How do foreigners do mobile phone identity verification?

Foreigners with an Alien Registration Card can use mobile phone identity verification, such as PASS and text message (SMS), once they activate a phone in their own name. Start by activating your mobile phone.

Just prepare these documents

• Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) — You need an Alien Registration Card or a Domestic Residence Report Certificate (국내거소증명서) to activate a phone. A mobile Alien Registration Card is also available.
• Passport — The mobile carrier may ask for it to check your identity (usually).
• Bank account or credit card in your own name — You can pay only with a bank account or credit card in your own name.

Steps

1. Activate a phone in your own name at a mobile carrier (SKT, KT, LG U+) store or at an MVNO (budget phone) provider.
2. Register your personal information for text message (SMS) or the carrier verification app (such as PASS) with the number you activated.
3. When you verify your identity on bank or government websites, enter your name, date of birth, and mobile phone number. Then confirm with the verification code or the app.

💡 Good to know

• If your Alien Registration Card shows a Korean name as well, you can use either your English name or your Korean name for real-name verification. Only one of the two works, so keep entering the name you used when you signed up.
• Registered foreigners can also use non-face-to-face financial services with a mobile phone and similar methods. Available services differ by bank, so check in the app of the bank you will use.
• Verification may be limited if you have not yet registered as a foreigner (for example, within 90 days of arrival) or if you have a prepaid phone. Ask your carrier first.

For exact details, check again with your mobile carrier, HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).