How can a foreigner activate a mobile phone in Korea?

Foreigners with an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) can activate a mobile phone in their own name. If you do not have a card, you mostly use a prepaid phone.

📋 Requirements

• You need an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) or a Domestic Residence Report Card (국내거소증명서).
• You can pay only with a bank account or credit card in your own name.
• If your Korean name is also written on your card, you can verify your real name with either your English name or your Korean name. (Only one of the two is allowed.)

🏪 How to activate

1. Visit a store of a mobile carrier (SKT, KT, LG U+).
2. Show your passport and your Alien Registration Card.
3. Choose a plan and register a payment method with a bank account or card in your own name.

💡 Good to know

• Most foreigners cannot buy a phone in installments and can only pay in full in cash. This may differ depending on the carrier and your situation, so check with the store first.
• Without an Alien Registration Card, you cannot get a phone number in your own name. In this case, use a rechargeable prepaid phone (card phone).
• Prepaid phones have no contract, but the rates are a little higher.
• If you answer advertising calls or text messages out of curiosity, you may get unexpected charges.

Please do a final check at HiKorea (하이코리아, hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Comprehensive Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).