARC to strangers who offer “free phones” or money for opening a phone line. Your ID can be used to open phones in your name for scams. You may get the bills or be pulled into a crime.

Official sources

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

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